Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

South Carolina is no stranger to the forces of hurricanes, with flooding and damaging winds becoming the new normal during each storm we incur. The NOAA reports up to 2.6 trillion dollars’ worth of damage, a number that marks hurricanes as the costliest natural disaster for the United States. When a hurricane sets its sights on the coast, you might notice certain necessities such as bread and toilet paper are the first to disappear from the grocery store shelves. But what else can you do to prepare for the inevitable? Follow this comprehensive Hurricane Preparedness Guide, written to keep you and your valuables safe in mind. As we near the mid-point of hurricane season (June 1-Nov 30), we can expect the tropics to get busy. Having the proper storage, evacuation plans, and insurance policies will ease your worries, and allow you to focus on staying safe.

Hurricanes start off as tropical disturbances, or commonly known as “Invests.” From there, they gather both heat and moisture and grow into tropical storms. At this point, it is a matter of wind, pressurized areas, and continued favorable conditions to unleash a category one hurricane. Where it makes landfall is a question that is often answered with little time to spare. Keeping an eye on the weather radar and local news channels will give you the advantage of time when a hurricane comes bearing down on you.

Hurricane Preparedness: Before the Storm

If you live in or along the coastline, there are several important steps you should take to ensure you are ready for action come hurricane season. Know your evacuation route and create a plan with your family should this ensue. Purchase a folder or waterproof box to store important documents such as birth certificates, medical records, titles, passports, and insurance policies. Have a first-aid kit that is fully stocked along with any of your personal prescriptions safely tucked away in this box.

Making sure you have the right coverage is easy and can be done even when there are no hurricanes in the forecast. Most homeowners’ policies do not cover flooding, so you will need to check yours, and purchase a separate flood policy if needed. Remember, just because you are not in a flood zone does not mean the risk is gone! Normally high and dry areas can fall victim to flooding during historic rainfall, as seen in the 1,000-year flood of Columbia in 2015. It is important for you to know what legally constitutes a flood, what types of protection you can get, and most importantly, how to stay safe. While not all insurance companies provide the same coverage, you should take the time to look at your current policy and consider the coverage implications. It is also important to remember that once a storm is named, most insurance companies will declare a moratorium for new and changing policies. This makes it imperative to have the proper coverage prior to a storm, should your home or valuables become damaged.

Hurricane Preparedness: The Basics

We know there are essentials needed to weather out the effects of a hurricane, but what else might you need? Having a 3–5-day supply of nonperishable food, along with a reliable water source is imperative! If you lose power for a long time, you can expect your tap water and refrigerated foods to go bad. For this reason, you should purchase water jugs for back up and fill your bathtub with water before the storm hits. It is recommended to have 2 gallons of water per person per day. Canned goods and other nonperishable items are also important to have.

You would be wise to purchase toilet paper (but leave some for your neighbors!), battery powered flashlights, batteries, matches, and a small radio. It might be difficult to travel after the storm, or get in contact with the authorities, so owning a radio will allow you to stay up to date on the forecasts and conditions. We recommend tuning into your local NOAA frequency.

Next, you should secure loose items outside like patio furniture, umbrellas, and toys. Close the shutters on your windows or cover them with plywood. Check your gutters and, if needed, clean them of debris. Sandbags can be an effective way to stop unwanted water from flowing into your garage or through doors.

As the storm grows near, move your valuable items above ground level and unplug all electronics that you won’t need during the storm. Have your items stored in one easily accessible place, along with a packed bag in case an emergency evacuation gets called. If you have pets, make sure they are stocked up on food and have any medications refilled prior to the hurricane. With all of this completed, you are prepared to leave at a moment’s notice if your home does not remain safe during the storm.

Hurricane Preparedness: Weathering it Out

The storm has mostly moved out, weakened from being on land and high atmospheric pressures. Your flashlights still work; you have fresh water, food, and all your valuables remain safe. Your radio informs you there are downed power lines three blocks over, something you should never attempt to drive (or walk!) over. It is finally safe to venture outside to see how your home fared. You notice a downed tree over your detached garage, causing damage to the roof, some minor flooding in your front yard, along with your mailbox being broken off its post. Your car is mostly unharmed, save for a few cracks across the windshield. Overall, the damage could be worse. At this point, and if it is safe to do so, you should begin the next part of your preparedness checklist.

Start by assessing the damage and taking notes. Remember that it is imperative to have the proper coverage prior to a storm, and gathering the right evidence will increase your odds of protecting your valuables. You will need to take pictures of the damage and from many different angles. These photos will help aid your claims for reimbursement. You should keep receipts from anything you purchased during the storm and store them with your other important documents.

Hurricanes can shift lives and landscapes within seconds. Making sure you are prepared can be the difference between having clean water to drink and being unprepared when the worst-case scenario occurs. Your safety is the top priority, and having a hurricane preparedness plan in place is a great first step towards that.

Hurricane Preparedness: Outside Resources

There are sometimes situations in which your insurance does not provide coverage, or you forget to check your policy and now you desperately need help. There are many federal and local agencies that can help you get back on your feet. If your roof caves in and you need a safe place to sleep, contact your local disaster or red-cross associations to be pointed to the nearest shelter. Disaster Assistance is a valuable website resource with hundreds of assistance-based programs you can apply for. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) posts free, helpful tools such as checklists, flood-zone guides, and evacuation routes.

The SCEMD Hurricane Guide 2024 is a comprehensive guide to the basics of hurricane preparedness, with the hopes of helping you act during perilous times. Because hurricanes are deadly and costly, being prepared is a fundamental key to protecting you and your home. Remain alert, prepare to the best of your abilities, and then stay safe!