Many vacationers don?t know that hurricane season for the southeast coastal region lasts from May through November. With Hurricane Irma making landfall as early as this weekend, there are important things you should know about hurricane preparedness.A hurricane is a lot more than just a whole lot of wind. For instance, the ocean?s storm surge may extend beyond the immediate coastal areas. Hurricanes also bring high winds, tornadoes, heavy rains, and flooding to inland regions. It?s important to know how to prepare for this ahead of time.Before the StormIf you live or are visiting along the coast, plan an evacuation route. Stay tuned to your local television and radio stations (104.1 and 106.5 for Grand Strand area) for emergency evacuation information. Learn safe routes inland. If you are on vacation in the area talk to the hotel or resort management about their storm procedures. During the StormStay tuned to your local television and radio stations for emergency information. Keep a battery-operated, solar-powered or hand-crank-operated radio or television for use during power outages. Stay inside a well-constructed building away from windows and doors, even if they are covered. Go to an interior first-floor room, closet, or under the stairs and stay alert. Tornadoes are often spawned during hurricanes. If the ?eye? of the storm passes over your area, be aware that severe conditions will return with winds from the other direction in a very short time. Limit your non-emergency phone calls. Keep calls brief to minimize network congestion. Wait at least 10 seconds before redialing a call. For non-emergencies, try text messaging from your mobile device. Once the storm passes, be patient. You will most likely not be able to return home right away.SheltersEmergency shelters will be opened if a hurricane approaches South Carolina. Before heading to a public shelter, first consider staying with family and friends or in a hotel out of the evacuated area. If those options are unavailable, the American Red Cross will provide a safe place to stay when you have no other place to go. Cots and blankets will only be provided in the public shelter after hurricane conditions subside. Although food may be provided, specialty items for infants and individuals on restricted diets may not be available.Stay ConnectedDuring a major disaster, there will be a lot of information available online at various sites. Some information will be accurate while other sources can be misleading. Check your local town or county?s website or verified social media channels to find resources such as advisories on shelters, routes, detours and road closures, ways to return home and storm clean-up information.You can use social media from your mobile device to post your status to let family and friends know you are safe. In addition to Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and others, you can use resources such as the American Red Cross?s Safe and Well Program . After the StormIf you have evacuated, some areas may be inaccessible even after the official evacuation order is rescinded. Return only after local authorities advise it is safe to do so. Keep tuned to your local radio and TV stations and monitor social media for recovery information. Take the following precautions after the storm:
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- Avoid downed and sagging power lines.
- Avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges and roadways.
- Inspect the utilities around and in your home
- Beware of snakes, insects and other animals driven to higher ground by floodwater.
- Let a relative know you are home
- Monitor the radio, TV and social media
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If you have any questions or concerns about the hurricane policies at Seaside Rentals please don’t hesitate to contact us.
