Damage Due to HURRICANE WINDS

Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Power outages could last up to several days.

Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads Near-total power loss is expected from days to weeks.

(MAJOR) Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof. Many trees snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks

(MAJOR) Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof and exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted, power poles downed. Power outages will last weeks to months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months

(MAJOR) Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to months, with most of the area uninhabitable for weeks or months.

HURRICANES from page 16A evacuees. Areas that do not normally have massive increases in populations will not have the resources to manage and accommodate the multitudes of additional people, creating long lines and limited resources. Make a Plan

Having a plan is the most important thing you can do for yourself and your family. Your evacuation plan does not have to be complicated or cumbersome.

Here are a few basic things you can do to develop your evacuation plan:

• Decide where you’re going to go and have alternates. It is recommended that you pick three potential evacuation locations (cities/towns).

• Identify three places to stay in those locations (friends, family, hotels, etc.).

• Print out the contact information for the places you plan to stay.

• Print maps and directions to the locations.

• Know the locations of and directions to pharmacies, hospitals, urgent care centers, veterinarians, etc.

• Include your pets’ needs in your plan: shelter, food, water, medications, leash, collar with tags, potty pads, etc.

• If you are staying in a hotel, understand the facility: Is it pet friendly? Do you need a room with accessibility options? What is the cancellation policy?

Have an evacuation kit

An evacuation kit should include items that will meet the health, food and wellness needs of your family. You might not need the items in the kit while you are evacuating, but you might need them when you return home. Plan on enough supplies for three days.

For more detailed information, visit the websites of the Town of Hilton Head Island, the Town of Bluffton, and Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. Find the South Carolina Hurricane Guide for 2023 at scemd.org. You can also download their app to help create your own plan.

Tom Dunn is the emergency management coordinator for the Town of Hilton Head Island.