BRYAN COUNTY, Ga. () — As ‘s Storm Team 3 continues to monitor tropical activity, Bryan County officials remind families to check their emergency supplies.

Alli Padgett, director of the Bryan County Emergency Management Agency, said one key is water and food.

“So, for people who aren’t familiar with the area, one big thing is always water rights. We say 72 hours is a comfort for what you need to be stocked for, right? So, your water, your food, your comfort items,” Padgett said.

Padgett recommends stocking up on non-perishables and making sure families are prepared if the power goes out.

“You need some coolers with ice to keep food good as long as possible or until you could at least go and pick up one of those home generators,” she said. “Especially moms with new babies. If they’re nursing, you don’t want to lose all of that milk that you’ve stored up.”

In addition to having adequate supplies, Padgett said many families forget one of the most important steps: communication.

“Having a family communication plan is key and just really walking through what it is you’re going to do when these storms come with your family,” she said. “Almost like a mini exercise so that they know what to anticipate. So that this stuff doesn’t become scary for small kids, but that it’s something normal for them, a routine should something happen.”

Meanwhile, county officials are taking steps to be ready for storms.

“We had an operations call today with our partners, our local partners, and some of our state-represented partners just to all get on the same page so that we can develop that line of communication and make sure that we’re all seamlessly communicating with the community,” Padgett said.

Officials also say staying informed is critical. Bryan County residents can sign up for CodeRED to receive emergency alerts as soon as they are issued.