Preparing Your Family for a Hurricane
What to do now:
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Develop a Family Plan now, do not wait until a storm is announced. Communicate with out-oftown family members; let them know your plan when a storm is present and contact them
afterwards. Make sure all family members know how to contact each other in case of separation.
Have a hurricane kit! The kit should include a portable battery operated radio, flashlight, extra
batteries, first aid kit, food and water for several days, a non-electric can opener, medications,
moist towelettes, garbage bags, infant formula/diapers if needed, pet food and water for your pet,
complete change of clothing, sleeping bag, matches in a waterproof container, and cash (ATM
machines and credit cards may not be usable if power is out).
If you or a family member has special needs, please include these arrangements in your plan.
City emergency workers will be busily securing City facilities, equipment, and supplies and
ensuring a general evacuation and will not be able to assist individuals with transportation or
securing personal property.
After a storm, reentry on the island will require a Driver’s License with Folly address or a lease
agreement or proof of ownership and valid ID. Keep copies of necessary paperwork to have
upon reentry.
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 homeowners insurance
does not cover floods.
If you have pets, pre-plan a hotel or shelter that accepts pets. Make sure you also have your pet’s
immunization records on hand.
Have opening protection readily available for your home’s windows, doors, etc. Supplies
immediately before a storm are difficult to find and may be more expensive. Factory made storm
protection is often the best; however, it 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.
When a Hurricane Watch is issued:
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Review your plan with your family and friends.
Check your hurricane kit, including cash and necessary paperwork and supplies.
Make evacuation route plans based on storm projections. Travel and lodging plan should be well
inland.
Think about your pets in planning.
Fill vehicles with fuel.
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Fill prescriptions.
Secure items in yard, especially your trash and recycling cans, which could become projectiles in
the storm.
Secure buildings to include utilities and openings.
Fill containers and bath tubs with water.
Place refrigerators setting to coldest temp.
Monitor local and national weather updates.
From Hurricane Warning to Landfall:
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Stay calm -- follow your family hurricane plan.
Place valuable items in a safe waterproof area or containers.
Take insurance information with you and review.
Make sure to pack reentry paperwork (ID with local address or ID + lease, utility, or proof of
ownership)
Monitor media for updated storm and community information.
If evacuating to a shelter, bring blankets, sleeping bags, and other basic supplies for several days.
Complete the securing of your home.
Leave when evacuation order is given! Remember, in a severe storm emergency services will
have to evacuate for the protection of personnel and emergency equipment and will not be
available.
Call 911 if you have an emergency. Folly Beach Dispatch will likely not be operational.
After The Storm:
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Monitor media for information of conditions and time frame on safe return and only return home
when local authorities allow reentry for residents and business owners.
The Charleston County website will provide updates: www.charlestoncounty.org
Limit phone calls to avoid overburdening the wireless and land line systems.
Bring ID with Folly address or lease or proof of ownership and ID to the checkpoint entering the
island. Please expect delays during the reentry. We will be verifying and logging the identity of
every person entering the island for the safety and security of the island.
Check home for the damages before entering. Beware of trees and limbs that could fall causing
injury.
Notify authorities of immediate hazards that may exist.
Secure minor damages that will continue to allow rain or other weather conditions to cause
further damage to your home or contents. Open home for ventilation to assist in the drying out
process.
Please contact City Hall before you hire a contractor; we want to ensure you are working with a
licensed contractor and not a scam artist.
Beware of down utilities lines; treat all lines as if they are live.
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Do not connect a generator to your home’s electrical system unless it has been wired by a
licensed electrician for this application. The generator could feed power back into the power
lines causing injury to workers or your neighbors!
Drive only if absolutely necessary.
Beware of food spoilage in refrigerator and freezers
Contact insurance carrier to report damages. Take photos for documentation of damages, if
possible.
For information, call Folly Public Safety—843- 588-7003