The Atlantic hurricane season is fast approaching us here in the Beaufort area. Every year, from June 1st to November 30th we keep our eyes on the tropics to see if something is going to happen, and it usually does. It’s now that we start our hurricane preparedness in the Lowcountry.
For residents of the Lowcountry, with fresh memories of Hurricanes Matthew, Irma and Dorian, we’ve learned that planning is essential so that no hurricane will catch us unprepared.
Make a plan
Make a plan today. Your family may not be together when the call comes to hunker down, so it is important to know what your’e family will be doing. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.
Make a plan. Put a plan together with your family, friends or household. Consider specific needs in your household. Put together a Family Emergency Plan, and then practice your plan with your family/household.
Find more info on making your plan.
Put a hurricane kit together
Make a list of supplies for your hurricane kit. Restock what you need over the next several months. Don’t forget the needs of your pets. See details here, including Covid-19 changes.
After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. Most of the items are inexpensive and easy to find and any one of them could save your life.
Find more info on putting your kit together.
It’s also a good idea to organize important documents, medical records, and to confirm coverage with your insurance agency. More info.
In South Carolina, we have hurricane evacuation zones. All coastal counties in South Carolina have adopted the Know Your Zone campaign as a way to let citizens know the best ways to prepare for the landfall of a major hurricane. Know your hurricane evacuation zone. Go to South Carolina Emergency Management Division to find your zone.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency operates the website ready.gov, which is full of information on emergency planning, including how to plan for hurricanes.
READ: Multiple forecasts calling for busy 2020 hurricane season
READ: Hurricane names for 2020 hurricane season
