COLUMBIA (WACH) -- The height of hurricane season is upon us and with plenty of action in the tropics, we thought it would be wise to remind South Carolina residents of the importance of being prepared in the unlikely, but possible, event of a hurricane impacting the Carolina coast.
A common thread among all major hurricane disasters is the lack of hurricane awareness and preparation among hurricane victims. Prior knowledge of your vulnerability and the proper steps you should take, will not make you immune but will be helpful in the event our coastline is threatened.
Below are a few important checklist items one should do or have to be prepared for a potential landfall:
- Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical information on the storm from the National Weather Service (NWS).
- Fill your cars gas tank in case you are told to evacuate.
- Check your disaster supplies and replace or restock as needed.
Some of those supplies should include:
- Water - at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day.
- Food - at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food.
- Medications and medical items such as hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses and contact lenses, ect.
- Copies of personal documents (birth certificates, passports, insurance policies, proof of address or the deed/lease to your home, medication list and pertinent medical information).
After the storm:
- If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
- Once at home, check for damage. Be sure to take pictures of both internal and exteral damage for insurance purposes.
Of course there are several more steps one can take to insure their safety in the event of a hurricane. For a much more detailed checklist, click the link below and remember, it is never too early or too late to prepare for a hurricane.
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