This is how to prepare in SC as Hurricane Helene moves closer to the state

Are you ready for Helene?

Hurricane Helene, currently a Category 1 storm, is expected to become a major hurricane before making landfall along the Florida Panhandle Thursday evening, according to the National Weather Service. While the storm should weaken as it heads inland overnight through Georgia and past South Carolina, it’s still predicted to make it’s presence known.

The storm is forecast to drop several inches of rain on the Midlands and potentially cause flash flooding. Also, the storm may produce wind gusts of up to 60 mph — strong enough to damage porches, unanchored mobile homes and break large tree limbs. The storm could also generate some tornadoes, especially around south and east of I-20, the NWS states.

But given that the worst of the storm isn’t expected to reach South Carolina until Thursday evening, there is still time for residents to prepare. Here are ways to prepare, according to the South Carolina Emergency Management Department.

Prepare your home

Do a safety check to make sure your home is best able to withstand the effects of a hurricane. Have your roof inspected, double check hurricane shutters and make sure your insurance policies cover the types of damages hurricanes can cause. Make a list and take photos of your belongings as records.

Have a family emergency plan

Emergency responders across the state encourage residents to create a family emergency plan in the event of a hurricane, which should include an evacuation destination and agreed-upon meeting locations. In addition, residents should keep phones charged when possible and maintain a way to find out the latest information on storms and impacts to their home area. SCEMD’s Hurricane Guide provides more safety and planning recommendations.

Remember your evacuation route

Be aware of the closest hurricane evacuation route ahead. This will allow for a more efficient and safer route out of the area if a hurricane is heading your way. Once you’ve learned your route, stick with it and remember it. Rely on the blue hurricane evacuation signs, not GPS. To review hurricane routes, review the state’s hurricane guide.

Hurricanes and tropical storms not only threaten the coast, but all areas of South Carolina. Storm surge and flooding are the most deadly and destructive hazards associated with tropical storms and hurricanes. High winds and tornadoes can cause severe damage to buildings and homes.

Have multiple hurricane alert options

Your family should have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts that can tell you what’s happening and what you need to do. Those include wireless emergency alerts on mobile devices, NOAA weather radios and local broadcast TV or radio. Do not rely on just one way to get emergency information.

For additional public safety notifications, sign up for CodeRED alerts. You can select what types of alerts to receive and by what method, including text message, voice phone call or email.

Register for CodeRED alerts for free through the SCEMD website by visiting scemd.org.

Disaster kit

Here are the supplies recommended for a basic disaster kit.

• Portable radio with extra batteries
• First Aid kit
• NOAA weather radio
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Cash (enough to fill up a vehicle with gas)
• Mobile device chargers
• Bottled water
• Plastic dishes, utensils
• Bedding and clothing
• Rain jackets
• Blankets, towels
• Hand sanitizer
• Soap, shampoo
• Sunglasses, sunscreen
• Important documents like driver’s license, Social Security card
• Toothbrush and toothpaste

This story was originally published September 26, 2024 at 9:52 AM with the headline "This is how to prepare in SC as Hurricane Helene moves closer to the state."

Patrick McCreless

The State

803-771-8353

Patrick McCreless is the Southeast service journalism editor for McClatchy, who leads and edits a team of six reporters in South Carolina, Georgia and Mississippi. The team writes about trending news of the day and topics that help readers in their daily lives and better informs them about their communities. He attended Jacksonville State University in Alabama and grew up in Tuscaloosa, AL.