Governor Declares May as South Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Month: “Don’t Wait, Prepare Today”

Governor Henry McMaster has officially proclaimed May as South Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Month, urging residents, communities, and businesses to proactively prepare for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season. This annual designation, supported by the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD), county emergency managers, the National Weather Service (NWS), and the State Emergency Response Team, provides South Carolinians with a crucial window to take necessary precautions before the official hurricane season begins on June 1st.

The theme for this year’s Hurricane Preparedness Month is “Don’t Wait, Prepare Today,” emphasizing the importance of immediate action to ensure safety and preparedness before potential storms threaten the state.

Key Steps for Hurricane Preparedness:

• Know Your Zone: South Carolina utilizes a zone-based evacuation system for its coastal counties. Residents are strongly encouraged to identify their specific hurricane evacuation zone. This information is readily available through the SC Emergency Manager mobile app and the state’s online hurricane guide, Hurricane.sc. Understanding your zone is critical for knowing when and where to evacuate if ordered by state or local officials.
• Prepare Your Home: Taking steps now to fortify your home against hurricane impacts is essential. This includes scheduling a roof inspection, ensuring hurricane shutters are in good working order, and reviewing insurance policies to confirm adequate coverage for potential hurricane-related damages. Creating a detailed list and taking photographs of your belongings will also aid in the insurance claims process if necessary.
• Remember Your Route: Identifying the closest designated hurricane evacuation route well before a storm approaches is vital. During an evacuation, residents should prioritize following the official blue hurricane evacuation signs, as these provide the most accurate and reliable guidance, potentially differing from GPS directions.

South Carolina’s Vulnerability:

South Carolina faces a significant risk from hurricanes and tropical storms due to its six coastal counties bordering the Atlantic Ocean and its extensive 180-plus miles of coastline. Densely populated coastal areas, particularly during peak tourist seasons, combined with low elevations, increase the potential for danger. The impacts of hurricanes are not limited to the coast, as storm surge and flooding pose the most dangerous and destructive threats statewide. High winds and tornadoes associated with these weather systems can also cause substantial damage to homes and infrastructure across the state.

Recent Hurricane History:

South Carolina has experienced numerous impacts from hurricanes and tropical storms in recent years. In 2024, Hurricane Helene caused a statewide event with multiple tornadoes, downed trees, and widespread power outages. Other notable storms include Hurricane Matthew (2016), Hurricane Irma (2017), Hurricane Florence (2018), Hurricane Dorian (2019), Hurricane Ian (2022), Hurricane Idalia (2023), and Hurricane Debby (2024). This history underscores the consistent threat the state faces and the importance of annual preparedness efforts.

With the Atlantic hurricane season officially running from June 1st through November 30th, Governor McMaster and emergency management officials urge all South Carolinians to utilize the month of May to take proactive steps to protect themselves, their families, and their property. “Don’t Wait, Prepare Today” is the call to action, emphasizing that early preparation is key to staying safe during hurricane season.