Emergency Preparedness
Hurricane season is June 1st - November 30th
In a disaster, local officials and public safety personnel might not be able to reach everyone immediately. You and your family need to be prepared ahead of time in case you won't have time to shop or search for the supplies you will need when a disaster strikes.
Most disasters are natural disasters, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods. Although some natural disasters can be predicted, such as hurricanes and severe winter storms, others, such as tornadoes and earthquakes, happen with little or no warning. Disasters can strike at any time of the day, so it's important to have a planned response when you're at work, on vacation or on the road.
When you face a natural or man-made emergency, try to stay informed through radio, TV or the Internet. However, in some cases, cable, electric and cell phone service will be disabled, making communication nearly impossible. Disaster can strike at any time of the day, so it's important to have a planned response when you're at work, on vacation or on the road. The following general precautions apply to many disaster situations. Share these with your friends and family to ensure that they're prepared.
- Have a family communication plan. Review and practice the plan with all family members
- Have an emergency kit in your car and at least three days of food and water at home
- Store all important documents, such as passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, etc., in a fire-proof safe or safety deposit box
- Know how to shut off utilities
Charleston County has an Emergency Management Department smart phone app to keep the public informed before, during and after an emergency. The app is free on all Apple and Android devices. While the app was designed with hurricane season in mind, the operation will be a valuable tool for any natural or man-made disaster.
- To get the app: Go to whichever online app store is appropriate for your phone -- Google Play for Android or Apple for iPhones. In the Search field, type CC EMD; if it does not work type CCEMD without the space.
- To see an overview of the app's features, watch the short tutorial developed by Charleston County: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaOwnxXpVwg.
These pictures of the destruction of the islands and surrounding areas following Hurricane Hugo in 1989 remind us to be aware of the importance of emergency preparedness.
Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults
Become equipped with essential knowledge and actionable steps to navigate emergencies confidently, tailored specifically for the unique needs of older adults. View the National Council on Aging Emergency Preparedness Guide.
FEMA Tool Kit
Emergency Prep Documents
Disaster Preparedness Plan (34kb)
Hurricane Checklist (20kb)
Hurricane General Information (27kb)
What to Do to Prepare for an Emergency(15kb)
Additional Resources
Charleston County Government
Charleston County Hurricane Guide
Evacuation Routes
Charleston Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Flood Mitigation
SeniorLiving.org Resources
FidoAlert’s Pet Disaster Preparedness Guide
Medical Care
Mobile Urgent Care
GOMED Mobile Healthcare
Isle of Palms, South Carolina 29451
844-994-6633
Emergency Animal Care
Emergency Preparedness Trivia
June 1961 - Thirty-four residents of Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island met to adopt an active Civil Defense Program. Classes were held at the Isle of Palms Exchange Club. Alderman George P. Chaconas, Chairman of the City's Civil Defense and Disaster Committee urged a representative from each family to attend the classes in order to prepare for disasters such as hurricanes, first aid, transportation emergency evacuations due to natural disasters. A siren was purchased and installed near city hall to warn residents of emergencies. A second siren was installed on the North end of the island. The sirens were used to alert residents of hurricanes and attacks.