COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) is reminding residents to begin necessary preparations as they continue to monitor the possible effects of Hurricane Isaias. Current forecast tracks have the storm passing very close to the state, or perhaps directly impacting portions of the area, early next week.
“We’ve been watching Hurricane Isaias very closely over the past few days,” SCEMD Director Kim Stenson said, “There is still a lot of uncertainty in the forecast. It will be important for everyone to review their hurricane plans now and pay close attention to the forecasts over the weekend.”
Residents should review personal safety plans and begin to prepare in case Isaias threatens the state.
Below is a list provided by SCEMD of steps to take to prepare for possible storms.
- Be sure your emergency supplies kit has enough bottled water and non-perishable food to sustain each family member for three days. Include a weather radio, flashlight, extra batteries, chargers, toiletries, change of clothes, blankets or sleeping bag, rain gear and appropriate footwear. Also include copies of important documents, such as birth certificates and insurance policies.
- Prepare your home for tropical storm conditions by making sure gutters are cleaned, storm drains are clear and any lawn furniture can be secured.
- Keep your cell phones and mobile devices charged in case of power outages.
- Gather pet supplies and put them in an easily-accessible container.
- Know Your Zone. Residents in coastal counties can know their hurricane evacuation zone instantly by visiting scemd.org/KnowYourZone or downloading the SC Emergency Manager mobile app.
- Stay tuned to local media for the latest advisories from the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center (NHC), as well as state and local emergency management officials.
- Follow trusted, verified sources for the latest news and be prepared to follow the instructions of state and local public safety officials.
Residents can also download the SC Emergency Manager mobile app.
The official 2020 S.C. Hurricane Guide is available here and can be found locally at any Walgreens, select Piggly Wiggly locations, coastal DMV offices and all South Carolina Welcome Centers.
According to SCEMD, their response team remains at 'Operational Condition Level Two' for COVID-19 response and for Hurricane Isaias. The state’s emergency operations center is partially activated to respond to requests for resources should they be needed by local emergency managers.
Key state agencies and county emergency managers are making initial preparations for the possibility of any hazardous situations while select personnel from SCEMD’s Operations and Preparedness sections continue to monitor Hurricane Isaias from the State Emergency Operations Center in West Columbia.