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The threat of a hurricane is not taken lightly, so while we hope for the best, we plan for the worst.
Hurricane season begins on June 1st and while everyone recognizes the devastation some hurricanes and flooding cause in communities, I want to assure you that Beaufort County and the Town of Hilton Head Island have developed comprehensive evacuation and re-entry plans that will ease our exit and return home. WeHurricane season begins on June 1st and while everyone recognizes the devastation some hurricanes and flooding cause in communities, I want to assure you that Beaufort County and the Town of Hilton Head Island have developed comprehensive evacuation and re-entry plans that will ease our exit and return home.
We have taken lessons learned from our own experiences and those of others by establishing emergency reserve funds that will go a long way in restoring our lifestyle and livelihood. The threat of a hurricane is not taken lightly, so while we hope for the best, we plan for the worst. We’re doing our part, so please accept the responsibility of preparing your family.
The Town of Hilton Head Island, with tremendous support from Beaufort County and the State of SC Emergency Management Division (SCEMD), is well-prepared for hurricane season. However, no amount of government planning can take the place of citizens who are prepared and who make good, rational decisions.
I would like to direct everyone to scemd.org for assistance in developing your hurricane plan. And here are just few facts that that might make you better prepared: Did you know that after damage from a hurricane, you will need to provide your insurance company with an inventory of the household items destroyed by the hurricane? If you do not prepare an inventory list, take pictures of your belongings, or use some other form of documentation. you may have difficulty convincing your insurance company of what was lost.
Did you know that flood insurance is NOT a part of most homeowners insurance policies? Flood insurance is typically purchased separately and usually has a 30-day waiting period before it is active. Once a storm has been named, it is too late to purchase flood insurance.
Did you know that some homeowner’s insurance does not cover damage from wind and/or hail? Like flood insurance it must be purchased separately and may have waiting periods of 15 days or more. Did you know that all radio and television stations giving hurricane information may not be providing official information? The State of S.C. manages the S.C. Emergency Alert System radio and TV stations. The closest radio stations to Hilton Head Island that participate in this official notification system are WNKT 107.5 FM (Charleston), WEZL 103.5 FM (Charleston), and WJWJ 89.9 (Beaufort/Hilton Head Island). The National Weather Service (nws.noaa.gov) is another resource for official information.
Did you know that there are no public evacuation shelters in Beaufort County? While there are some in Jasper County, they will be crowded and they will have very limited facilities. Every citizen of Hilton Head Island should plan today for a location far inland that they can evacuate to. Staying on the island is not a viable or smart option. Did you know that most public evacuation shelters and hotels do not allow pets? Contact your destination hotel in advance to determine if they will allow your pets to occupy your room with you. Go to clemson.edu/LPH/emergencypreparedness. htm for additional information on how to plan for your pets.
Did you know that relief from FEMA should not be expected for at least 72 hours? That means that you may be in a shelter or hotel for a long time before basic supplies can be made available to you. Situations like this require that you be prepared so that you have the basic needs of life with you. Pack a basic disaster supplies kit now and have it ready for when an evacuation order is issued.
Did you know that in order to move traffic efficiently during an evacuation, law enforcement officials may deny your request to follow the route of your choice? The evacuation map for Beaufort County residents can be viewed at http://www.bcgov.net/Emerg_mgt/images/ CountywideEvacRoutes2007Little_001.jpg.
Plan ahead so that you are protected prior to a storm’s arrival. Hopefully we will not have to face a difficult hurricane season, but by working together, a community like Hilton Head Island can overcome any obstacle.
