Summer is about here! Most of us who have lived in the Lowcountry celebrate June’s arrival, and shudder a bit as June 1st starts “Hurricane Season” which lasts until November 30th.
In my experience, the best way to manage any anxiety or stress, is to be prepared and learn not to overreact. Reality is – we are on the coast and we are susceptible to tropical activity, it is the price we pay to live in paradise. Here are my tips and favorite resources to be prepared: Please note – if links do not appear in blue – they do go to the intended resources.
- Be aware of the local Hurricane Guides and Plans;
- Charleston County Website – Click Here.
- This is excellent and includes definitions, a Guide, preparation tips, animal friendly hotels, evacuation zones, shelters, etc.
- Berkeley County – Click Here.
- Dorchester County – Click Here.
- Mount Pleasant – Hurricane Site – Click Here.
- City of Charleston includes West Ashley, James and Johns Islands – Hurricane Site – Click Here.
- North Charleston Hurricane Site – Click Here.
- State of South Carolina Hurricane Guide – Click Here.
- Channel 2 Hurricane Guides – Click Here.
- Charleston County Website – Click Here.
Let me know if I missed any areas that you would want a guide. I wanted to also include some vendors I know who are reliable for Hurricane Shutters, generators, roofing, insurance, etc. I have personal experience with each of them, but please know these are my experiences and not meant to exclude anyone you have used or prefer. These vendors include:
- Hurricane Preparation Vendors:
- Lowcountry Hurricane Protection and Shutters – Click Here.
- I have used this vendor personally and loved their options and service.
- Charleston Electric – (Generic Whole Home Generator vendor) – Click Here.
- Southpaw Roofing – Click Here.
- If your roof is getting older, insurance vendors have become increasing insurance rates or dropping folks in the Lowcountry. In my experience, Southpaw is a great vendor and consultant for your roofing needs.
- Home and Flood Insurance – Brightway, The McKenzie Agency – Click Here.
- Insurance in the Lowcountry is often a challenge. Jenny and Zack with this company are locals who know the market and know the best options for your insurance needs.
- Tree and Shrub Services – Cox Tree Service – Click Here.
- Keeping your trees away from your home and properly cared for are extremely important to keep your home safe and to keep your insurance folks happy.
- Lowcountry Hurricane Protection and Shutters – Click Here.
- Hurricane Kit Vendors: (Hurricane Kits are essential not just for staying but for returning if power stays out for awhile)
- Lowes Home Improvement- Hurricane Preparedness and Hurricane Kit Guide – Click Here.
- Home Depot – Hurricane Preparation – Click Here.
- Tractor Supply – Building a Hurricane Emergency Kit – Click Here.
Some general tips:
- Make a Hurricane Kit – update it every year. Have either a gas powered or electric generator (example Click Here) and plenty of batteries in case you lose power. BE CAREFUL with gas generators – carbon monoxide poisoning is a real hazard.
- If there is a mandatory evacuation and you have a pet, most hotels will drop “No Pet” policies and take your pets.
- Pre-choose a route and even a hotel you prefer for evacuations. I have chosen ones in Columbia SC and Charlotte NC areas in the past and have even created a “standing reservation” with some when I had to evacuate my elderly parents, family, and pets.
- If you are considering replacing windows on your home, consider replacing with “impact resistant windows.” It costs more, but can lower your insurance costs and relieves the need for hurricane shutters.
- If you are replacing your roof, there are some hurricane rated shingles you can choose that really are not that more expensive than standard shingles. These can also lower your insurance costs.
- Finding vendors to cover windows in case of a hurricane is very difficult and can lead to being scammed. Be very careful and have a vendor in place way before Hurricane Season starts.
- I love SC Department of Natural Resources for weather updates – you can subscribe – Click Here. or The National Hurricane Center – NOAA’s site – Click Here. I am also a Rob Fowler fan for Channel 2 as I think he does not panic and gives an accurate forecast/outlook for our area.
I hope you find it helpful and (unnecessary)!
As always, if you need anything, please give me a call/text/email. If you know of ANYONE with real estate needs, please think of me and give them my information.