Hurricanes are a serious concern if you live in the Carolinas. These destructive storms can wreak havoc across a wide area, destroying and endangering lives wherever they go. The team at Stewart Law Offices wants to make sure everyone in our communities adequately prepares for hurricane season.
When Is Hurricane Season in the Carolinas?
According to the North Carolina State University Climate Office, hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean runs from about June 1 to Nov. 30 every year, give or take a few weeks. The storm season tends to peak in early to mid-September, but a tropical storm or hurricane can happen anytime around that six-month window. For instance, Tropical Storm Andrea formed off the coast of North Carolina in May 2007, while Tropical Storm Zeta formed in late December of 2005 and lasted into 2006.
Hurricanes are incredibly dangerous, and it is important to take proper precautions as the season approaches. Each year the South Carolina Emergency Management Division puts out a hurricane guide. You can find helpful, local information to prepare for a hurricane at SCEMD.
Tips for Staying Safe
Here are a few hurricane safety guidelines to keep in mind to keep yourself and your family safe through storm season in the Carolinas:
Before the Storm:
- Pay attention to local weather forecasts to know if a storm is headed your way.
- Know the difference between storm watches (which are issued 48 hours in advance of an anticipated storm’s landfall) and storm warnings (which are given 36 hours in advance of a storm’s predicted landfall).
- Make an evacuation plan with your family so everyone knows what to do and where to go if a storm hits.
- Clean up debris in your yard and bring in large outdoor furniture, which can be thrown by a hurricane’s winds.
- Know your evacuation zone and your evacuation route. If you live in South Carolina, you can find information on hurricane evacuation zones here and learn about hurricane evacuation routes here.
- Make a hurricane emergency kit that will last for several days. Some things to add to the kit include food, water, any medications you need, a flashlight with batteries, an emergency radio, basic first-aid materials, and some emergency cash.
- Charge your cell phone and other critical electronic devices. Keep a spare charger in your emergency kit.
During the Storm:
- Listen for storm updates and evacuation orders over the radio.
- Stay inside until the storm has fully passed.
- Stay away from windows and exterior doors.
- If your home is in danger of flooding, turn off your circuit breakers.
- If the power fails, turn off your major appliances to protect them from a sudden surge.
- If your home begins to flood, move to the highest floor in your home but do not enter your attic, as you may become trapped.
- If your home is damaged or you receive an evacuation order, proceed to a nearby shelter or other safe place.
- Do not try to swim or drive through floodwaters because you could drown or otherwise hurt yourself.
After the Storm:
- Listen for updates from local authorities, particularly for any food or water contamination notices.
- Do not make any phone calls unless absolutely necessary because the phone system will likely be jammed. Use text messages or social media to talk to friends and family members.
- Be careful when cleaning your home, especially with electrical hazards and floodwaters.
- Never use backup generators or grills inside.
- If your home has suffered water damage, start repairs right away to prevent mold from setting in.
- Take pictures of all the damage to your home before filing an insurance claim.
Stewart Law Offices Values Community Safety
The team at Stewart Law Offices wants to make sure everyone in our community is safe in the event of a hurricane. If you run into trouble with the insurance company after a storm, contact our office to find out how we may be able to help.
