Hurricane and Preparing for Hurricanes in Beaufort area

Hurricane History in Beaufort
and Hilton Head Island, SC

The time to begin preparing for a hurricane is long before one is approaching. A hurricane plan needs to be developed within every family before the season begins. Every family should sit down and decide/agree upon an effective plan... addressing all special considerations unique to each family member. A portable file is an affective method of organizing important papers and documents. Small cardboard all in one file folder/organizer works very well and is very inexpensive.
An address/phone note book should also be included/added to the file folder.
Some items, like window tape, batteries and plywood to cover windows, should be bought before a watch or warning has gone into effect. Once a warning is issued, most stores will sell out of stock within hours... particularly plywood, batteries and water.
Again... a little organization before hand can save a lot of headaches and heartaches later.
Here are some recommenced actions each family should think about and possible utilize.

PRE-HURRICANE SEASON ORGANIZATION (even if you are planning to stay)
Organize important papers including:
Medical Records : Prescription Refill : Social Security Papers : Last Will Documents
Life Insurance : Health Insurance : Loan Papers : Mortgage Documents
Homeowners Policy : Auto Policy : Titles for property : Pet medical papers
Special Insurance papers (appliances and electronic items, etc.)
School Records : Serial Numbers and Inventory of household items
Copies of Driver License and ID : Credit Card Company(s) with phone numbers
Important family pictures/documents : Computer/Software passcodes & Ser. numbers

PHONE NUMBERS:
Family : Friends : Neighbors : School : Doctors : Police : Home Insurance : Auto Insurance
Health Insurance : Vet Office : local Phone Book

HURRICANE WATCH (or even before the watch is issued, if storm looks like it may come)
Fuel and service vehicles early.
Stock up on canned food, distilled or bottled water, batteries, flashlights, window tape
Refill prescriptions, including pet medications.
Begin picking up loose items in yard and around home.
Know all family member whereabouts and contact numbers, check in regularly.
Begin reviewing your family plan and keep informed on storm movement.
Make sure protection materials are easily accessible.
If you feel necessary, begin assembling and installing protection on windows.
Pack suitcases in case of evacuation, begin gathering meds, personal items, file folder.

HURRICANE WARNING
Implement family plan
Install all protective measures on home - window sheilding-tape, plywood, etc.
Make sure no loose items are in yard - chairs, toys, etc.
Call family members to assemble - call out of area family and advise of intentions.

IF LEAVING:
Pack vehicle and leave early.
Tell trusted neighbors your intentions and contact numbers.
Take along updated maps, in case of detours.
Take your pet(s) WITH you... along with food, water bowl and blanket.

IF STAYING:
Fill bathtub(s) with water
Set out candles and/or emergency lamps and camping stove; extra fuel.
Make sure portable radio and flashlights work and you have many extra batteries.
Make sure vehicle is fueled up and pack with extra clothing and coats.
Assemble a good medical kit; bandages, gauze, ointment, antiseptic, aspirin, etc.
Tell family members and trusted neighbors of your intentions, even if they are leaving.
Have auxiliary backup plan if emergency forces members out of shelter.
Have insect repellent available.

REMEMBER... you will be alone, EMERGENCY HELP MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE!

POWER WILL BE CUT OFF AND UTILITIES MAY BE UNAVAILABLE FOR WEEKS OR MONTHS!
Phones, including cell phones, may not work. Electricity may be severely interrupted.

After the storm passes, depending on the damage, police may not let families return immediately. Marshal Law may be in effect. This means...
if you stay, you may not be able to freely come and go.

WATCH FOR SNAKES AND OTHER WILD and/or INJURED ANIMALS which may attack...
They may become scared, be in pain or just feel very upset and agitated!

WEATHER INDEX

HURRICANE INDEX