
Governor Henry McMaster proclaimed May the first SC Hurricane Preparedness Month. The South Carolina EMD, county emergency managers, the NWS and all members of Emergency Response Teams urge EVERYONE to begin preparations ahead of the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
The theme for the state’s first Hurricane Prep Month is “Take the time while you have the time,” This month is an opportunity to see what long-term storm preparations residents can make now to ensure they are finalized and ready at the start of Hurricane Season.
Know Your Zone. In South Carolina, state and local officials issue hurricane evacuations based on zones in coastal counties. Know your hurricane evacuation zone instantly with the SC Emergency Manager mobile app and http://Hurricane.sc?utm_source=town+of+seabrook+island&utm_medium=&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=, South Carolina’s online hurricane guide.
Prepare Your Home. Do a safety check to ensure your home can withstand the effects of a hurricane. Have your roof inspected, double-check hurricane shutters and ensure your insurance policies cover the damages hurricanes can cause. Make a list and take photos of your belongings as records. Check your insurance policies now to ensure they cover what you need them to.
Remember Your Route. Be aware of the closest hurricane evacuation route before the upcoming hurricane season. Doing this will allow for a more efficient and safer path from the hurricane. Once you’ve learned your route, stick with it and remember it. Rely on the blue hurricane evacuation signs, not GPS.
Recent hurricanes to impact the Palmetto State include Hurricane Matthew in 2016, Hurricane Irma in 2017, Hurricane Florence in 2018, Hurricane Dorian in 2019, and Hurricane Ian in 2022. In 2015, Hurricane Joaquin and a separate storm system resulted in historic flooding from the Midlands to the Lowcountry.
Hurricane season begins June 1 and lasts through November 30.