Predictions, preparations and evacuation plans
June 1 marks the start of the hurricane season and, according to experts, conditions are right for an active six months on the Atlantic Ocean. The Colorado State University (CSU) forecast team, a nationally recognized source for accurate weather, recently predicted 15 named storms for this season, which lasts through November 30. They predict four of those storms will become hurricanes, with an above average possibility of at least one hitting the coastline of the United States.
According to their findings, there’s a 69 percent chance a hurricane will make landfall somewhere along a U.S. coast this season; this is a slightly higher chance than the long-term average probability, which is 52 percent.
The CSU forecast predictions are based on the premise that global oceanic and atmospheric trends from past hurricane seasons reveal insight into future seasons, and they consider factors such as water surface temperatures and atmospheric pressure when drawing their conclusions. The Hilton Head region has been historically lucky, as far as hurricanes go, but with such a large percentage of Beaufort County situated barely above sea level, adequate preparedness is especially critical.
When a Hurricane Becomes a Threat – Protecting Yourself, Your Family & your home
The Town of Hilton Head Island and Beaufort County, as well as some agencies around the state, coordinate their efforts to protect residents from hurricanes and storms. When a hurricane begins forming on the Atlantic, all who live near the coast inevitably watch the storm’s progress on the news and weather reports – ie. The Weather Channel. But the Beaufort County Emergency Management Department also uses specialized computer programs to watch the hurricane, estimate storm surge and other forces and determine how much time they need to evacuate everyone safely.
When a storm poses a threat to the region, a hurricane watch is issued, which means the storm could hit in the next 36 hours and people should prepare to evacuate. Make sure your car has a full tank of gas, review evacuation routes, make sure everything you need to evacuate safely and successfully is ready and your plans for where to go are in place, check your emergency survival kit and make sure you have a two week supply of any prescription medications.
The governor may issue a request for a voluntary evacuation when storm conditions seem probable. At this point, you are not required to leave the island, but you should consider it. You may be able to avoid traffic congestion and other problems if you leave during a voluntary evacuation.
When a threat becomes imminent and hurricane conditions are expected, a warning will be issued. Take immediate action to protect yourself and your property. The governor could issue a mandatory evacuation so secure any patio furniture or other large outdoor items in the garage or house; place plywood or storm shutters over windows and garage doors; secure vehicles and boats. If you have a pool, cover the pump filter; if you live in a manufactured home, check tie-downs and leave immediately for a safer location. Lock all your doors and windows before you leave your home, make sure you have your survival kit and supplies, and contact your family about your plans.
Further Protecting Your property
Another important step to preparing is to ensure you have adequate insurance coverage on your home and property. After hurricanes ravaged the Gulf Coast and Florida in 2005, many insurance companies started limiting the number of new policies they wrote in coastal areas or even eliminated coverage on the coast altogether. People who bought new homes had trouble finding a company to insure them and many policy holders saw dramatic premium increases. Even now, the insurance industry is feeling the effects of 2005. Couple those four big, expensive storms in one year with increasing property values and a growing population and demand for coverage in coastal areas, and insurance companies have been very limited in their options for homeowners.
Policies may be tricky to find on the island and throughout Beaufort County—especially in areas located in the wind pool—but they are available. Insurance companies might limit the number of new policies they take on in a certain area to ensure that their existing customers are still adequately protected. So you may have to shop around for a new policy, and you may have to pay more than you originally anticipated. If you’re buying a new home, make sure you give yourself a week or two to shop for insurance before you close. Also keep in mind that insurance for a second home may be even more difficult to find. Last summer, the S.C. Department of Insurance expanded the Wind Pool—the coastal area of the state that is eligible for insurance coverage through the South Carolina Wind and Hail Underwriting Association. This made wind and hail policies available to people who couldn’t find coverage in the standard homeowner’s insurance market. Wind Pool coverage is expensive, but helpful to those without other options.
If you haven’t recently updated your homeowner’s policy, consider doing it now. You should check to make sure you have both wind and hail coverage, and flood coverage if you live in a flood zone. Flood damage or damage caused by rising water is not covered in most basic homeowner’s policies. Also make sure you have adequate coverage. Home values have increased dramatically in the past 10 years and the cost of construction materials has increased as well. And if you have renovated your home or added a room, then let your insurance provider know so they can update your policy.
Another important way to prepare for the hurricane season is to update your personal property inventory. Make a list and either videotape or photograph your personal belongings and then store the inventory in a safe place away from your home, such as a family member’s house or a safe deposit box. Finally, talk to your insurance agent about ways you can further protect your property. Some companies offer discounts or credits for homeowners who beef up their hurricane protection by installing storm shutters, windresistant glass windows, and reinforced garage doors.
Evacuation ROUTES
Northern Beaufort County:
The Beaufort area will be evacuated exclusively along US 21 to US 17. Approaching the US 17 intersection in Gardens Corner, the left lane of US 21 will have access to US 17 South and will be directed to Exit 33 (Point South) where motorists will be directed to use the right lane to access I-95 North and the left lane to access I-95 South. The right lane will follow US 17 North to Highway 303 toward Walterboro. Also, motorists wishing to travel towards the Hampton or Augusta area may turn right off US 17 at Pocataligo onto US 21 North to Yemessee and SC 68 West.
Southern Beaufort County:
Hilton Head will be evacuated via US 278 to I-95 and US 17. Both William Hilton Pkwy, (US 278 Business) and the Cross Island Pkwy (US 278) will be used to get motorists to I-95 at Exit 8. Traffic approaching that interchange will be advised that the right lane of Us 278 will be directed onto I-95 North. The left lane will be advised to continue on US 17 North and US 278 toward the Barn-well, Aiken and Augusta areas or exit South on I-95. The Bluffton area, to include the Buck Walter Community, will be advised to use SC 46 for their evacuation. Motorists will remain on SC 46 to Hardeeville where they will be advised to follow US 321 toward the Estill and Augusta areas via SC 3 and SC 125 or may be routed onto I-95 North/South at Exit 5. Bluffton area will be advised to use SC 46. Motorists will remain on SC 46 to Hardeeville, then US 321 toward Estill and Augusta areas, via SC 3 and SC 125 or may be routed onto I-95 North or South at Exit 5.
Residents of Sun City Hilton Head:
These residents will evacuate Sun City utilizing the Highway 170 gate (All other gates will not be utilized for evacuation). Traffic will exit Sun City, turning left onto Hwy 170. Traffic will follow Hwy 170 to Hwy 462, turning left onto Hwy 462. Follow Hwy 462 to I-95 North or South. To go inland, exit I-95 at Hwy 6, which is exit 57, in Walterboro. Should a 3rd lane reversal be required to evacuate Hilton Head Island, the 3rd lane would begin at the intersection of the Cross Island Expressway and William Hilton Pkwy to I-95. Evacuation route signs will be placed at every point on the route where motorists must make a decision. If you have any questions or concerns regarding hurricane evacuation or reentry procedures, contact the Beaufort County Emergency Management Division Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at (843) 470-3100.
Weathering the Storm
Hurricanes are a fact of life for coastal communities and the state, county and town governments have a number of systems in place to keep residents and guests informed about storm activity and emergency procedures. Taking action in your home by making sure you have emergency supplies and plans and making sure your home and personal property are protected will ensure you have a safe hurricane season - whether or not a storm heads for the Lowcountry.
Emergency Survival Kit Checklist
• Water – store at least one gallon per person, per day, and keep at least a three-day supply.
• Food – store at least a three-day supply of canned, non-perishable foods that require minimum preparation, such as canned fruits, vegetables, and meats; canned milk and soup, granola bars, dried fruit, and nuts. Don’t forget to include foods for family members with special dietary needs, such as baby food and formula.
• First A id Kit – prepare a kit with plenty of bandages and first aid supplies, as well as nonprescription medications, sunscreen, and soap.
• Clothing and Bedding – include extra blankets or sleeping bags, rain gear, extra shoes, and extra clothes for each member of your family.
• Supplies – consider everything your family will need to survive away from home: flashlights with extra batteries, candles and matches, garbage bags, cups and plates, cooking utensils, a bucket, bleach, fire extinguisher, basic tools, plastic tarps, and a can opener.
• Important Documents – make sure you pack birth certificates, social security cards, immunization records, bank account numbers, and an inventory of your personal property. Also carry a camera with you to photograph any damage when you return home.
For a detailed list, visit the town’s online checklist at hiltonheadislandsc.gov/Safety/hurricane/prepare/prepkit.html
Resources
For more information about hurricanes, check out the following resources:
The Town of Hilton Head’s hurricane general information page: hiltonheadislandsc.gov/Safety/hurricane/generalinfo.htm.
SC Insurance News provides extensive information on homeowner’s insurance and protecting your property from a hurricane on their Web site: scinsnews.com.
The South Carolina Wind and Hail Underwriting Association’s (Wind Pool) home page: scwind.com/index.html.
Visit floodsmart.gov to determine whether or not your home is located in a flood zone and whether or not you need a flood insurance policy.
The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes has information about protecting your home on their Web site: flash.org.
For information and updates on this year’s hurricane season, visit the Colorado State University forecast team’s Landfall Probability Web site: e-transit.org/hurricane.
For emergency information about an approaching storm, tune into radio stations WGCO 98.3 FM, WYKZ 98.7, WWVV 106.9 FM, or watch Channel WJWJ-TV.
The town provides up-to-date information on storms threatening the area at the following phone numbers: 1 (888) 686-6397 and the Beaufort County Emergency Management office at (843) 470-3100.
For information on evacuations and re-entry procedures, call Hilton Head Island Building Official, Thomas Fieldstead, at (843) 682-5111, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Disaster planning for pets is available at hiltonheadislandsc.gov/Safety/hurricane/prepare/planpets.html.
