Hurricane Preparedness In South Carolina

Active hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with peak activity between early August and early October .

In recent years, storms affecting SC include Helene (2024), Ian (2022), Florence (2018), Matthew (2016) and Hugo (1989)—all notable for storm surge and inland flooding .

NOAA forecasts an above-normal 2025 Atlantic season, projecting 13–19 named storms.

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Official Preparedness Resources

1. South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) Hurricane Guide
   – Offers a downloadable 2025 guide and interactive tools like “Know Your Zone” to identify evacuation zones reddit.com+10scemd.org+10northcharleston.org+10.
2. South Carolina Department of Insurance
   – Recommends homeowners review insurance (especially flood), create an emergency kit, and secure property & documents doi.sc.gov+1southcarolinapublicradio.org+1.
3. SC Dept. of Health & Environmental Services & Public Health
   – Emphasizes staying informed via NOAA Weather Radio, text alerts, and official apps/websites during all storm phases scemd.orgdoi.sc.gov+6des.sc.gov+6dph.sc.gov+6.

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Creating Your Hurricane Action Plan

Step 1: Know Your Zone and Evacuation Route

Use SCEMD’s interactive map or app to find your evacuation zone .

Practice evacuation routes—relying on blue evacuation signs is strongly advised .

Step 2: Build an Emergency Kit

Include:

At least 2 gallons of water per person/day for 3–5 days; non-perishable food

Battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight with extra batteries, first-aid kit

Medications, copies of important documents, cash, blankets, and maps.

Add pet food, vet records, supplies for infants or those with special needs.

Step 3: Prepare Your Home

• Shut gutters and clear yard debris
• Bring in outdoor furniture and toys
• Board up windows or use hurricane shutters
• Fortify the roof with straps or clips
• Trim trees and maintain gutters

Step 4: Review Insurance & Inventory

• Separate flood insurance is essential; verify coverage via NFIP or private insurer (30-day waiting period applies) doi.sc.gov.
• Create a room-by-room inventory: take photos, list valuables—use free NAIC or NFIP tools doi.sc.gov+1doi.sc.gov+1.

Step 5: Stay Informed

• Sign up for cell phone text alerts, NOAA weather radio, NWS updates, and the SC Emergency Manager app apnews.com+14des.sc.gov+14dph.sc.gov+14.
• Follow state and local agencies via official social media and public media outlets .

Step 6: Evacuate Smart

• Evacuations are zone-based; leave when your zone receives an order .
• Choose evacuation routes ahead of time; avoid GPS reliance during the event .
• Shelters (American Red Cross or Special Medical Needs) are last-resort—bring kits and medication

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Bottom Line

Be proactive. Hurricanes bring a complex mix of threats—storm surge, wind, flooding, even tornadoes. Each step—zoning, planning, stocking, securing, staying informed, and evacuating early—can drastically reduce danger and stress.

Prepare now. Stay informed from official sources, and revisit your plan throughout the season. With the 2025 outlook trending high and federal resources tapering, personal and community preparedness is your best defense.