South Carolina residents, especially those living in coastal areas, are well acquainted with the devastation a hurricane can cause. With hurricane season right around the corner, now is the time to make sure your home is ready. Preparing for hurricane season before it hits can save you and your insurance company a lot of stress and money.
The South Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 29 through June 4. They encourage all SC residents to take time to learn about hurricane safety and implement a safety plan.
According to forecasters at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, above-average hurricane activity is predicted this year. The official hurricane season begins June 1 and extends to November 30, so it’s time to get ready.
What Can We Expect This Hurricane Season?
NOAA predicts a 65% chance of above-normal activity for 2022. The forecast includes a range of about 14 to 21 named storms with 6 to 10 of them becoming hurricanes, 3 to 6 being major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or higher.
Experts at NOAA offer this advice about preparing for hurricane season:
“Early preparation and understanding your risk is key to being hurricane resilient and climate-ready. Throughout the hurricane season, NOAA experts will work around the clock to provide early and accurate forecasts and warnings that communities in the path of storms can depend on to stay informed.”
The aftereffects of a strong hurricane can be felt for years, so every effort should be made to minimize its impact. So, let’s get you started. Here are some tips for making sure your SC home is ready for hurricane season.
Prepare for Heavy Rainfall
During normal rainfall, have you noticed standing water in your yard or signs of moisture in the basement or crawl space? These may be signs that your home is not prepared for significant rainfall.
One inch of rain totals about 1,000 gallons of water. That’s a lot of water falling on your roof or seeping into your basement or crawl space. Here’s how to prevent these problems during a hurricane:
✅ Remove yard debris that can clog storm drains and lead to flooding.
✅ Clear gutters and downspouts to prevent overflow.
✅ Have tarps on hand to help prevent water from coming inside the home.
Prepare for Flooding
The state of South Carolina is prone to flooding during hurricane season. FEMA reports that one inch of water in a home can cause $25,000 in damages. One foot of water can create a $72,000 loss.
According to the National Institute of Building Sciences, every $1 spent on preparedness saves $6 in repairs. Here are some ways to prepare for flooding:
✅ Install a sump pump to remove water from your home.
✅ Protect entryways with a sandbag perimeter.
✅ Waterproof your basement.
✅ Purchase flood insurance.
Prepare for High Winds
Hurricane-force winds not only cause severe damage to coastal homes. They can extend 195 miles from the center of the storm, reaching inland as far as Greenville and Columbia. Preparing for hurricane season should begin by making your home more wind-resistant. Here’s what you can do:
✅ Reinforce the stability of your roof with a system that will anchor the roof, walls, and foundation.
✅ Brace the garage door with a hurricane shutter or brace.
✅ Cover the windows with storm shutters or ⅝” plywood to protect your home’s contents.
Prepare for Power Outages
Power outages during a hurricane can last for days or weeks, depending on your location. We don’t have to tell you the impact of extended power outages, so how can you minimize the risk?
✅ Get a backup battery for the sump pump.
✅ Have a generator that is capable of running appliances.
✅ Prepare a disaster kit that includes flashlights, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food, medications, and some cash.
✅ Have alternative methods for charging cell phones.
Review Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy
Before a hurricane hits, take a look at your homeowner’s insurance coverage. Don’t wait until the storm has damaged your home to find out that you aren’t covered. Hurricane insurance is typically a part of all standard homeowner’s policies. However, some perils are not covered. Here’s what you should look for:
✅ Does your agent have precise, accurate information about your home’s size and features?
✅ Do you have or need flood insurance? (About 90 percent of weather-related disasters include flooding.)
✅ Does the policy cover ‘loss of use’ and ‘additional living expense?
✅ Do you have replacement cost or market value coverage?
If you are unsure about your hurricane coverage during this year’s storm season, contact your agent right away. He can answer any questions you have and make sure you have adequate insurance.
Sandifer Insurance Agency Makes Sure Your Home Is Protected
At Sandifer Insurance, we know the risks homeowners face in our area of the U.S. So, we make sure your home is properly covered year-round. Hurricane season begins in only a few days, so take action now to ensure your home is protected.
Please contact us if you would like more information about our services. Whatever your insurance needs, Sandifer Insurance Agency has 40 years of experience helping homeowners find affordable and reliable insurance.
Sources:
- noaa.gov/ – NOAA Predicts Above-Normal 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season
- weather.gov/ – Hurricane Preparedness Week for South Carolina