The hurricane season in South Carolina runs from early June through late November every year, with peak hurricane activity occurring in late August and early September.
Living in the Lowcountry has many advantages, but residents are aware they must take precautions to protect their home and belongings during the summer months. The best time to prepare is before hurricane season begins. Arrange insurance checkups early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.
Residents of the Lowcountry will need an evacuation plan in the event of a hurricane or severe weather. Consider speaking with a friend or relative who lives outside of flood-prone areas, to see if you could travel to stay with them. Plan several travel routes to reach them.
Whether you choose to evacuate or shelter-in-place during a hurricane, you will need extra supplies on-hand, both for during the storm as well as for the potential aftermath. It is advised to keep enough non-perishable food, bottled water, and medicine on-hand for three days. Since water and electricity may be out for a period of time, having extra cash, a battery-powered radio, and flashlights is also advised.
Homeowner’s and renter’s insurance do not cover damages in the event of a flood. Residents of the Lowcountry will need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy. You will need to ensure you have enough flood coverage to repair your home and replace your belongings in the event of a catastrophic weather event. Your insurance agent can help you with this process.
Create and share your hurricane plan with family members before hurricane season begins. Determine meeting places and out-of-town evacuate plans. Write down important phone numbers and emergency contact information since Internet service might go out during severe weather events.
Prepare your home now for potential extreme summer weather. Trim trees that are close to your home, install storm shutters, seal outside wall openings, and consider retrofitting your garage doors. Keep supplies like plywood, steel, and aluminum panels in storage, in the event you need to board windows ahead of future storms.
The agents at Gill Insurance of the Lowcountry are available to help our clients secure affordable homeowner’s, renter’s, and flood insurance policies. If you need to make any changes to your existing coverage, or initiate a new policy, give our agents a call today! (843) 388-5021.