Emergency management officials across the Palmetto State are urging residents to gear up for the 2025 hurricane season early in the wake of the devastation of Hurricane Helene in 2024.
“We lost 49 people in Hurricane Helene,” said S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster during a May 15 stop in North Charleston. “That’s the most we’ve ever lost in any hurricane.
“A disaster does not have to have a loss of life with preparation and understanding of what’s happening.”
Though Hurricane Helene left the Lowcountry mostly unscathed, local officials are pressing that early preparation is still key to mitigate the effects of natural disasters.
“Charleston is a beachfront community in many areas,” said Ben Webster, director of the Charleston County Emergency Management Department. “We have a lot of coastline, so we are very susceptible to hurricanes throughout the season. We need to recognize that this is a fact, and we need to be prepared because it only takes one storm.”
Webster said now is the perfect time to stock up on emergency supplies to be ready for the aftereffects of a storm. He said to purchase non-perishable food, bottled water and pet food. He stressed emergency services are quickly overwhelmed in big disasters and it can take up to 72 hours before help reaches individuals who need help.
An emergency supply kit should be able to sustain you and your family for that length of time at a minimum, he said. Charleston County’s newly updated Hurricane Guide contains a checklist of items you may want to include in your emergency supply kit.
“When the storm is coming is not the time to go shopping,” he said. “We’ve all been there before — you go to Walmart, and you’re fighting neck and neck with people to get these supplies.
“Don’t put yourself through that. Just get it done early.”
Prep you can start right now
Preparation won’t keep you from being impacted by a severe storm, but it will help communities recover more quickly, Webster said. Charleston County’s Hurricane Guide is full of information to stay informed and ready for the season.
Here are several things families can start doing now to ensure they are ready for the hurricane season. This list is not exhaustive, but it serves as a starting point for those looking to be prepared.
- Check for flood insurance. Contact your homeowners insurance agent to learn about the National Flood Insurance Program. New flood policies can take up to 30 days to take effect.
- Develop an emergency communications plan. Create a plan of action to reconnect with your family in the event you are separated during an emergency.
- Educate yourself on emergency responses. Learn how to turn off gas, water and electricity in your home, and teach other family members to do the same. Know when and how to call emergency services.
- Prepare your home. Check your home’s roofing, secure garage doors and check the main electrical panel and electric appliances to ensure they are above potential floodwaters. Consider installing storm shutters or boards over windows, if needed.
Know your zone
Evacuation zone changes are made often based on updated storm surge model data from the National Hurricane Center. Charleston County’s Hurricane Guide includes an updated map of Lowcountry evacuation zones.
Zone A includes areas in and around Edisto Island and along the immediate coast, including Seabrook Island, Kiawah Island, Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms and Dewees Island.
Zone B includes areas north of Mount Pleasant to U.S. Highway 17 as well as areas in and around James and Johns islands and the southern portion of the Charleston peninsula.
Zone C includes areas between Highway 17 and the Charleston County line, including West Ashley, North Charleston and the upper peninsula.
If an evacuation order is given, listen to state and local officials and follow established evacuation routes for your zone. Residents who are evacuating should carry their emergency supply kits, leave early and ensure their vehicle has a full tank of gas, officials said.
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