NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- Governor Henry McMaster declared May as Hurricane Preparedness Month in South Carolina.
The City of North Myrtle Beach encourages all residents to have a hurricane safety plan. Please take a moment to review the information below.
The state of South Carolina adjusted the hurricane evacuation zones in North Myrtle Beach and along the coast.
As a reminder, Hurricane Evacuation Zones and FEMA Flood Zones are different from one another. Flood Zones are mapped by FEMA for use in the National Flood Insurance Program. Hurricane Evacuation Zones are based on storm surge potential modeled from data by the National Hurricane Center.
In South Carolina, hurricane evacuations are issued by the Governor. All evacuations issued are considered mandatory. In Horry County, there are three evacuation zones: A, B, C. These zones are based off of storm surge potential and not the category of the storm.
Even if you do not live in an evacuation zone, you can evacuate. Keep in mind, even if you are not in a designated evacuation zone, you may still experience other impacts from a hurricane - high winds, tornadoes, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and power outages.
To search your home or business address directly, utilize the Interactive Know Your Zone Map.
A Basic Disaster Supplies Kit should include the following:
- Portable Radio with Extra Batteries
- NOAA Weather Radio
- First Aid Kit
- Flashlights with Extra Batteries
- Cash
- Mobile Device Chargers
- Bottled Water
- Important Documents
- Non-perishable Food and Plastic Dishes/Eating Utensils
- Pet and Baby Supplies
- Personal Hygiene Items
- Blankets and Towels
- Rain Jackets, Pants, Boots
- Bedding and Clothing
- Hand Sanitizer
If you live along the North Strand, the evacuation route is to take SC 9 north to I-95 or take SC 22 to US 501 to Marion.
Be aware that law enforcement and the South Carolina National Guard may be posted along evacuation routes to assist drivers. If individuals deviate from the primary evacuation route, they may experience delays and be rerouted back to the primary route.
Being prepared is the best defense against damage from flooding and other disasters. Steps to being flood prepared include:
- Know Your Hazard
- Insure Your Property
- Protect Your Family and Self
- Protect Your Property
- Build Responsibly
- Protect Natural Floodplain Functions
- Emergency Preparedness
- General Preparedness
- Flood Education
The South Carolina Department of Insurance recommends reviewing your insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage, understanding the difference between replacement cost and cash value, and knowing your policy's deductibles and the steps to take when property is damaged.
A standard homeowners' or renters' policy does not cover flood damage; therefore, to protect your property from flood damage, a separate flood insurance policy would need to be purchased.
Be sure to make a property inventory list of valuables, and when a hurricane is imminent, remove outdoor objects, such as lawn furniture.
Horry County Hurricane Guides are available at library branches across the County, including the North Myrtle Beach Library. These guides are available online, as well.
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division updates their Hurricane Guide annually, which is available online. SCEMD encourages individuals to build their plan, know their zone, and stay connected.
In the event of a hurricane, the City’s goal is for the return of property owners and others to North Myrtle Beach as soon as possible following a hurricane evacuation so that all can help in the recovery process. However, some areas of the City may not be safe or essential utilities may be damaged, resulting in delayed reentry to the affected locations.
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