With hurricane season less than a month away, it is growing ever more imperative for South Carolina residents to get prepared. Several national and statewide groups offered steps and checklists throughout National Hurricane Preparedness Week last week to lend a helping hand and keep people connected and safe during powerful storms.
Hurricane season begins June 1 through November 30.
When it comes to personal communications devices, such as smartphones and tablets, residents are encouraged to keep important electronics fully charged, in case of power outage occurrences. Residents can also utilize handy tools like portable battery packs or car chargers to stay powered on during long outages and receive potentially important news, such as evacuation announcements.
Staying organized is also crucial for storm preparedness. The American Red Cross has a hurricane preparedness checklist and power outage checklist, and recommends reviewing it ahead of time. Compiling a list of emergency numbers and taking photos of valuables for insurance claims is also a great way to mitigate some of the stress that comes with heavy storms.
Residents are also encouraged to download useful apps on their phones — such as weather, news and safety-related apps — to stay informed during times when Mother Nature is unkind.
But it’s important to remember you aren’t on your own. Charleston County Emergency Management’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) — located at 8500 Palmetto Commerce Parkway in Ladson — kicks into gear during stormy weather. Charleston County decision-makers coordinate information and implement the County’s Emergency Operations Plan during any type of disaster. This plan is reviewed and updated every year to ensure proper readiness and response procedures.
The 31-page document is available to read online and print out for free. It details ways to prepare yourself and home for weather-related disasters and includes evacuation routes from several locations throughout Charleston County.
The Charleston City Paper also has your back with an emergency kit checklist and safety tips for hurricane preparedness.
The EOC is directed by the County Administrator, and is staffed by personnel from several local departments. If a storm increases in severity, outside agencies will send representatives to the EOC, so that information can be gathered, coordinated, and shared among first responders from a single location. Some of these agencies/representatives include:
- Local Law Enforcement
- Fire & Rescue
- Military Personnel
- American Red Cross
- Salvation Army
- Department of Social Services
- Transportation Services
- Public Works & Engineering Services
- S.C. Department of Transportation & S.C. Highway Patrol
and more.
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