RICEBORO — While forecasters are calling for a quieter hurricane season, the director of the Liberty County Emergency Management Agency reminded Riceboro residents it only takes one storm to make it a bad season.

Robert Dodd, the Liberty EMA director, told a gathering recently at the Riceboro Youth Center what to expect from this year’s hurricane season and how to prepare in case a hurricane puts Liberty County in its path.

“Stay in the know,” he said. “Make sure you’re getting the correct information.”

Dodd reminded residents they can download the Liberty EMA’s app, which not only provides information, it enables users to upload photos of storm damage to be assessed.

Storm impacts also pointed out that storms can wreak havoc far from the center, recalling that Superstorm Sandy, the largest hurricane in Atlantic Ocean recorded history, covered 1,150 miles in diameter.

Storm surge, Dodd pointed out, is the No. 1 killer during a hurricane and should a Category 5 storm strike Liberty County, the water could be as much as 9 feet deep as far inland as the intersection of Highway 84 and General Stewart Way in Hinesville. One spot in eastern Liberty County that still could escape much of such a surge’s effects is the Target distribution center at Tradeport East, he said.

Dodd also stressed the need for those who are eligible – or for those who know someone who is eligible – to be on the hurricane registry. The registry, which is run by the health department, is a list of those with special medical needs or need assistance with everyday activities and have no other means to leave during an evacuation. Dodd said his last count had 23 people in Liberty County on the registry.

Should an evacuation call be made, residents who are evacuating will assemble at the Shuman Center in Hinesville, at James Brown Park. Buses will be available to take residents to Baldwin County. Residents are responsible for their own transportation to the Shuman Center to be evacuated and their transportation home once they return to the Shuman Center.

Dodd said residents should make sure they have a supply of any medications and prescriptions, and should take along those for their cats and dogs. The Red Cross shelter in Baldwin County has space for pets, as long as they are cats and dogs.

Public safety vehicles will not travel if winds reach 45 mph, Dodd said, and some power companies will take their trucks off the road if winds hit 40 mph. He cited the need to stop first responders because conditions were dangerous during a recent storm event.

Should evacuations be enacted, there will be damage assessments conducted before residents are allowed to return.

“Just because it’s sunny outside means the conditions are right to come back home,” he said. “We know you want to get back and we want you to get back.”

Following Hurricanes Debby and Helene, the county picked up 120,000 cubic yards of debris, and Dodd noted he got a lot of calls on removal services’ price gouging.

Dodd also urged residents not to touch or come near downed power lines, even if they don’t appear to be working. There still could be live current going through them.

“There’s no coming back from that,” he said.