2026 Hurricane Season · June 1–November 30
Hurricane Preparedness
Know your zone, make a plan, build your kit, and follow official instructions before conditions change.
Plan Ahead. Stay Ahead.
Start Here
Complete these two steps now, before a storm is approaching.
Step One
Register for Charleston County Alerts
Receive time-sensitive county notifications for severe weather, evacuations, road closures, and other emergencies.
Step Two
Know Your Evacuation Zone
Use your address to confirm your designated zone. State and local authorities announce evacuations by these zones.
Follow the blue hurricane evacuation-route signs.
SCEMD advises motorists to follow official route signs and law-enforcement instructions rather than relying on GPS during an evacuation.
Prepare Before a Storm Is Named
Protect Your Home
- Inspect the roof, gutters, drains, and shutters.
- Trim weak branches and secure outdoor furniture, grills, and décor.
- Know how to shut off water, electricity, and gas if officials direct you.
- Keep vehicles fueled or charged.
Protect Your Records
- Review homeowners, renters, wind, and flood coverage.
- Photograph your home and belongings before the season.
- Store policies, IDs, medication lists, and contacts in a waterproof container and secure digital backup.
- Keep insurer and utility numbers available offline.
Plan for People & Pets
- Choose an evacuation destination and meeting point.
- Plan transportation and assistance for older adults, children, and anyone with access or medical needs.
- Include pet carriers, food, medications, and records.
- Share the plan with household members.
Build a 72-Hour Emergency Kit
Charleston County advises households to be prepared to care for themselves for at least the first 72 hours after a disaster.
Essentials
- Water and nonperishable food
- Prescription medications and basic first aid
- Flashlights, batteries, and weather radio
- Phone chargers and battery banks
- Cash, hygiene items, and sturdy shoes
Household-Specific Items
- Infant, older-adult, disability, and medical supplies
- Pet food, water, carrier, leash, and records
- Copies of IDs, insurance, and emergency contacts
- Local map and written evacuation plan
- Books, games, and comfort items
When a Storm Threatens
1. Monitor Official Updates
Use Charleston County alerts, SCEMD, the National Hurricane Center, and trusted local broadcasters. Forecasts and instructions can change quickly.
2. Act Early
Finish securing outdoor items, charge devices, set refrigerators colder, and move vehicles and valuables away from flood-prone areas when safe to do so.
3. Evacuate When Directed
Leave early, take your kit and medications, follow the blue route signs and law enforcement, and do not drive through flooded roads.
4. Shelter Safely
If not evacuating, stay in a sturdy interior room away from windows. Keep alerts audible and remain inside until officials say conditions are safe.
After the Storm
Wait for Official Reentry
Do not return to an evacuated area until authorities permit it. Roads, bridges, utilities, and emergency services may still be limited.
Avoid Hidden Hazards
Stay away from floodwater and downed lines. Use generators outdoors and away from doors and windows, following manufacturer instructions.
Document Damage
Photograph damage before cleanup when safe, contact your insurer promptly, and keep receipts for necessary emergency repairs.
Official Resources
Use these official sources for current conditions, instructions, routes, shelters, and preparedness guidance.
National Guidance
Prepared using 2026 guidance from SCEMD, Charleston County Emergency Management, FEMA, and NOAA. Follow current official instructions during any active storm.
For a Life-Threatening Emergency, Call 911
For preparedness questions, contact Charleston County Emergency Management during regular office hours.