How to Prepare for Hurricane Season in Charleston South Carolina

If you live in Charleston, you’re probably already ten steps ahead of certain members of our government who claim they didn’t know the nation had a “hurricane season.” In the lowcountry, hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th, and it’s recommended that residents take necessary steps to ensure their household is ready. Here are some tips on how to prepare for hurricane season in Charleston to keep your family safe and stress levels low. 

How to Prepare for Hurricane Season in Charleston South Carolina

Know Your Evacuation Zone

The coastal area of Charleston County is broken up into six evacuation zones that let residents know when and if they should leave the area in the event of a weather emergency. It’s important to know which evacuation zone you live in, whether that’s zone A through F. Visit the South Carolina Emergency Management Division website to figure out your evacuation zone and be sure to bookmark the page on your computer to stay updated on upcoming concerning weather. 

Another way to prepare for hurricane season is to make sure you have the appropriate apps on your phone to keep you updated. Listening to the weather channel is one thing, but having an immediate resource like a local app on your phone is better. 

These updates will inform you if bad weather is on the way, and they’re a great way to stay informed. The SC Emergency Manager App sends important weather updates as they happen and offers planning tips, phone numbers, tools, and advice if you’re located in an affected area. Social media is also a great way to stay informed in the event of an emergency; often, creators on these platforms get information out to the public faster than the authorities.

Remember, though, that in order to stay updated, keeping your devices charged is key. Keep extra chargers, power banks, and any other charging tools on hand and ready to go in case the power goes out. 

Build Your Emergency Kit

There’s nothing worse than being unprepared in an emergency, especially when it comes to food and water. Stocking up on these items in the heart of hurricane season, however can be pricey and given the high cost of groceries these days, can prove challenging. Do your best to start buying supplies little by little, so that when peak hurricane season arrives, typically from the middle of August to late October, you’ll have enough on hand. A well-stocked emergency kit can make a huge difference if you lose power or need to evacuate.

• Water: At least one gallon per person per day, for at least 3 days
  
• Non-perishable food: Enough for at least 3 days (don’t forget a manual can opener)
  
• Medications: A 7-day supply of prescription and over-the-counter medications
  
• Flashlights and extra batteries
  
• Phone chargers and backup battery packs
  
• First aid kit
  
• Important documents: Insurance papers, ID, bank info, keep them in a waterproof container
  
• Cash: ATMs may be down after a storm
  
• Personal hygiene items: Wipes, soap, hand sanitizer, feminine products
  
• Pet supplies: Food, medications, and documents for your pets 

Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season in Charleston South Carolina

Getting your home storm-ready doesn’t have to wait until the forecast turns serious. Start by trimming trees and shrubs so they’re less likely to send branches flying during high winds. It’s also smart to check your roof and fix any loose shingles before they become a bigger problem.  

If you have storm shutters, make sure they’re in working order, or keep some plywood handy just in case you need to board up windows. Review your homeowner’s or renter’s policy so you know exactly what’s covered. 

If it’s within your budget, investing in a generator can be a game-changer during a storm. Power outages are common with severe weather, and a generator can help keep essential appliances running, like your fridge, a fan, or heater, and even medical equipment if needed. If a generator is not in the budget, consider starting a sinking fund for it. There are a variety of options out there, from small portable units to whole-house systems, so it’s worth doing a little research to find one that fits your needs.  

Hurricane Planning and Preparation

When a storm is on the way, knowing your evacuation plan can save you a lot of stress. If officials issue an evacuation order, it’s best to leave early. Traffic on I-26 can get intense, especially since South Carolina uses a “reverse lane” system to move people inland faster. Ideally, have a plan in place before the weather turns. 

Staying with friends or family further inland is usually the easiest option. If you’re thinking of booking a hotel, do it early; they fill up fast, and if you have pets, you’ll need a pet-friendly option. 

Of course, not every storm means you have to leave. If you’re planning to stay home, make sure you’re ready to hunker down safely. Stock up on enough food and water to last at least a week. Hurricanes can knock out power and block roads, making store runs impossible. 

Fill your bathtub with water so you can flush toilets if the water supply is interrupted. Charge all your devices ahead of time and keep battery packs ready. It’s also a good idea to top off your gas tank, since fuel shortages are common after major storms. And when the storm hits, stay indoors, away from windows, and wait it out safely.

Additional Helpful Resources for Charleston Residents

Here are some local and state resources to bookmark:

• Charleston County Emergency Management
  
• City of Charleston Emergency Management
  
• National Hurricane Center

Living in Charleston means accepting that hurricanes are part of life here. Being prepared helps take some of the fear and uncertainty out of the season. With a little planning, you can face hurricane season confidently and help protect yourself and your family.