What to Do

Hurricane Preparedness for the Business Community

Hurricanes generate a series of threats to lives and property. The most obvious is the threat posed to buildings, equipment, and people by the high winds which characterize such storms.

This checklist will help you prepare for a hurricane's effect on your business, employees, and community by highlighting activities you should undertake before, during, and following the event. When a hurricane watch or warning is issued, use the time available to begin taking the following steps. Read more about Hurricane Preparedness for the Business Community (PDF)

Before the Storm

Have a Family Plan

• Does your family know what to do before, during and after a storm?
• Do you have your emergency supplies on hand?
• Do you have material on-hand to board up your doors and windows?
• Do you have dead or weak branches which need to be trimmed?
• Where will you go if asked to evacuate?
• If there is a mandatory evacuation, do you know your route?
• If not, go visit the South Carolina Department of Transportation website to determine your route in a mandatory evacuation.
• Remember, if you leave during a voluntary evacuation, you can take any route.
• Do you have an out-of-state friend to serve as a liaison between you and your family and friends? Calling everyone may be difficult and reaching you may be difficult.

Have Supplies Ready

Do you have materials for securing your house now? Do you have cash since ATMs and banks may not be accessible? Do you have medications ready?

Decide Now What Valuables You Need to Take with You

Make a list while no storm is on the horizon.

Have a Plan for Your Pets

Do you have records of necessary shots for your pets? Is your pet microchipped? Do you have a carrier? Do you have a leash, extra food,  and a water container? Do you know where you can go with a pet?

During the Storm

Stay indoors. Stay tuned to local media for updates. Check the City of Charleston's Facebook and Twitter pages, which will be updated with storm information as it becomes available.

After the Storm

Sources of Information

The City of Charleston website will contain:

• City Press Releases
• Debris Removal
• Road Openings
• Shelter Information
• Updated Conditions and More

This will be available to you if you have evacuated away from the area and when you are able to return.

Additional Resources

• The Charleston County website will also provide updates.
• If you live in Berkeley County, log into their website for additional information concerning Berkeley County's preparedness and hurricane information.
• Stay tuned to local media; official information will be released via newspaper, radio, and television.
• The City of Charleston's Facebook and Twitter pages will be updated with storm information.

Limit your phone calls

Only make essential phone calls so as to not to overburden the wireless/ landline systems.

Assess the damage

Call your insurance company to file a claim if your home is damaged. If you begin clearing debris, be aware that it needs to be separated properly. When assessing damage use a flashlight, not candles.

Read our Guide to Selecting a Qualified Contractor.

Stay off the roads

Drive only when necessary. Allow time for crews to remove debris from the roadways.

Power could be off for an extended period

Have extra batteries on hand. If you have outdoor solar-powered lights, bring them inside at night for additional light.