Hurricane season (June 1 – November 30) brings the potential for hurricanes and the need for emergency planning. Emergency planning is something not many people do. Many think “it will not happen here” or “we will be fine if it happens.” Only after an emergency happens do we think “I should have planned better!!”
A little bit of planning can help keep you and your family safe during and after an emergency event.
Remember – emergency planning is not just for hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural disasters; emergency planning is also for house fires, car accidents, etc.
Take a look at the Charleston County Hurricane Preparedness Guide – http://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/Emergency-Management/hurricane.php. Although it is specific to Charleston County, it contains information that can be applied to any county and any emergency. Click here for the 2018 Charleston County Hurricane Guide.
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) is the go to source for emergency planning. They created http://www.ready.gov/ to help families plan for emergencies.
South Carolina Emergency Management Division http://www.scemd.org/
SCEMD offers an app for iPhone and Android devices for on the go information. Visit http://www.scemd.org/ to download it.
SCEMD also offers mobile and email alerts via CodeRED Alerts – http://www.scemd.org/stay-informed/codered-alerts/.
Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester Counties offer Emergency Notification Systems to provide vital information to their residents.
Charleston County – https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085611698#/login
Berkeley County – https://www.berkeleycountysc.gov/drupal/communications/bcens
Dorchester County – https://www.dorchestercountysc.gov/government/emergency-services/emergency-management (scroll to the bottom – CodeRED Emergency Alerts)
Each county has an Emergency Preparedness Agency:
Charleston County – http://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/Emergency-Management/index.php
Berkeley County – https://www.berkeleycountysc.gov/drupal/emergency
Dorchester County – https://www.dorchestercountysc.gov/government/emergency-services/emergency-management
Are you on Twitter? If so, follow our Emergency Planning List at https://twitter.com/BluewaterPropM/lists/chs-emergency-readiness for more emergency updates and emergency planning information.
Emergency Planning Tips from, the 2018 Charleston County Hurricane Guide:
Check into flood insurance.
You can find out about the National Flood Insurance Program through your home insurance agent. There is normally a 30-day waiting period before a new flood insurance policy becomes effective for an existing residence. Homeowner policies do not cover damage from the flooding that accompanies a hurricane.
(we inserted renter’s insurance information)
Renter’s insurance does not normally cover flood damage. If you to want to protect your belongings in the event of a flood, you need to purchase an additional flood policy. Usually, a flood policy can be purchased from the same company you purchased renter’s insurance. Contact your renter’s insurance company for more information.
Develop an emergency communication plan.
In case family members are separated from one another during a disaster (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), create a plan for getting back together. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the “family contact.” After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, phone number and e-mail address of the contact person.
Make sure that all family members know how to respond after a hurricane.
Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water. Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or the fire department, and which radio station to listen to for emergency information. Create an Emergency Supplies Kit. Because deployment of relief supplies and support to affected communities can be delayed or prevented due to damaged or impassable bridges and roads, assistance from emergency services may not be available for up to 72 hours, or longer, following a major natural disaster.
Prepare your home.
Once a tornado, hurricane or major storm hits, it’s too late to protect your home and property, but there are preparations you can make in advance to limit future wind and flood damage. Some are fairly simple and inexpensive; others will require a contractor. You’ll need to consider the characteristics of your home, your financial resources and the building codes in your community.
Prepare yourself and your family for a minimum of three days.
Because deployment of relief supplies and support to storm-stricken communities can be delayed or prevented due to damaged or impassable bridges and roads, assistance from emergency services may not be available for up to 72 hours, or longer, following a major natural disaster. Keep informed. Charleston County Emergency Management works with local, state and national weather officials and the media to keep residents informed of the best ways to prepare or respond during a disaster situation. The purchase of a Weather Alert Radio for your home and place of employment can help you stay informed of changing conditions.
Storing your kit.
Choose a location to store your kit where it is cool and dark, such as a closet or “safety corner” in the garage. If you live in an apartment or have limited space, be innovative. Other possible storage locations include under the bed, under stairways or even a large box or plastic tub that can be covered with a table cloth and used as an end table.
Layer and monitor supplies.
Layer supplies and keep them together in a container such as a plastic garbage can with wheels. Check the items every six months for expiration dates, changes in your children’s clothing sizes and weather requirements. A good way to remember to inspect your kit is to do it each time you set clocks back and change your smoke detector batteries.
Use what you have.
Start with what you already have and prepare as if you are going camping for three days with no facilities. If you’re a camper you’ve got a head start because camping supplies, tents, camp stoves and water jugs can double as emergency supplies.
Use canned foods for easy storage and long shelf life. However, be aware that they must be changed out at least annually. Choose ready-to-eat canned meat, fruits and vegetables that your family likes.