HURRICANES Hurricane ‘Be Prepared’ checklist

To do now:

• Keep your vehicles’ gas tanks filled during Hurricane Season. When the indicator gets to half a tank, fill it up.

• Create an evacuation plan and communicate with family members and friends living elsewhere to let them know where you will go.

• Check your flood insurance policy to make sure your home is covered; buy or enhance a policy as needed.

When a storm is impending:

• People and pets: Know who and what you are taking with you. Few shelters will take pets, so prepare in time to find those that will, or take the pet with you. Do not leave animals behind.

• Bring inside anything that can be picked up high winds – lawn furniture, plants, flags, bird feeders, bikes.

• Take photos of your home and belongings in case they’re needed later for insurance purposes.

• Board up windows with hurricane shutters or protective plywood.

Pack a “go kit”:

• Prescriptions: For people and pets, enough for two weeks or more; eyeglass/contact prescriptions, body braces, mobility items, etc.

• Important papers: Wills, deeds, insurance, passports, etc.

• Personal needs: bottled water, non-perishable food, clothing for a week, blankets; pet food and bowls, cages/leashes/litter boxes, litter – comfort items.

• Priceless items: Wedding pictures, memorabilia, military treasures, photo albums, valuables. Just before your evacuation departure:

• Household: Turn off gas, electricity, water and propane at the valves or power box. Unplug small appliances.

• Communication: Take phone chargers that will adapt to your vehicle’s power source and keep phones charged.

• Directions. GPS is great, until your signal is too weak or a tower goes down. Print out maps if you need them.

• Carry enough cash to fill up along your planned evacuation route. Some gas stations might lose power and be unable to pump gas or may run out as those evacuating pass through. Gas trucks might not be able to reach the stations quickly.

• Make advance reservations if you will need a place to stay along your desired travel route. For a comprehensive guide to planning, see the 2023 Hurricane Guide from the S.C. Emergency Management Division. Find it at SCEMD.org or BCSO.net.