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Honorable Mark Sanford

Representing the 1st District of South Carolina

Hurricane Preparedness

Earthquakes | Hurricanes | Other disasters

Living in the South Carolina Lowcountry often puts us in the line of danger for tropical storms and hurricanes. While there are a number of resources in the state that are well equipped to handle these sorts of situations, below you will find links to several emergency numbers and websites that could be useful in the event of an emergency at home. Most important is to heed the Scout’s motto and “Be Prepared”. Should you have questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office. 

 

GET A GAME PLAN 

The following are web sites and contact information for various federal and state agencies:
 

 

TOP TIPS TO BE PREPARED:

 

***Click here for the full SC Emergency Management Division Hurricane Guide***

  • Make plans to protect your property such as storm shutters or plywood for windows. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking. Bring things indoors including lawn furniture, toys, trash cans or anything that could fly through a window.
     
  • Learn evacuation routes and contraflow procedures. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you need to evacuate. You can get information on the Hurricane Evacuation Routes here.
     
  • Gather personal documents, including Social Security cards, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, etc. Make a record of these documents and all valuable possessions.
     
  • Keep your automobile fully fueled; if electric power is cut off, gas stations may not be able to operate pumps for several days.
     
  • Be prepared to survive on your own for a few days. Assemble a disaster kit. Include a battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, blankets, clothing, food and water, prescription medications and medical supplies.
     
  • Talk to your family about the dangers hurricanes can present. Plan a centralized meeting place for your family in case you are separated from one another. Choose an out of state family member or friend for everyone to contact and check in with.
     
  • If you are receiving Social Security or Veterans Benefits make sure you have direct deposit. This will ensure you receive all of your benefits if you have to evacuate. The Social Security Administration's telephone number is 800-772-1213 or visit their website. The Veterans Administration's telephone number is 877-222-8387 or visit their website.
     
  • Know how to shut off utilities. Know where gas pilots are located and how the heating and air-conditioning system works. If you have any questions, contact your local utility company.

 

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

 
Local & Nearby County Information
 
Beaufort County:

 
Berkeley County:

 
Charleston County:

 
Colleton County:

 
Dorchester County:

 
Road Closures/Weather
 

 
Government
 
Federal Emergency Management Agency

 
South Carolina Emergency Management Division

 
U.S. Small Business Administration

  • Disaster Customer Service Center: 800-659-2955

 
Other Services
 
Pet Rescue

 
Electric and Water Companies

  • SCE&G
    • Power Outage: 888-333-4465
    • Gas Leak: 800-815-0083
  • Santee Cooper
    • Main: 843-761-8000
    • Outage Reporting: 888-239-2300
  • Berkeley Electric Co-op: 888-253-4232
  • Palmetto Electric Co-op: 866-445-5551
  • Beaufort Jasper Water and Sewer Authority
    • Beaufort: 843-987-9200
    • Bluffton: 843-707-0017
    • After-hours emergency: 843-987-9200

 
Telephone and Internet Companies

  • Hargray: 877-HARGRAY (877-427-4729)
  • CenturyLink: 866-706-8592
  • Verizon: 800-922-0204
  • Home Telecom: 888-746-4482
  • Spectrum: 877-892-8477
  • Comcast: 800-934-6489
  • AT&T Uverse Voice Service: 800-288-2020
  • Dish Network: 877-653-0020
  • Charter: 855-821-0579
  • Cox: 855-821-0520

 
Transportation, Shelter, and Community Assistance

  • Palmetto Breeze: 843-757-5782
  • HELP of Beaufort: 843-524-1223
  • Charleston Country Emergency Citizen Line: 843-202-7100

 
Other Emergency Preparedness Twitter Handles to Follow

  • South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control: @scdhec
  • Red Cross: @RedCrossSC
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): @CDCemergency