2020 Hurricane Season: Time, Space, People, Place

Columbia, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed May 31 through June 6 to be South Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Week. Residents, businesses and communities in South Carolina should begin preparations for the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Advanced preparation and planning safeguards lives, protects property and lessens the devastating impacts of tropical storms and hurricanes. 

Hurricanes and tropical storms not only threaten the coast but all areas of South Carolina. Flooding from widespread, torrential rains is one of the most deadly and destructive hazards associated with tropical storms and hurricanes. High winds and tornadoes can cause severe damage to buildings and homes. All South Carolinians should take the time this week to prepare for a potential land-falling tropical storm or hurricane by reviewing their family emergency plans, developing a disaster supply kit, reviewing insurance policies and talking with your family about what could happen during a disaster. 

Hurricanes and Coronavirus

This year, residents should include COVID-19 safety precautions in every aspect of their hurricane plan. 

“It will be crucial for everyone to take COVID-19 into consideration when updating their personal emergency plans. Residents’ first priority should be to protect themselves from a potential hurricane if an evacuation is issued for their communities,” says Director Stenson. “That’s why this year, for Hurricane Season 2020, we want everyone to remember these four words: time, space, people, space while getting ready for any hurricane that may head toward South Carolina.”

Time: give yourself time to prepare for a hurricane. Have a plan before you go out to get supplies so you spend less time interacting with others who may be infected. Do not wait until the last minute.

Space: make safe and social distancing a part of every aspect of your hurricane planning. Whether it’s stocking up on hurricane supplies or deciding where you will go if you need to evacuate. Do everything you can to stay at least 6 feet away from people you do not live with. 

People: make sure all the people in your family know what to do to stay healthy. Remember, the more people your family interacts with, the greater your chances of contracting and possibly transmitting COVID-19.

Place: know where you will go once the evacuation order is issued for your area. Staying in a hotel or with family or friends far inland are the best options to protect yourself from COVID-19 and the storm.

The 20th annual South Carolina Hurricane Guide will be available for download at scemd.org beginning June 1. SCEMD and partner agencies have updated the Guide for the 2020 hurricane season. Printed editions of the Guide will be in all Walgreens stores statewide, at coastal DMV offices and in newspapers from Columbia to the coast beginning June 7. 

In addition to the South Carolina Hurricane Guide, visit scemd.org to stay informed during an emergency. Our website is designed to make it easy to get the information you need before, during and after a major disaster, such as a hurricane. Download the South Carolina Emergency Manager mobile app as your official tool for emergency planning and follow the official @SCEMD accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay connected.