Hurricane Preparedness Month

Prepare Ahead of Hurricane Season

Gov. Henry McMaster has declared May as South Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Month. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division, county emergency managers, the National Weather Service, and all members of the State Emergency Response Team urge people, communities, and businesses to start preparing for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season ahead of time. Designating May as Hurricane Preparedness Month provides South Carolinians with ample time to take necessary precautions and stay informed about potential risks across the state.

The state's Hurricane Preparedness Month theme is "Don't Wait, Prepare Today." This means that this month is an opportunity for residents to take action now, ensuring they have the plans and resources needed to stay safe before hurricane season begins.

Know Your Zone. In South Carolina, state and local officials issue hurricane evacuations based on zones in coastal counties. Know your hurricane evacuation zone instantly with the SC Emergency Manager mobile app and Hurricane.sc, South Carolina's online hurricane guide.

Prepare Your Home. Do a safety check of your home to ensure it is prepared to withstand the effects of a hurricane. Schedule a roof inspection, double-check your hurricane shutters, and review your insurance policies to ensure they cover the types of damages that hurricanes can cause. Create a list and take photos of your belongings for documentation. Review your insurance policies now to make sure they cover all your needs.

Remember Your Route. Knowing the closest hurricane evacuation route before the start of hurricane season is important. Once you identify your route, remember it and follow it during an evacuation. Rely on the blue hurricane evacuation signs rather than a GPS for the most accurate and reliable guidance.

South Carolina is one of the most vulnerable states to hurricanes and tropical storms, with six coastal counties bordering the Atlantic Ocean and more than 180 miles of coastline. The state's densely populated coastal areas, especially during peak tourist seasons, combined with low elevations, pose a significant safety risk. Hurricanes can cause widespread damage not only along the coast but also throughout the state. Storm surge and flooding are the most dangerous and destructive hazards associated with tropical storms and hurricanes. Additionally, high winds and tornadoes can cause severe damage to homes and buildings across the state.

In 2024, Hurricane Helene became the most recent hurricane to impact South Carolina, causing a statewide event with 21 tornadoes, downed trees, and widespread power outages. Other hurricanes that have affected the Palmetto State in recent years include Hurricane Matthew in 2016, Hurricane Irma in 2017, Hurricane Florence in 2018, Hurricane Dorian in 2019, Hurricane Ian in 2022, Hurricane Idalia in 2023, and Hurricane Debby in 2024.

As a reminder, hurricane season begins June 1 and lasts through November 30.