Macon-Bibb EMA shares safety tips when severe weather hits

"If you need to find a shelter in place, location in your home or something like that, prepare now."

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Drivers faced an uneasy commute on Thursday afternoon as severe weather moved through Middle Georgia. Heavy rains, strong winds, and thunderstorms caused wet roads making travel hazardous.

During severe weather season, the Macon-Bibb Emergency Management Agency is urging everyone to have a plan in place before stepping out the door.

Spencer Hawkins is the Director of Emergency Management at the agency. He emphasized the importance of being weather aware and knowing what to do in case of an emergency.

“Be weather aware, know what to do in case something should happen,” he said. “If you need to find a shelter in place, location in your home or something like that, prepare now.”

Hawkins advises residents to pack an emergency kit that’s equipped with a flashlight, weather radio, bottled water, and non-perishable food.

Driving in severe weather can be dangerous, Hawkins warned. He advises drivers to turn around don’t drown.

“Water can be very powerful and you don’t know if that puddle is six inches deep or six feet deep,” he said.

Hawkins added if you don’t feel comfortable on the road, find a safe place to stop.

“Finding a 24-hour store or a store that’s open late or a gas station, even going into the convenience store there for the gas station can be a lot safer than where you are,” he said.