BAINBRIDGE, Ga. (WALB) - Sunday, June 1, kicks off hurricane season in the south, and now is the time to prepare.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts the 2025-2026 storm season to be above average. They predict a total of 13-19 named storms, with 6-10 of those becoming hurricanes, including 3-5 potentially major hurricanes.

“Once the storms are announced, we have a lot of people who come in to see us and ask us what we recommend. In our area, we get a lot of tornadoes just pop up. Those you can’t prepare for, so it’s always good to have this stuff on hand,” said Emmett Dollar, Manager of Stone’s Home Center in Bainbridge.

The National Weather Service recommends stocking your emergency kit with cash, batteries, medicine, important family documents, a battery-powered radio, and enough non-perishable food and water to last each person seven days.

When preparing your emergency kits, gas cans are the most underrated and often overlooked item. Gas cans can serve as emergency water storage, vehicle fuel storage, and for finding gas quickly during an evacuation.

“Keep gas cans on hand in case there is a fuel shortage for your generators. Back in 2018, after the hurricane, we had a huge shortage on gas cans. They were real hard to come by,” said Dollar.

Readying your emergency kit for you and the rest of your household is the top priority. But, if time allows, Stone’s Home Center recommends preparing your house to withstand heavy rains and high winds.

“A lot of people board up windows in preparation for the high winds. Sandbags if your area is prone to flooding. Plastic, we recommend having on hand in case a tree falls on your roof and all that,” continued Dollar.

The National Hurricane Center says the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 until Nov. 30. Make sure you and your family are prepared.

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