Coastal Security Services attempts to prepare for an event such as a hurricane or other disaster. The following pages contain information about the preparations our clients should take in the event a hurricane threatens or strikes our locations.
The Beaufort County Emergency Management
Director: William Winn, Jr.
E-mail: emd@bcgov.net
Phone: (843) 470-3100
Fax: (843) 470-3054
Beaufort County Emergency Management:
Hurricane Hot Line & Re-Entry Information: 1-800-963-5023
Storm Threat and Evacuation Number: 1-866-706-8223
SC Department of Transportation Information: 1-888-877-9151
CSS Evacuation & Reentry number: 1-800-609-3389
Coastal Security Web site: coastalsecurityservicesinc.com
Index
Getting Ready for the Hurricane
1. What To Do Now 4
2. When a Hurricane Watch is Issued 4
3. What to Pack 5
4. When a Hurricane Warning is Issued 6
Hurricane Shelters
1. Special Needs Shelters 8
2. Items to Bring with you to a Shelter 8
Beaufort County Evacuation Routes
Time to Evacuate
While You’re Gone
During the Hurricane
Reentry
1. CSS Evacuation & Reentry number 1-800-609-3389
2. Beaufort County Emergency Management Hot Line:1-800-963-5023
Safety and Clean up upon Returning to your Homes
1. Disaster Aftermath
2. General Safety
3. Electricity
4. Sanitation
5. Other
Plans for Architectural Review Board Guidelines
1. Recovery Plan
2. Temporary Housing
Debris Removal Guidelines
A. GETTING READY FOR THE HURRICANE
WHAT TO DO NOW:
• Prepare an Evacuation Plan.
• Be certain you have adequate insurance on your home and its contents. This should include Flood Insurance from the federal government through your home insurance carrier. Flood Insurance has a 30-day implementation delay.
• Photograph or videotape your home and contents for insurance purposes.
• Make copies of family and personal records.
• Do not assume that the local, State, or Federal governments will be able to provide for your needs. You must take steps to be self-sufficient. Be prepared: make sure you have food, clothing, medication and other supplies available for a week or more. During an emergency or recovery operation, public
agencies will be flooded with requests for assistance. Resources will be and should be directed to the most vulnerable and needy members of the greater community.
2. WHEN A HURRICANE WATCH IS ISSUED:
• Keep tuned to a local radio or television station for the latest National Weather Service advisories, as well as special instructions from local government.
• Check battery-powered equipment. Your battery-operated radio could be your only source of information and flashlights will be needed if utility services are interrupted. Buy extra batteries.
• Keep your car fueled should evacuation become necessary. Also, service stations may be inoperable after the storm strikes.
• Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, and bottles as the water system may
be contaminated or damaged by the storm.
• Obtain extra prescription medications and medical supplies.
• Many people board their windows or protect them with storm shutters. Windows are broken mainly from wind-driven debris. Wind pressure may break large windows, garage doors, and double entry doors. The taping of windows does not keep the glass from breaking; it merely keeps broken glass in a more confined area. If desired, install hurricane shutters / window boards on all unprotected windows. This may prevent tree limbs or debris from breaking windows.
• Secure outdoor objects that might become debris. Garbage cans, garden tools, toys, signs, porch furniture, and a number of other harmless items become deadly missiles in hurricane winds.
• Moor your boat securely well before the storm arrives, or move it early to a
designated safe area. Do not stay on the boat.
• LEAVE EARLY. We are a low-lying beach area that may be swept by high tides or storm waves. When a voluntary evacuation is recommended, leave the Client locations quickly with a specific plan and a set destination. When a mandatory evacuation is ordered, the Traffic egress may be closed. Your best bet is to leave during the voluntary phase.
• BE AWARE that some areas may flood long before the arrival of the storm. Your escape may be further complicated by the fact that the high density population of the Hilton Head Island area may require evacuation orders to be issued earlier than one day before the storm's arrival. Don't get caught by the hurricane in your car on an open coastal road.
• If the Beaufort County Emergency Management Department advises evacuation of your area, DO SO IMMEDIATELY. Keep your car radio on to listen for further instructions, such as the location of emergency shelters.
• Be alert for tornado watches and warnings as tornadoes are often spawned by hurricanes. Should you receive a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately in an interior bathroom or small hall, preferably at or below ground level.
• Learn local evacuation routes and safe routes inland.
• Trim back dead wood from trees.
• Check for loose rain gutters and downspouts.
• Listen for weather updates and local information on:
98.3 FM WGCO
98.7 FM WYKZ
106.9 FM WWVV
107.9 FM WLOW
• Prepare evacuation supplies (see below).
3. WHAT TO PACK:
Prepare to be gone at least 48 hours. Keep your disaster supply kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you need to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
• Cash and Credit Cards
• I.D. and Driver’s License
• Insurance policy, Name of Agent and Telephone Number.
• Cell Phone
Items to Consider for your Disaster Supply Kit
• Inventory of household contents
• Copies of family and personal records
• Road maps with two alternative routes to your destination
• Change of clothing for a 2-day minimum (several days is advisable)
• Protective clothing & sturdy shoes
• Prescription medicines
• First Aid Kit and manual
• Whistle
• Fire Extinguisher (ABC Type) Be sure everyone know how to use your fire
• extinguisher(s).
• Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers
• Bottled water and canned beverages. You should store at least one gallon of
• water per person per day. A normally active person needs at least one half
• gallon of water just for drinking.
• Children, nursing mothers, and ill people need more water
• Very hot temperatures can double the amount of water needed
• A medical emergency might require additional water
• Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including a can opener
• A three (3) day supply of non-perishable food
• Matches and waterproof container
• Sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes and toilet paper)
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Portable radio and extra batteries
• Blankets and pillows
• A family communications plan. Your family may not be together when an evacuation is ordered, so plan how you will contact one another. Have contact information documented for each family member and make sure you let out-of town family members know where you are going in the event of an evacuation.
If you have a Pet, see section E for a list of Pet supplies to consider
• Copy of your property tax bill for proof of ownership if you are a non-resident and
• do not have a SC driver’s license with a Hilton Head, Bluffton or Beaufort address
• card.
4. WHEN A HURRICANE WARNING IS ISSUED:
• Remember, if you stay, government officials, emergency responders, and aid
agencies cannot and will not do everything for you. You must take responsibility
for yourself, your family, your loved ones, pets, friends, and neighbors by being
properly prepared ahead of time, acting responsibly and promptly, and following
instructions.
Updated 5/18/06 7
• Move outdoor objects such as porch furniture, grill, garbage cans, hanging
plants, etc. into garage or house.
• Store drinking water in clean containers and fill bathtubs with water should the
CSS water supply be contaminated.
• Park extra vehicle(s) in garage.
• Leave a message on your answering machine so relatives and friends know
when you left and where you are going. Know answering machine codes so you
can retrieve messages and change recording.
• If you have a swimming pool, cover the pump filter.
• If told to do so, shut off water, electricity, and gas.
• Lock doors and windows before you leave.
• Complete and drop off CSS Evacuation Checkout Form as you are leaving. A drive-by drop box will be in place at the central locations. (link to Evacuation Checkout Form)
• Make arrangements for family members who would need assistance in evacuating. Med Trans located at 21 Dillon Road HHI, phone number 342-3444 (or, in extreme cases, Beaufort County Dispatch at 341-4720) are sources of help for this problem.
B. Hurricane Shelters
The American Red Cross operates four (4) hurricane shelters in Beaufort County. Evacuees are reminded that pets are not allowed in the shelters because of health regulations. The shelters are: • Bluffton Elementary School and H.E. McCracken Middle School are located at 250 and 160 H.E. McCracken Circle, respectively, off Buckwalter Parkway in southern Beaufort County. Bluffton Elementary School shelter will also serve, as a special needs shelter where nurses are available to provide limited care.
• Battery Creek High School located at 1 Blue Dolphin Drive near Beaufort in northern Beaufort County. • Beaufort Elementary School located at 1800 Prince Street in Beaufort in northern Beaufort County. This shelter will also serve as a special needs shelter where nurses are available to provide limited care. The above-mentioned shelters will open only for Category 1 (74 to 95 mph) hurricanes.
For Category 2 hurricanes or greater, citizens will be directed to shelters in Jasper and Hampton counties. These shelters are open for all categories of hurricanes. They are:
• Jasper County High School
• Ridgeland Elementary and Middle School
• Wade Hampton High School
• Varnville Elementary School
• Estill High School
• Hampton Elementary School
1. Special Needs Shelters
The following special needs shelters, along with those mentioned above, are available:
• Formerly the Lowcountry General Hospital facility in Ridgeland
• Hampton Regional Medical Center in Hampton
• Colleton Regional Medical Center in Walterboro
2. The American Red Cross asks that evacuees seeking shelter bring the following
items with them to the shelter:
a) Change of clothing (enough for several days)
b) Linens (pillows, blankets, sheets, and towels)
c) Any necessary prescription medications
d) Child's favorite toys or comfort items
e) Formula, diapers, and other supplies for your children
f) Food and Water
C. Beaufort County Evacuation Routes
Please see your appropriate route via Beaufort County Emergency Management
D. TIME TO GO
Immediately before your evacuation departure, do the following:
• Have your departure vehicle fully fueled, and loaded with needs for a minimum 7-day period. Include flashlight, water and snacks for the travel, plus prescriptions, valuables, the family pet, checkbook, cell phone with charger, etc.
• Move lawn and pool furniture indoors. Otherwise, they become windblown
missiles.
• Move outside hanging plants to garage. They, too, become missiles.
• Move gas/barbecue grills to garage, and turn off gas at tank.
• Turn off gas at any outdoor propane tanks.
• Turn off the water at the shut-off valve, but first fill a bathtub with storage
water. Make sure circuit breaker for hot water heater is off.
• Water inside plants. Feed your tropical fish.
• Take down flags that may be flying.
• Place tightly rolled towels at base of each outside door.
• Put up plywood covers over windows, if available.
• Close and secure outside window shutters, if available.
• Disconnect power and cable to your television sets, although keep one set on to receive last minute news and instructions.
• Disconnect power and Internet input to your computers, printers,
scanners, etc.
• Turn off all lights and disconnect all electrical plugs, such as lamps, radios (keep one on for late news), small kitchen appliances, etc. You may prefer to turn off power at all nonessential circuit breakers. Leave on AC and refrigerator.
• Close all drapes, Venetian blinds, and interior doors.
• Check storage yard for any loose or blowable items. Put trashcans in garage.
• Take a walk around your property to insure all moveable items are now inside your garage.
• Notify relevant people locally, and at your intended evacuation destination, regarding your imminent departure.
• Lock all doors and windows.
• Consider moving valuable items to higher interior elevations in your home.
• Take this Guide with you.
E. WHAT DO I DO WITH MY HOUSEHOLD PETS?
• Contact the Beaufort County Animal Control Office at 843-846-3905 for information on caring for your pets during hurricanes.
• If you plan to use an emergency public shelter, you should make other arrangements for your pet's protection and safety. The shelters will not allow pets.
• Ask dependable friends or relatives who live further inland, away from the coast or river areas, if you and your pet(s) could stay with them during a storm emergency.
• Call motels if you plan to leave your house and take your pet with you during an evacuation. You may wish to check with several local motels away from the coast or river areas. Ask if they allow pets, and if so, if there are any restrictions on size and number of pets allowed.
• Do not leave any pet outside or tied up during a hurricane.
• Make certain pets are wearing collars with current ID. Use adhesive tape and an indelible pen if ID is not current, and tape to pet's collar.
• Pack a pet disaster kit in advance. It should include:
Pet food
Food and water bowls
Medications
Medical records
Motion sickness pills for travel
Sturdy leashes and/or pet carrier
Current photo in the event of loss and a pet bed and toys, if space is available.
• For birds, reptiles, and small animals, seek specific literature or check with your veterinarian.
F. WHILE YOU’RE GONE
It is the CSS intention that, after a disaster, our Web site or toll free number 1-800-609-3389 will serve as the primary communication tools. You can gain access to the Internet and the Web site by utilizing the public computers at local libraries in the location to which you have evacuated. In the event you cannot gain access to a computer, we will have our toll free number available for updates. Given the expected volume of calls into the area and into the Client locations, please be prepared for busy signals and delays.
G. DURING THE HURRICANE
TAKE COVER
• Remain indoors during the hurricane. Blowing debris can injure and kill. Travel is extremely dangerous. Be especially aware of the "eye" of the hurricane. If the storm center passes directly overhead, there will be a lull in the wind lasting for a few minutes to a half hour or more. At the other side of the "eye", the winds will increase rapidly to hurricane force and will come from
the opposite direction.
STORM SURGE
• Storm surge is a great dome of water often 50 miles wide, which sweeps across the coastline near where the eye of the hurricane makes landfall. The surge, aided by the hammering effect of breaking waves, is like a giant bulldozer sweeping everything in its path. The stronger the hurricane, the higher the storm surge. This is unquestionably the most dangerous part of the hurricane. Nine out of ten hurricane fatalities are caused by the storm surge.
FLOODS
• The floods and flash floods brought by the torrential rains of a hurricane are dangerous killers. Even though hurricanes weaken rapidly as they move inland, the remnants of the storm can bring 6 to 12 inches of rainfall to the area it crosses. The resulting floods have caused great damage and loss of life.
WINDS
• The winds of a hurricane (74 miles per hour or more) can be very dangerous. For some structures, wind force is sufficient to cause destruction. Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable to hurricane winds that can spawn tornadoes, which contribute to incredible destruction. The greatest threat 13 from hurricane winds is their cargo of debris—a deadly barrage of flying missiles such as lawn furniture, signs, roofing, trees, siding, etc.
If a hurricane hits, don't expect recovery to be quick or easy.
H. REENTRY:
• Evacuees could be kept out of their neighborhoods for several days — maybe even a week or more — so emergency workers can assess damages. Any residents, clients or guests, clients or guests who stay can expect to be without power, phone, and water for several days to a week or more.
• If you stay, government officials, emergency responders, and aid agencies cannot and will not be able to do everything for you. You must take responsibility for yourself, your family, your loved ones, pets, friends, and neighbors by being properly prepared ahead of time, acting responsibly and promptly and following instructions.
• State and Federal disaster assistance will seldom completely compensate you for all your losses. In many cases, the assistance will come in the form of a low-interest loan.
• All the important information you will need prior to and during a hurricane will be available from newspapers, radio, television, and weather alert monitors. Do not call 911 for information.
• When you are allowed back into your home, it will take time for relief assistance to start, for all utilities to be turned on, and for life to return to normal. Be patient.
• After a storm, be wary of strangers who want to sell you something or do work on your property. Hurricanes bring out con artists and crooks. Follow the recommendations of your insurance company.
• Reentry will be limited to property owners only. You will need a valid
driver’s license with your home address on it, you’re a Photo ID Card or a copy of your Beaufort County Tax bill to prove you live on the Client locations.
To obtain current information on storm damage, road conditions, and reentry instructions, you may call:
BCEM: Hurricane Hot Line: 1-800-963-5023
CSS: Hurricane Hot Line: 1-800-609-3389
I. General Guidelines for Safety and Clean Up
Following Return to Your Homes
1. DISASTER AFTERMATH
Returning home can be both physically and mentally challenging. Disasters can be dangerous even after they are over. Take the time to be cautious with food, sanitation, and especially electricity. Use a battery-powered flashlight to inspect a damaged home. (The flashlight should be turned on outside before entering — the battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present.)
Clean Up
• Begin clean up of your property as soon as possible.
• Contact your insurance companies.
• If you must throw away valuables, take photographs of them for insurance purposes.
• Take pictures of exterior damage to structure and trees.
• If air conditioning is not available, open all doors and windows in the house to dry and ventilate.
Food and Water
• Avoid opening the refrigerator door unnecessarily.
• DON’T drink untreated water from taps until officials give the all clear.
• DON’T eat fresh food or use spices or utensils that have been
contaminated by floodwaters.
• Eat the food most likely to spoil in your refrigerator first.
• If you suspect that food has spoiled, do not eat it.
• Conserve water used to cook with and for washing utensils. In a large cook pot, cook canned goods in their cans by opening them, removing the label, and placing them in 2 inches of gently boiling water. Use oven mitts to avoid burning hands when lifting cans from water. Reuse that water for another meal, but don’t drink it.
• Disinfect water if that is the only source of drinking water available: Boil for 5 minutes. Add 16 drops (1/4 teaspoon) of liquid chlorine bleach to a gallon, providing that the bleach contains hypochlorite as its only ingredient. Let the water stand, unopened, for one hour before drinking.
Boil water from toilet (tank only) or bath for 5 minutes before using.
2. GENERAL SAFETY
• Wear rubber gloves when cleaning after floodwaters to avoid infection from sewage and other contaminants.
• Wear thick-soled shoes or sneakers at all times to avoid injury or possible infections from floodwaters.
• Do not smoke or light matches outdoors until you determine that there are no gas leaks in the area.
If you smell gas:
• Immediately open windows and doors.
• Turn off the main gas valve.
• Leave the house.
• Report the leak to Security.
• Don’t start your car.
• Be careful when walking around outdoors, and watch out for downed power lines, debris, animals, snakes, and insects.
• Check any structure before entering. If you are not sure that it’s safe, DON’T go in.
3. ELECTRICITY
If you arrive home and the power is off:
• DON’T turn on or touch electrical outlets or panel boxes if you are standing in water or if you are wet.
• DON’T call the power company to report outages. Keep the lines clear so that emergency personnel can get through.
• If not already OFF, flip the main circuit breaker to the OFF position, and do the same with all other breakers in the box.
• Be sure that the main electrical connection to your house is not damaged. (This connection is located near the meter). If it is pulled away or damaged, an electrical repairman will have to fix it before the power company will reconnect.
• If you have not already done so, unplug any appliances that use motors, such as computers, TVs, refrigerators, VCRs, washers, dryers, hair dryers, etc. If there is something wrong with the power supply, they could be seriously damaged when power returns.
• Do not connect portable generators directly into the panel box – use extension cords plugged into the generator.
When you know the power has been restored:
• Flip the main breaker to the ON position.
• Then start flipping other circuits ON, one at a time. Start with the single breakers, which carry a lighter load. If the breaker stays in the ON position, it should be OK. (If it flips back to OFF, leave it there, because you’ll need an electrician to fix it.
• Next, turn on the breakers that are hooked together, which supply power to large appliances, such as heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, etc. Don’t plug in any appliance yet. Go ahead and turn on the lights.
• Once the lights are on, try to determine if they are as bright as they used to be. If they seem dimmer, there could be a faulty connection in the negative (or ground) wiring in the house. This reduced power is what could destroy machines with motors. If the lights seem too dim,
IMMEDIATELY FLIP THE MAIN CIRCUIT TO OFF.
• If your lights seem as bright as usual, turn OFF the circuits for the large appliances, plug them in, and then flip the switch ON again. If the breakers stay in the ON position, your electricity is probably okay.
• Report all loose wires or exposed wires to the Security staff.
4. SANITATION
• Coastal Security Services is serviced by PSD, which uses electricity to power lift pumps to move sewage. If electricity has not been restored, utilize the available port-o-potties. No electricity means NO sewer service.
• Dispose of all spoiled food in a sanitary manner.
• Check to see if sewage lines are broken before using your toilet. If they are, do not flush your toilet. To test for damaged lines, run clear water at each fixture for 5 minutes to assure adequate drainage.
5. OTHER
• Take a break from the clean up now and then, and try to conserve your energy.
• On your return to the Island, consider stopping and purchasing items you may find in short supply when you get here. For example, cleaning supplies, box fans, dehumidifiers, water, and food.
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE:
Hurricane Watch:
Hurricane is possible within 36 hours. (Hurricane shutters may be installed)
Hurricane Warning:
Hurricane is expected within 24 hours.
Voluntary Evacuation:
Evacuation is recommended, but not required.
The Traffic egress is open to traffic.
Mandatory Evacuation:
Is ordered by the Governor.
Traffic egress will be closed by order of the BCEM (Beaufort Country Emergency Management).
Until the Governor rescinds Mandatory Evacuation, BCEM warns:
Reentry into CSS is prohibited.
Reentry onto the Island is prohibited.
All emergency services (ambulance and fire) will cease. 911 will not be answered.
J. PLANS FOR ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD GUIDELINES
In case of a major disaster, the Architectural Review Board needs to be contacted regarding work closely and cooperatively with each landowner to restore our safe and secure living environment.
K. DEBRIS REMOVAL GUIDELINES
Following a major storm, a significant amount of landscape debris may be strewn about our properties. It is the responsibility of each Property Regime or Owner to clear his/her property and bring the debris to a designated CSS or Town disposal site. CSS, or its designated contractor, will remove only landscape debris from road right-of-way for disposal. Each Property Regime, Association or Owner must contract structural and other debris removal on an individual basis.
The following guidelines apply for debris removal:
a. Place landscape debris that has fallen on to the road right-of-way in
piles along the roadside. Keep it off the paved surface.
b. Individual homeowners are responsible for moving all other debris and
segregating it as follows:
1. Raw Garbage (Do NOT mix household garbage with other disaster debris.)
2. Yard Waste from your private property (i.e., vegetative debris such as limbs, leaves, brush, tree trunks, etc.)
3. Construction/Building Debris (i.e., shingles, boards, PVC pipe, siding, metal, carpeting, non-wood building material, treated lumber, etc.)
4. White Goods (i.e., appliances, air conditioners, ice makers, etc.)
5. Household Hazardous Waste (i.e., bleach, gasoline, pool chemicals, cleaning supplies, motor oil, paint, etc.)
Direct all questions regarding hazardous waste to the Town of Hilton Head Emergency Management Operations (EMO) at 682-5156.
c. Do not pile debris over water meters or fire hydrants.