Even as we deal with one crisis that is turning out to be perhaps longer than originally expected, this is coastal South Carolina and June will be here sooner than we expect. With June comes Hurricane Season 2020 that won't be officially over until November 30, 2020. If you're like me, I used up some of my 2019 Hurricane Season emergency stockpile in response to COVID-19 mitigation efforts. This week is a good time to take inventory and begin re-stocking for the next hurricane. (Odds are, though, you won't find much toilet paper, disinfectant wipes, or paper towels.) Here's some advice that Beaufort County Administration sent out to all those signed up for their e-blast list.

Hurricane Preparedness Week Begins:
Be Prepared and Stay Informed

Hurricane Preparedness week begins today, May 4, and runs through Friday, May 8.

During the next few days, Beaufort County residents are encouraged to set aside some time to review their emergency plans for the upcoming hurricane season, which lasts from June 1 to November 30.

Disasters can strike without warning and leave whole neighborhoods flooded and without power and water. Some emergencies can confine residents to their homes for days or even force them to evacuate the area.

As such, it is important to be ready.

A few basics for planning include:

• Have at least three days of water and nonperishable foods on hand.
• Create an emergency supplies kit for both family members and any household pets. Visit ready.gov for emergency items to be included.
• Gather copies of important documents, including health records, easily accessible. For documents to keep handy, click here.
• Learn about hurricane evacuation zones and their vulnerability to storm surge on South Carolina’s coast with an interactive map.
• Download SC Emergency Manager (the official app of SCEMD). Using this app, coastal residents can determine their evacuation zone based on their phone's location or by entering a physical address. Get the free app via the Apple App Store or Google Play.
• Sign up for updates from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office here or text your ZIP code to 888777.
• Sign up for updates from Beaufort County government here.
• Follow Beaufort County government’s Facebook page here.