Hurricane Preparation Before, During, and After

These close-up maps of the South Carolina coast show areas that are subject to possible evacuation based on the category of the hurricane. Hurricanes range in intensity from Category 1 to Category 5. Actual storm conditions may require changes to the planned evacuation zones. Stay tuned to state and local media for specific emergency management evacuation instructions.

Before

Be prepared

Contact your local emergency management office to help determine your vulnerability. Storm surge is limited to coastal areas, but hurricanes also bring high winds, tornadoes, heavy rains, and flooding to inland areas.

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

Gather disaster supplies and create a basic supplies kit, which you can use at home or take if you evacuate. Include:

• “2008 South Carolina Hurricane Guide”
  
• Non-perishable food (including canned goods)
• Drinking water (two quarts per person per day)
• Flashlights, extra batteries, and bulbs
• Battery-powered AM/FM or hand crank radio and NOAA weather radio with extra batteries
• First-aid kit and manual
• Non-electric can opener
• Essential medicines, including prescriptions
• Sturdy shoes
• Baby supplies (including baby food and diapers)
• Games and books
• Fire extinguisher
• Important documents (insurance policies, family records, photo identification, important telephone numbers, tax records, bank information)
• Toiletries and other personal hygiene items
• Cash and credit cards

If you live in a vulnerable area, plan an evacuation route. Con-sider staying in a motel or with family and friends outside the vulnerable area. Learn safe routes inland and the locations of official shelters. Be ready to drive at least 20 to 50 miles inland to locate a safe place.

Before You Leave Home

• Make arrangements for pets. Pets are not allowed in official shelters.
• Fuel up family vehicles and service them.
• Turn off gas, electricity, and water.
• Stay tuned to your local television and radio stations for emergency information.

On The Road

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division has been working in partnership with the petroleum industry in an attempt
to make extra fuel available at certain filling stations along major evacuation routes; once you’re on the road, tune to your radio to find out which filling stations are participating. Rest areas along I-26 will be enhanced with additional facilities to accommodate motorists efficiently. Department of Public Safety weigh stations will also be available as comfort stations. In addition to the items listed above in your Basic Disaster Supply Kit, ALSO CARRY:

Road maps
Jumper cables
Tire repair kit

At The Public Shelter

Before heading to a public shelter, first consider staying with family and friends or in a motel out of the area. If those are not available, the American Red Cross will provide a safe place to stay when you have no other place to go. Cots and blankets will not be provided in the public shelter, and although food will be provided, specialty items for infants and individuals on restricted diets may not be available.

If you plan to evacuate to a shelter, you will want to carry the supplies listed above in your Basic Disaster Supplies Kit, PLUS:

Blankets, sleeping bags, pillows and cots
Special foods, if you are on a restricted diet

During

Protect Yourself

• Stay tuned to your local television and radio stations for emergency information.
• Stay inside a well-constructed building away from windows and doors, even if they are covered. Go to an interior first-floor room, basement, closet, or under the stairs.
• Be alert. Tornadoes are often spawned during hurricanes.
• If the “eye” of the storm passes over your area, be aware that severe conditions will return with winds from the other direction in a very short time.
  

After

Returning Home

• Wait until an area is declared safe before entering. Roads may be closed for your protection. Do not drive in flooded areas.
• Check gas, water, electrical lines and appliances for damage.
• Avoid using candles and other open flames indoors. Use a flashlight to inspect damage.
• Report life-threatening emergencies only.

	To SCEMD Publications		2008 Hurricane Guide Contents