State agency urges residents to prep for hurricane season

From the coast to the mountains, South Carolina Emergency Management wants every state resident to be prepared in case a storm makes its way here during hurricane season. Staying informed through emergency alerts, preparing your home before a storm strikes, what to do during a power outage and more are all important to keep top of mind.

The season starts June 1 each year and runs through Nov. 30. While we aren't on the coast, evacuees may seek shelter in our area, which means families should buy what they think they may need in advance when store shelves are stocked.

STAY INFORMED

All residents can download the SC Emergency Management Division's official app to prep for this season and other types of emergencies. It's available for download in the Apple App Store and on Google Play. The app will allow you to build a personalized emergency plan, share your locations with emergency contacts and use an emergency alert whistle and strobe light.

The division encourages everyone to have multiple ways to receive alerts, such as Wireless Emergency Alerts on mobile devices, NOAA Weather Radios and local news outlets.

You can also visit Hurricane.sc to begin a hurricane safety plan. 

HAVE WHAT YOU NEED

A basic disaster supplies kit can include:

- Portable radio with extra batteries

- First aid kit, including prescription medications

- NOAA Weather Radio

- Flashlight with extra batteries

- Cash, enough to fill a vehicle with gas

- Mobile device chargers

- Bottle water, 2 gallons per person per day

- Plastic dishes, eating utensils

- Blankets, towels

- Baby supplies

- Hand sanitizer

- Non-perishable food for at least 3 days

- Pet supplies

- Soap, shampoo, other personal hygiene items

- Sunglasses, mosquito repellent, sunscreen

- Important documents

The emergency management website offers these tips to help you and your family stay safe as a storm hits and after during cleanup.

DURING A HURRICANE

- Avoid travel, if possible. If you must travel, notify a friend or family member of your intended route, estimated arrival and final destination.

- Stay indoors in a sturdy structure, away from windows and doors - even if they are covered. Seek shelter in an interior room, closet or under the stairs on the first floor, especially during tornado watches and warnings.

- Hurricanes often spawn tornadoes. If the "eye" of the storm passes over your area, be ready for severe conditions to return quickly.

- Minimize non-emergency calls to reduce network congestion. Keep calls brief and wait at least 10 seconds before redialing. For non-emergencies, consider sending text messages instead.

AFTER A HURRICANE

- Avoid unnecessary travel as threats will continue in the hours after a storm has passed, specifically the chance of downed trees, power lines and flooded roads.

- Be alert for driving restrictions and road conditions. Use the SC Department of Transportation resources available at 511sc.org, on the 511 SC App and the SC Traffic and Road Conditions webpage.

- Avoid flooded or washed-out roads, including bridges. If you see a road closed sign, turn around. Remember, it takes only 6 inches of floodwater to cause vehicles to lose control and stall. It takes only 12 inches of floodwater to carry most vehicles away.

- Always follow the instructions of local public safety officials.