M0ec19054efb9ef0650ad08b96cc907c4a Helpful Resources to Navigate Hurricane Season in South Carolina M1ec19054efb9ef0650ad08b96cc907c4a

Helpful Resources to Navigate Hurricane Season in South Carolina

South Carolina is one of the most vulnerable states to storms and hurricanes, which can affect the whole state, not just the coast. 

Here are some resources to help you and your family prepare and navigate hurricane season, which goes from June 1 to November 30.

Follow the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD)

The state division’s website, social media and SC Emergency Manager mobile app are go-to sources for updates on unfolding weather locally and statewide.

You can find helpful information about creating a Family Emergency Kit, which provides a comprehensive list of supplies to have in your home to meet your family's needs for at least three days. There’s also a step-by-step guide to keeping your pets safe before, during and after weather-related emergencies. 

For residents who need to seek shelter, see SCEMD’s updated list. You can also find an interactive evacuation map, which shows lane reversals, by the state Department of Transportation.

Track Closures

Follow current school and district closures from the state Department of Education. Find government office closings near you with the SCEMD’s state map. Check out an interactive map by the state Department of Transportation for road closures.

Helpful Hotlines

South Carolinians can call the state’s toll-free hotline to ask questions during a storm or hurricane, such as what safety precautions you should take in the state’s response. Operators with the State’s Public Information Phone System are available 24 hours a day at 1-866-246-0133.

If you need assistance as a person with a disability before, during, or after the storm, contact Able SC at 803-779-5121. If you call after business hours, call 1-803-233-2974 or 1-803-233-2616.

The national Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) provides crisis counseling for anyone experiencing emotional distress related to a disaster. This hotline is multilingual and crisis support service is available 24/7. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.

Social Media Accounts to Follow

Helpful Apps to Download

  • The SC Emergency Manager app is the official app of SCEMD. It is designed for users to build their own emergency plans, keep track of supplies and stay connected to loved ones. It is available at at the Apple App Store and Google Play.
  • The Weather Channel app provides reliable live radar updates, an hourly rain tracker, storm radar news and local weather forecasts. It is available at the Apple App Store and Google Play.
  • If your power company has an app, it might be helpful to download it to report and track power outages.

Know the Vocab

The National Weather Service defines the following:

  • Watch: Tropical storm or hurricane conditions pose a possible threat, and you should begin to prepare.
  • Warning: Tropical storm or hurricane conditions are expected, and you should finish all preparations.
  • Tropical Depression: A tropical cyclone that has maximum sustained surface winds (one-minute average) of 38 mph (33 knots) or less.
  • Tropical Storm: A tropical cyclone that has maximum sustained surface winds ranging from 39-73 mph (34 to 63 knots).
  • Hurricane: A hurricane is a tropical cyclone that has maximum sustained surface winds of 74 mph or greater (64 knots or greater).
  • Major Hurricane: A hurricane that is classified as Category 3 or higher.
  • Tornado Watch: Be Prepared! Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans, take inventory of your supplies and check your safe room.
  • Tornado Warning: Take Action! A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
  • Tornado Emergency: Seek Shelter Immediately! A tornado emergency is the National Weather Service’s highest alert level. It is issued when a violent tornado has touched down in the watch area.

Ways to Guide Your Kids Through the Chaos

Getting through a natural disaster as a family can be hard! South Carolina First Steps offers some ways to help children weather serious storms.

  • Maintain your normal routines as much as possible. This helps children feel safe and secure. Keep your child’s usual schedule for meals and bedtimes when possible.
  • Limit media coverage, which may be frightening for children.
  • Reassure children that they are safe. Talking, reading and singing with your child can be especially comforting during times of stress.
  • Try to create space for your child’s feelings, whether they are fear, excitement or anything in between.
  • Collaborate. Give your kids something to do! Depending on their age, this could involve caring for a family pet, putting fresh batteries in a flashlight, or even tracking the storm together.

Find Help After the Storm

SC Parents has built a network of professional provider organizations around South Carolina in partnership with findhelp which can help you recover after a hurricane. Go to the Resource Directory, enter your zip code, go to the Safety category and click Natural Disaster. 


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