Living in South Carolina: Hurricane preparedness

Attending school near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, calls for some severe weather—hurricane, tropical storms and tropical depressions.

Hurricane season starts June 1 and ends Nov. 30 each year, meaning Coastal needs to continue staying weather aware.

Even though Tropical Storm Irma only caused minor damage to Myrtle Beach and Conway, it is never a bad idea to be prepared for the worst.

Students should have a set procedure, that includes a hurricane kit, in place if a hurricane is in the forecast.

According to Ready.gov, a disaster preparedness site, the proper hurricane kit consists of 10 major essentials.

The website recommends students to have enough gallons of water to last them three days for drinking and sanitation purposes: typically, one gallon per person per day.

Food is the next major priority item for hurricane kits. There should be enough food to last three days and the food should be non-perishable.

A first aid kit, a few flashlights, a cell phone with chargers and backup batteries are next on the list of importance.

Other things that may be included in a standard hurricane kit include: extra batteries, a whistle to signal for help, dust masks to help filter contaminated air, a manual can opener and lastly, local maps.

However, preparing for a hurricane does not stop at getting a kit ready.

Students should have a procedure in place for when disaster is on the way.

Hunter Skaggs, a senior at Coastal, has been through two tropical systems during his four years, Hurricane Matthew and Tropical Storm Irma, as well as Tropical Storm Hermine.

“I have been through two [tropical systems] and have evacuated for both, even though only one ended up hitting Coastal.”

Skaggs said he has learned to only trust certain websites for factual information and had some advice for younger generations on how to prepare.

“Educate yourselves and don’t listen to rumors," said Skaggs. "If you want facts go on nhc.noaa.gov or the local weatherman. If your family lives close, then go home because it is a great excuse to get a home-cooked meal and see your parents.”

Skaggs also expressed how important it is to lend a helping hand to others who are not as lucky.

“Help the students who don’t have family close by or the means to get home," said Skaggs. "Offer to take them with you or help them find safety because it’s the right thing to do.”

(NHPR)

(WMBF News)