Is Your Home Ready for Charleston's Hurricane Season?

You don’t need to live immediately along the Atlantic Ocean to feel the impact of hurricane season. This turbulent period of time, which typically stretches from June until late November, is when factors that can contribute to a hurricane forming are ripe. These low-pressure cyclones that initially form from water evaporating off the ocean can bring high winds, heavy downpours, inland flooding and even tornadoes. While those living on the coast are at a higher risk than inland residents, the sheer size of major hurricanes – often a few hundred miles across with winds topping at least 40 mph – means everyone in the storm’s path is going to share the pain. According to a The Post and Courier newspaper article from May 2017, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted between 11 and 17 tropical storms for the current hurricane season, with between five and nine of those storms turning into hurricanes. Additional media reports indicate that there was more than 50 percent chance of the predicted hurricanes making landfall. With such widespread risk in mind, we’d like to offer tips to keep your home safe during the Charleston, SC hurricane season.

1) The essentials: Boarding up windows and doors with plywood should be the first move you make if a hurricane is forecasted to affect the Charleston, SC area. This is because high winds can cause debris to shatter a window or force an unsecured door open, thus inviting additional damage to be done to your home. Some storm preparation experts say that your home’s garage door is particularly vulnerable, as it’s not as reinforced as the doors on your house. To remedy this, research hurricane-resistant products that re-enforce the garage door for future hurricane winds.

2) A little landscaping: Given the speed that hurricane-force winds can reach, it would be wise to trim the trees on your property before the storm makes landfall. Dead trees pose a threat regardless of the time of year and should be removed. As it pertains to hurricanes, limbs hanging near parts of your home that are susceptible to damage should be sawed off to decrease the likelihood of doing any damage.

3) Preparatory paperwork: Anyone with a basement that leaks during a mundane rainstorm will tell you that can’t stop floodwaters from invading your home. These same folks will also likely suggest that you look into flood insurance programs offered by major insurance companies. While no two quotes will be the same, the perk of paying for such insurance – especially if you live in a coastal region in or around Charleston, SC, is that the financial cost of much of your losses will be covered by your provider.

Take our quiz to see if you have the know-how to handle driving in stormy weather.