South Carolina’s emergency management officials say residents should plan early for hurricane season

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) – With only a month until the start of hurricane season, state emergency management leaders are reminding South Carolinians to plan for the season.

Governor Henry McMaster declared May as hurricane preparedness month. The hope is to give residents, businesses, and communities an entire month to prepare for the dangers hurricanes and tropical systems could pose to the state.

“Make the most of your time while you still have it”

South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) said people should use May to assess and finalize long-term storm preparations. Refresh items in your hurricane kit like batteries, flashlights, and non-perishable food items, and update your emergency plans like where to go if an evacuation is issued.

Evacuation routes in South Carolina are based on zones in coastal counties. Coastal residents should know where to go if an order to leave is given by the governor’s office. If you are told to leave, follow the blue hurricane evacuation signs and not your GPS.

Emergency management leaders also say people should take some steps to prepare their homes. Do a safety check to make sure it’s ready to withstand the effects of a hurricane or tropical storm.

Officials recommend scheduling a roof inspection, checking hurricane shutters, and reviewing insurance policies to ensure they cover various types of damage a hurricane can cause.

Finally, take photos of your belongings and make a list for your records.

“South Carolina is one of the most vulnerable states to hurricanes and tropical storms. The state has six coastal counties that border the Atlantic Ocean and over 200 miles of general coastline. The densely populated coastal areas, particularly during peak tourist seasons, combined with the generally low elevations of the coast, pose a significant threat to the state’s safety,” said SCEMD leaders.

Hurricanes and storm damage is not limited to the coast. SCEMD said tropical storms have the potential to cause damage to all areas of the state. Storm surge and flooding are the most deadly and destructive hazards with these tropical systems.

High winds and tornadoes can cause severe damage to buildings and homes far inland.

South Carolina has been impacted by six hurricanes since 2016 including Matthew, Irma in 2017, Florence in 2018, Dorian in 2019, Ian in 2022, and Idalia in 2023.

Hurricane researchers at Colorado State University predict an extremely active Atlantic hurricane season in their pre-season forecast, which calls for 23 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and five major hurricanes.

It’s an uptick from last year which saw 20 named storms, seven hurricanes, and five major hurricanes.

The season begins on June 1 and runs through the end of November.