COLUMBIA, S.C. — With Hurricane Dorian continuing to strengthen in the Atlantic Ocean, it is never too soon to prepare for the possibility of a tropical system striking the South Carolina coast.
While the News19 Weather Team is not forecasting a direct hit in South Carolina from the storm, we are on your side with several tips for you to use should a hurricane strike the state.
Know your area:
- Check evacuation maps for your area and know what zone you are in. South Carolina's evacuation zones can be found here.
- Know where a shelter or other safe places are located.
Prepare your first aid kit:
- Include items such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, instant ice pack, adhesive tape, and scissors.
Know your supplies:
- Have plenty of water
- You should have a gallon of water per family member per day
- Stock up on non-perishable foods.
- Make sure you have a flashlight with extra batteries, a battery operated radio, and a working fire extinguisher.
Prepare your home:
- Know how to turn off your home's gas and water
- Have the appropriate wrench needed and know where your shut off valves are located.
- Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind. This includes lawn furniture, grills, plants, and bicycles.
Know your documents:
- Be sure your important documents are safely stored in waterproof containers
- Protect documents like birth certificates, social security cards, passports, insurance documents, and deeds.
Know your medicines:
- Have all prescription medications with you in case of an emergency
- Leave your prescription medications in the labeled bottle provided by your doctor
Have a communication plan:
- Have a plan for you and your family to get in touch
- Complete a contact card for all family members with names, numbers, and email addresses.
Protect your pets:
- Don't leave your furry friends behind
- If you need to leave, transport your pet in a secure crate.
- If you are evacuating to a shelter, make sure you find a pet-friendly shelter.
- Pack plenty of food and water for your pet
- Make sure identification tags are up to date in case your pet gets lost.