May is Hurricane Preparedness Month in South Carolina – Here is what you need to know

Governor Henry McMaster declared the month of May to be South Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Month, marking the second year of the declaration. Hurricane season begins June 1, making May a crucial time for preparations for South Carolina residents.

The state’s theme for the month is “Make the most of your time while you still have it.” The month allows you adequate time to evaluate your current preparedness situation and see what preparations you can make now to ensure you are ready at the start of Hurricane Season.

Hurricanes often have impacts throughout the state of South Carolina. While those living and working in Hurricane Evacuation Zones are at the greatest risk, heavy rain, strong winds and possible tornados can impact those well inland. Regardless of where you live, begin your hurricane preparations now and consider these tips to help keep you and your family safe.

Be Informed

• Know your hurricane risk. Whether you live on the coast or far inland, be aware of the impacts that rain, wind, water and even tornadoes can have on your location when a hurricane or tropical storm makes landfall.
• Know your evacuation zone if you live on the coast. Hurricane evacuation zones in South Carolina have changed for 2024. Find your zone on SCEMD’s Hurricane Guide.
• Have several ways to receive alerts:
  • Stay tuned to local TV and radio stations for emergency information and the latest weather reports.
  • Sign up for CU Alerts, which provide emergency notifications to Clemson locations throughout the state.
  • Get real-time alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS) for up to five locations nationwide.
  • Sign up for alerts from your local emergency management office and be aware of Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and the Emergency Alert System (EAS).
  • Follow trusted and reliable sources on social media, such as your local NWS station, local news outlets and SCEMD.

Make a Plan

• Learn your nearest evacuation route, practice with your household and pets and identify where you will stay. Rely on the blue hurricane evacuation signs, not GPS.
• Keep your cell phone charged when a hurricane is in the forecast and purchase backup charging devices to power electronics.
• Make sure everyone in your household knows and understands your hurricane plans. Include the office, kids’ daycare and anywhere else you frequent in your hurricane plans.
• Prepare your home for hurricane season:
  • Conduct a safety check to ensure your home can withstand the effects of a hurricane.
  • Get your roof inspected, de-clutter drains and gutters, bring in outside furniture and consider hurricane shutters.
  • Confirm that your insurance policies cover the types of damages hurricanes can cause.
  • Make a list and take photos of your belongings as records.

Build a Kit

• Build a kit with enough supplies for your household for several days, including medication, disinfectant supplies and pet supplies.
• Consider the needs of those in your household when building your kit and tailor your kit to what’s best for you and your family.
• Be sure to include important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container.

Know Your Zone

In South Carolina, state and local officials issue hurricane evacuations based on zones in coastal counties. These zones have changed for 2024. If you live near the coast, be sure that you and your family Know Your Zone. Clemson facilities are located in the following zones for 2024:

Northern Region

Zone A

• Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science
• Georgetown Extension Agent Offices

Central Region

Zone B

• CU Bioengineering Program at MUSC
• Clemson Design Center Charleston (CDC.C)
• Charleston Extension Agent Offices

Zone C

• Clemson University Restoration Institute (CURI)
• Coastal Research and Education Center

Southern Region

Zone A

• Beaufort Extension Agent Offices

Zone C

• Colleton Extension Agent Offices

Source Link: Clemson University