What can I do to prepare for a storm?
  • Family Commun PlanThe South Carolina Emergency Management Division Hurricane Guide has details about personal plans, zones, emergency shelters and links to other agencies and information. https://scemd.org/stay-informed/publications/hurricane-guide/.
  • Follow the City of Beaufort on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and NextDoor.
  • Use the Beaufort County Hurricane Hotline for updated information. The phone number is 1-800-963-5023. 
  • Remember the 5 P’s: People (pets), prescriptions, paper (i.e., important documents), personal needs (i.e., medication, etc.), priceless Items (i.e., pack your photos albums, etc.), and have a plan for each category. 
  • Make a paper record of all your contact information for your family and friends in case there is no cell phone service. 
  • Take photos of your property and home before and after the storm for insurance documentation. 
  • Secure any loose articles (i.e., outdoor furniture, potted plants or décor items) on your property that could become airborne and cause damage, or block pipes or ditches. 
  • Know your evacuations options and plan possible routes and hotels or housing arrangements.
  • If you have a pet, know which hotels accept pets during a hurricane.
  • Have a supply of at least two weeks’ worth of prescribed medications before you travel.
  • Conduct inspections of drainage features around your house and property, including gutters, and remove any blockages.
  • Turn off irrigation systems.
  • Remove items which may hold water to deter mosquito breeding after the storm passes.
  • Obtain flood insurance now. Most homeowner insurance policies do not cover flooding. The federal government administers flood insurance. More information is available at the National Flood Insurance Program at www.floodsmart.gov. Please be mindful you live in the Lowcountry; therefore, the entire region is flat and flood prone. 
  • Best advice: Leave PRIOR to an evacuation order. You can better control your destination and route. Once an evacuation order is called, SC Highway Patrol officers and local officers will direct your path of travel, which may add to frustration and increase travel time to your intended destination.  
  • Remember, if you decide to stay during an evacuation order, emergency services may be suspended due to unsafe weather conditions. Each resident who stays during an evacuation has to be prepared to address a health or safety situation alone.  
  • Please be patient and help your neighbor. The City of Beaufort is working around the clock to manage the storm; however, everyone has a role in the community’s safety and recovery. 

Show All Answers

1. What is the difference between a tropical storm watch and warning?
2. What are the categories of hurricanes and what do they mean?
3. What can I do to prepare for a storm?
4. Who has the authority to issue an evacuation order?
5. What are the evacuation routes?
6. Can I evacuate before an evacuation order?
7. What local agency leads during hurricane season?
8. What are the best sources of information during a storm?
9. What if I need a shelter during a storm?
10. What if I need transportation to a shelter?
11. What happens if I stay in town during a mandatory evacuation order?
12. What do I do if my house loses power?