How to Best Prepare Your Horry County Home for the 2024 Hurricane Season

The Atlantic hurricane season is almost here! The 2024 hurricane season officially runs from June 1st to November 30th each year. During this period, warm ocean temperatures create the ideal conditions for tropical storms and hurricanes to form.

For Horry County homeowners, particularly those new to South Carolina, understanding hurricane preparedness is crucial. This guide will equip you with the essential steps to safeguard your home and family throughout the 2024 hurricane season, which is predicted to be above average in activity.

Understanding the 2024 Hurricane Season Threat in Horry County

Horry County, situated along the northernmost coast of South Carolina, faces a unique risk during the Atlantic hurricane season. While not directly in the eye of the storm as often as more southern locations like Florida, the county IS susceptible to dangerous storm surges, heavy rainfall leading to inland flooding, and damaging winds. And of course, there is always a chance a hurricane will make landfall!

The 2024 season is predicted to be above average in activity, so taking proactive steps to prepare your Horry County home is essential.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to do to keep your family and property safe in case a hurricane does make landfall in the Horry County region!

Essential Hurricane Prep Steps for Your Horry County Home Before the 2024 Season Arrives

As a homeowner in Horry County, taking proactive measures before the official hurricane season starts is critical. Here’s a checklist to get you prepared for the 2024 season:

1. Fortify Your Home: Invest in hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows to safeguard your property from windblown debris.
2. Secure Loose Outdoor Items: Heavy winds can turn patio furniture, grills, and other outdoor items into dangerous projectiles. Secure or store them in a safe location like a garage or shed.
3. Trim Trees and Shrubs: Overgrown trees and branches pose a significant risk during a hurricane. Trim overhanging limbs and remove dead or diseased trees that could fall and damage your home or injure someone.
4. Protect Your Documents: Compile copies of essential documents like insurance policies, wills, passports, and social security cards. Store them in a waterproof container or safe deposit box for easy access after a storm.
5. Consider a Generator: Power outages are a common consequence of hurricanes. Explore purchasing a portable generator to ensure you have backup power to run essential appliances like refrigerators and freezers.
6. Stock Up on Supplies: Assemble a hurricane survival kit containing non-perishable food, bottled water, first-aid supplies, medications, flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered radio. Aim to have enough supplies to last your family for at least three days.

Next up; what goes into a hurricane survival kit!

Assembling a Hurricane Survival Kit for Your Horry County Home in 2024

While hoping for the best, it’s always wise to prepare for the worst. A well-stocked hurricane survival kit is an essential element of any Horry County homeowner’s hurricane preparedness plan for the 2024 season.

This kit should contain everything you and your family might need to survive comfortably for several days in the event of a hurricane or its aftermath, when power outages and disruptions to essential services are likely.

Here’s a recommended list of items to include in your kit:

• Non-perishable Food: Stock up on a minimum 3-day supply of easy-to-prepare, non-perishable food items like canned goods, protein bars, and granola bars. Don’t forget a can opener!
• Water: Aim for one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. Include a variety of sizes for drinking, cooking, and sanitation.

• First-Aid Kit: Be prepared for minor injuries with a well-stocked first-aid kit containing bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any prescription medications your family requires.
• Sanitation and Hygiene Products: Pack items like toilet paper, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and garbage bags to maintain hygiene during potential power outages.
• Flashlights and Batteries: Include multiple flashlights per person, along with extra batteries, to ensure you have a reliable source of light.
• Battery-Powered or Crank Radio: Stay informed during the storm and after by including a battery-powered or hand-crank radio in your kit.
• Cash: ATMs and credit card machines may not function during or after a hurricane. Keep a good amount of cash on hand for potential post-storm purchases.
• Cell Phone Charger: A portable phone charger will ensure you can stay connected even if the power goes out.
• Important Documents: Keep copies of critical documents like insurance policies, identification cards, and proof of residence in a waterproof container or ziplock bag.

Creating a Hurricane Evacuation Plan for Your Horry County Family (2024 Season)

Horry County utilizes a hurricane evacuation zone system to guide residents during potential storms. Knowing your evacuation zone is crucial – you can find this information by visiting the Horry County Know Your Zone website or app. Local authorities will announce evacuation orders through official channels like NOAA weather radios, television, and radio broadcasts. These announcements will specify if the evacuation is voluntary or mandatory for your designated zone.

Taking a proactive approach by creating a well-defined evacuation plan for your Horry County family before the 2024 hurricane season arrives is vital.

Here are some key steps to consider:

• Choose Evacuation Routes and Destinations: Identify multiple evacuation routes that lead away from the coast and potential storm surge areas. Research potential shelters or hotels located outside of the evacuation zone and make a preliminary plan for where your family will stay.
• Pack an Evacuation Go Bag: Prepare a separate evacuation go bag containing essential items you’ll need readily available if you need to leave quickly. Include a change of clothes for each family member, medications, important documents, toiletries, and a phone charger in this bag.

• Discuss Communication Strategies: Establish a communication plan for your family in case you become separated during an evacuation. Decide on a designated meeting location outside of the evacuation zone and agree on a method to check in with each other, like texting a pre-determined phrase or calling a specific relative out of the evacuation area.
• Practice Your Plan: Walk through your evacuation plan with your family, including pets if applicable, to ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. Practicing your plan can help alleviate stress and confusion during a real evacuation scenario.

By taking the time to create a comprehensive evacuation plan now, you’ll be better prepared to keep your Horry County family safe during the 2024 hurricane season.

Staying Informed and Up-to-Date During the Hurricane Season in Horry County

Staying informed throughout the 2024 hurricane season is crucial for Horry County residents. Here are some trustworthy resources to keep you updated on the latest weather developments and potential threats:

• Horry County Emergency Management: The Horry County Emergency Management website (https://www.horrycountysc.gov/departments/emergency-management/) serves as a central hub for hurricane preparedness information. They provide resources on evacuation zones, shelter locations, and important updates during storms.
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Hurricane Website: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Hurricane Website (https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/) is the official source for tracking tropical storms and hurricanes. This website offers real-time storm information, forecasts, and advisory updates.
• South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD): The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) (https://www.scemd.org/) website provides comprehensive hurricane preparedness information for the entire state. This includes evacuation planning resources, shelter information, and helpful tips for staying safe during a storm.
• Ready.gov Hurricane Preparedness Guide: Ready.gov (https://www.noaa.gov/hurricane-prep) is a website from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) dedicated to disaster preparedness. Their hurricane preparedness guide offers a wealth of information on creating a hurricane plan, assembling a survival kit, and staying safe before, during, and after a storm.
• Local News Media: Stay informed by tuning into local news stations and radio broadcasts for the latest weather updates and emergency announcements throughout the hurricane season. Bookmark the websites or download the apps of trusted local news outlets for convenient access to critical information.

We Are Here to Help!

If you need advice on how to keep your alarm and fire systems on during a potential hurricane and subsequent evacuation, give us a call ASAP. We will walk you through possible scenarios and will help you pick the right plan for you and your family!