Governor Henry McMaster declared the month of May to be the first South Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Month in the state’s history. Hurricane season begins June 1, making May a crucial time for preparations within the state.
The theme for the state’s first Hurricane Prep Month is “Take the time while you have the time.” The month allows you adequate time to evaluate your current preparedness situation and see what preparations you can make now to ensure you are ready at the start of Hurricane Season.
Hurricanes often have impacts throughout the state of South Carolina and with employees in every county in the state, Clemson University can often be impacted as well. While those living and working in Hurricane Evacuation Zones are at the greatest risk, heavy rain, strong winds and possible tornados can impact those well inland. Regardless of where you live, begin your hurricane preparations now and follow these steps to keep you and your family safe.
Prepare Your Home
- Conduct a safety check to ensure your home can withstand the effects of a hurricane.
- Get your roof inspected, de-clutter drains and gutters, bring in outside furniture and consider hurricane shutters.
- Confirm your insurance policies cover the types of damages hurricanes can cause.
- Make a list and take photos of your belongings as records.
Make a Plan
- Learn your nearest evacuation route, practice with your household and pets and identify where you will stay. Rely on the blue hurricane evacuation signs, not GPS.
- Build a kit with enough supplies for your household for several days, including medication, disinfectant supplies and pet supplies.
- Keep your cell phone charged when a hurricane is in the forecast and purchase backup charging devices to power electronics.
- Have several ways to receive alerts and stay tuned to local radio and TV stations for emergency information.
Know Your Zone
In South Carolina, state and local officials issue hurricane evacuations based on zones in coastal counties. Clemson facilities located within these zones include:
Northern Region
- Zone A
- Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science
Central Region
- Zone A
- Coastal Research and Education Center
- Clemson University Restoration Institute (CURI)
- Clemson Design Center Charleston (CDC.C)
- Zone B
- CU Bioengineering Program at MUSC
All Zones
- Extension Offices
Resources
- The South Carolina Hurricane Guide is a great resource to help you prepare for a hurricane.
- Ready.gov/Hurricanes provides a wealth of information and resources to guide your hurricane prep.
- The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) website provides specific information for SC residents, including how to download the SC Emergency Manager app.
What to Know for Clemson Employees
When inclement weather occurs in South Carolina, state government offices and their employees/student workers will follow the same weather hazard decisions made by county government officials where the state offices are located.
As a reminder:
- The governor can order the closure of state offices and campuses.
- State offices and campuses must close if county government offices in that location close.
- When a weather event occurs, updates on the storm and emergency planning information can be accessed on the South Carolina Emergency Management Division webpage. Access SCEMD county closings.
- Clemson University’s administration may cancel classes or close offices.
For faculty, staff and student workers, your supervisor is your first point of contact regarding expectations for work during an inclement weather event. Read Clemson University’s emergency closing policy and procedures so you will know what to do if conditions deteriorate and watch for additional University communications with instructions related to inclement weather.