Risk Assessment & Awareness - The community initially held a false sense of security regarding hurricanes, believing they don't occur in the area [1][2][3] - Chatham County experienced its first mandatory evacuation order in over three decades in October 2016 due to Hurricane Matthew, followed by Hurricane Irma less than a year later [2] - The community is highly susceptible to storm surge, with potential for ocean water to reach over 25 miles inland [2] - In a category 1 hurricane, some areas could have greater than six vertical feet of water, while a category 5 hurricane could submerge a large portion of the community with over nine feet of water [2] Factors Influencing Impact - Storm intensity, forward speed, and angle of approach significantly affect the extent of storm surge [2] Preparedness & Mitigation - Creating and discussing family evacuation plans is crucial [2] - Compiling emergency supplies for both evacuation and staying at home is necessary [2] - Mitigating potential impacts involves clearing debris, trimming trees, and cleaning gutters [2] - Reviewing insurance policies and considering flood insurance is important [2][3] - Identifying and assisting vulnerable community members is essential for inclusive preparedness [3]