Hurricane Preparation

Hurricane Preparation

To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

For Your Safety

Have a hurricane kit! A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

  • Water - one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
  • Food - at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
  • Flashlight
  • First aid kit
  • Extra batteries
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • Manual can opener for food
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

For Your Home

  • Check your insurance coverage. Did you know it typically takes 30 days for a new insurance policy to become effective? Check into flood coverage because most homeowner's insurance does not cover floods.
  • Have opening protection readily available for your home's windows, doors, etc. It is often difficult to find supplies immediately before a storm and they may be more expensive. Factory made storm protection is often the best; however, if you choose to use plywood it should be at least ½" thickness, pre-cut to fit openings and attached securely with screws for ease of removal.
  • Learn how to secure power, gas, and water utilities now. It is often best to secure all utilities when evacuating. In the case of storm damage, doing this may reduce additional property losses and illuminate hazards to your family and emergency workers.

Emergency Supplies

Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:

  • Prescription medications
  • Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
  • Glasses and contact lense solution
  • Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream
  • Pet food and extra water for your pet
  • Cash or traveler's checks
  • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
  • Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
  • Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
  • Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
  • Paper and pencil
  • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

*Information supplied by Ready.gov

Evacuation

Whenever a hurricane threatens our coast, you may plan to leave voluntarily or may be ordered to do so. In the event of a mandatory evacuation, the City may find it necessary to limit access to all or portions of the island based on the extent of damage. Isle of Palms residents must have a current Resident Parking Permit or Wild Dunes Owner sticker, in order to return to the island after a storm.

If you or a family members requires special assistance during an evacuation, please fill the City's Priority Assistance Form.

Before Evacuation:

  • Review and finalize evacuation plans, family contacts, and hurricane supply kit.
  • Make sure to pack documentation for insurance and reentry.
  • Fill prescriptions and fill vehicles with fuel.
  • Secure items in yard (trash and recycling cans) and building openings and utilities; set refrigerator on coldest setting.
  • Place valuables in safe/waterproof area or containers.
  • Leave when evacuation order is given! Remember, in a severe storm emergency services will have to evacuate the island for the protection of personnel and emergency equipment and may not be available to respond to calls for service.

If an evacuation is ordered you should also:

  • unplug all major electrical items
  • turn off breakers located in your home
  • make sure doors and windows are properly locked
  • turn off your water (individual water shutoff valve is generally located in your water heater closet)

The following needs to be done whether or not an evacuation is ordered:

  • move all porch furniture and outside items to the inside of your home

South Carolina Evacuation Routes

Sand Bags

The City makes sand bags available at no charge at the Public Safety Building, located at 30 J C Long Boulevard and sand at the Large Municipal Parking Lot on Pavilion Drive. Citizens will be responsible to fill their own sand bags. Sand bags are limited to 10 per person.

Note: The city will provide an update under Latest News once sandbags become available.

Quick Links