CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Sept. 21 marked the 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Hugo, and memories of Hugo's destruction have remained quite fresh for some here in the Charleston area.
It is estimated the storm damage from Hugo's intensity today could cause over $8 billion in damages.
This anniversary should serve as a reminder that everyone needs to be ready for a disaster and the associated devastation that a storm can create. It should remind us that it's still hurricane season.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. There are things you can do now to help you avoid loss of life and property and may reduce your risk of becoming a disaster victim. Many low cost ways exist to protect yourself, your home, and family. We all need to learn from the lessons of Hurricane Hugo.
Don't wait until after a disaster to check your insurance policy. Now is the time to prepare review your policy and coverage and know your deductibles and how the policy will handle your claim if property is damaged or destroyed.
Make sure your family has a plan. Sit down and decide where you'll evacuate to, whom you will contact and what you'll do if an emergency arises. Learn safe routes inland and locations of official shelters. Also, be ready to drive 20 to 50 miles inland and keep a copy of the plan in a hurricane kit.
A basic disaster kit can include a South Carolina Hurricane Guide; non-perishable food; enough drinking water for two quarts per person per day; a flashlight with extra batteries; a battery powered radio or hand crank National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio; first aid kit; can opener; essential medicines; sturdy shoes; baby supplies; games and books; fire extinguisher; important documents; toiletries or other personal hygiene items; pet supplies; cash and credit cards.
Your kit should keep you self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Don't forget to resupply and update your kit regularly.
Schools, daycare providers, workplaces and apartment buildings should all have site specific emergency plans your family should know about. Remember to make arrangements for your pets as most shelters will not allow animals.
Everyone should also have a family disaster plan in place as well. Things to include in your plan are out of town contact information; evacuation location with maps and directions; key phone numbers and email addresses to include social security, medical, insurance, veterinarian or kennel information.
Survey your home and determine what you'll do in the event of an emergency. Learn and practice how to shut off the water, gas and electricity at the mains. Install smoke detectors on each floor, especially in bedrooms and to change the batteries annually with daylight savings time change. Also, consider moving heavy objects to lower shelves or securing tall furniture.
Those that lived through Hurricane Hugo have traumatic stories of the storm and the recovery effort. Let's not forget the lessons of such a destructive hurricane. Those who experienced Hugo would certainly tell you to take hurricane planning seriously, pay attention to storm updates, have a plan and most importantly to be prepared.
The following Web sites may also be useful in preparing for a hurricane:
S.C. Emergency Management Division - www.scemd.org
National Hurricane Center - www.nhc.noaa.gov
Traffic Information Department of Public Safety/Traffic - www.sctraffic.org
S.C. Dept of Transportation - www.scdot.org
National Weather Service - www.weather.gov
American Red Cross - www.redcross.org