News Summary
As the Atlantic hurricane season reaches its peak, South Carolinians are urged to prepare for potential storms. The NOAA predicts an above-normal season, with 13-19 named storms expected. Residents should create hurricane kits, understand evacuation zones, and be wary of opportunistic contractors known as storm chasers. Securing properties and knowing insurance coverage details are critical, alongside creating tsunami preparedness measures due to local seismic activity. Officials emphasize the importance of staying informed about storms and adhering to safety protocols throughout the season.
Myrtle Beach, SC – As the Atlantic hurricane season approaches its peak, experts are urging South Carolinians to take early precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of their homes. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an above-normal hurricane season, with estimates of 13-19 named storms and 3-5 major hurricanes on the horizon. Given this forecast, residents are encouraged to prepare thoroughly and to be on guard against opportunistic contractors known as “storm chasers.”
Preparations should begin with assembling a hurricane kit that includes essential supplies such as food, water, medications, and important documents. Homeowners are advised to familiarize themselves with their local evacuation zones and to plan their evacuation routes in advance. Taking the time to prepare these materials will be crucial in the event of a storm.
One critical aspect of hurricane preparedness involves identifying and avoiding storm chasers. These unethical contractors often travel from out of state and prey on homeowners seeking repairs after storm damage. Storm chasers use aggressive tactics to pressure homeowners into signing contracts on the spot, frequently asking for upfront payments and offering quick fixes after a disaster. Signs to watch for include unsolicited door-to-door visits, immediate demands for contracts, and requests for substantial down payments.
To ensure the legitimacy of contractors, homeowners should verify the license plates of any vendors and look for Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation seals. However, it is vital to note that misleading businesses may attempt to imitate these seals, so checking their authenticity via the BBB website for contractor reviews and accreditation is strongly recommended.
In addition to preparing for hurricane-related preparations, residents are reminded to secure their properties before any storm hits. Capturing photos of homes can serve as documentation for insurance claims afterward. Understanding insurance policies and knowing the coverage for hurricane-related damages is critical for all homeowners in the region.
Myrtle Beach has also been recognized for its tsunami readiness by the National Weather Service, heightening safety measures in light of the region’s seismic activity related to the Puerto Rico Trench. Residents are urged to prepare a “tsunami go bag” that should include essential documents, in case a tsunami warning is issued. In such events, evacuating at least two miles inland or reaching elevated areas will be crucial for safety. Notifications regarding tsunamis will be disseminated through mobile alerts and local trusted channels.
South Carolina’s Know Your Zone campaign plays a pivotal role in educating residents about evacuation zones and the inherent risks posed by storm surges during hurricanes. Local officials are stressing the importance of staying informed through alerts and social media platforms throughout the hurricane season. Particular emphasis is on understanding storm categories and real risks, such as flooding and storm surges, which can be highly dangerous.
Emergency preparation should include gathering supplies well ahead of time and establishing family emergency plans—this involves identifying meeting spots for family members to regroup during evacuations. Following the passage of hurricanes, residents face hazards not just from the storm’s initial impact, but also from the improper use of generators, which should be placed at least 20 feet away from buildings to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Complacency remains a concern as the storm season progresses. Local emergency management coordinators are urging residents not to let their guard down. Given the persistent threat of hurricanes, it’s crucial for individuals and families to take proactive steps and adhere to safety measures as the season continues.
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Additional Resources
- WPDE: Myrtle Beach Prepares for Tsunami Threats
- Horry News: Above Normal Hurricane Season Predictions
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local News on Hurricane Preparedness
- The State: South Carolina Hurricane News
- Cincinnati.com: Hurricane Milton and its Impact
- Wikipedia: Hurricane
- Google Search: Hurricane Preparedness
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Preparedness Strategies
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Preparedness
- Google News: Hurricane Season 2023
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
