Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you probably know that tomorrow starts the beginning of the 2024 hurricane season. But did you know that according to the Federal Alliance of Safe Homes, a recent poll found that 60% of people living in hurricane prone states are not going to prepare for hurricane season. That’s mainly because they don’t think a hurricane or tropical storm will affect them. But with the National Hurricane Center issuing their most robust hurricane forecast ever, experts are urging people to rethink their strategy or lack thereof this season.
And new this year for South Carolina, the evacuation zones have been updated which means if you were in an evacuation before, you may not be now, and vice versa.
The new zones provide a more precise understanding of the areas most vulnerable to hurricane impacts, allowing for more targeted evacuation orders and resource allocation. The updated zones account for growth and community development as well. This expansion ensures that all residents in high-risk areas are included and aware of evacuation protocols.
The updated evacuation zones have been designed to better reflect the evolving landscape of potential hazards and population distribution across the region. The zones take into account storm surge risk, flood susceptibility, and evacuation routes to ensure more accurate and effective evacuation orders.
But hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Impacts from wind and water can be felt hundreds of miles inland, and significant impacts can occur regardless of the storm’s strength. Officials emphasize to know if you live in an area prone to flooding, if you live in an evacuation zone, and identify any structural weaknesses in your home.
Before a storm is coming, make sure you ask yourself these questions:
• Can I shelter in place safely at home during a hurricane, or do I live in a storm surge evacuation zone or other high-risk location that will require me to leave?
• If I need to evacuate, what is the best route from my home to my pre-selected destination?
• And what about pets or livestock? Where will they go in the event you need to leave?
Residents can quickly determine what zone they are in using the Know Your Zone tool at Hurricane.SC, and in the SC Emergency Manager mobile app.
And perhaps the most critical part of preparing for hurricane season this year is knowing if you are at risk for a potential catastrophic storm surge or inland flooding when a storm hits.
Finally, find out if your home has any weaknesses that could prove deadly in a hurricane. Are your exterior doors and garage door hurricane proof? Do you have storm shutters? Some aspects of your home can be strengthened to help withstand hurricane impacts, and some can not. Mobile homes are especially vulnerable to hurricane-force winds, and basements are especially vulnerable to storm surge and flooding. Hurricane season begins June 1 and lasts through November 30. For more information and how to be prepared ahead of the storm, go to https://www.noaa.gov/know-your-risk-water-wind or http://www.https://www.scemd.org/ for more information.