Hilton Head Hurricane Preparedness Tips

How to Protect Your Car, Home & Family During a Hurricane

The Hilton Head area is no stranger to hurricanes and tropical storms. Hurricane season runs from June 1-November 30. The last large hurricane to hit Hilton Head was the Category 2 Hurricane Matthew in 2016. There are several steps you can take to ensure your family’s safety next time a hurricane threatens the area. These precautions will also help protect your vehicle and home from storm damage.

Protect your vehicle from damage

Unfortunately, not everyone has the luxury of parking their vehicle in a garage. This can become a real problem in a hurricane, when your car is susceptible to damage from high winds, falling trees, hail, and flying objects. If you don’t have access to a garage, park your car close to a building–the building can act as a buffer from damaging winds. It’s also important to avoid parking under trees or power lines, as these can come crashing down during the storm and cause serious damage.

Remove important documents from your car before the storm starts. Store registration and insurance cards in a sealable plastic bag. Make additional copies of these items and the keys to each vehicle, distributing them to each driver in your household. If for some reason you are separated, each person will still be able to operate the vehicle.

It’s also a good idea to fill the gas tank. It’s very common to see a surge of customers at gas stations after hurricanes, gassing up their cars and filling gas cans for generators. This sometimes results in a gas shortage, and it’s important that you and your family are able to travel to a safe place if necessary.

Take several photos of your vehicle to document what the condition before any potential damage. After the storm passes, take photos of any damages including scratches, dents, and broken windows. These photos will make it easier for you and your insurance company to determine what you are entitled to for repairs.

If you do have to drive soon after the storm, take it slow and watch out for hazards on the road. Roads may be blocked with downed trees or stranded vehicles. There may also be flooding in many areas after a hurricane.

Protect your home

During a hurricane, homes are often damaged by strong winds and flood water. The first way to protect your home from high winds is to address the most vulnerable points–windows and doors. Using plywood to board up windows and glass doors is a cost-effective solution.

Once your doors and windows are protected, survey your property for loose items that could be tossed around by the wind. Trim trees with loose limbs and bring in items like patio furniture, toys, garbage cans, bikes, and potted plants. Secure heavy items that can’t be brought into the house, like grills and small sheds.

Protect your home from flood damage by keeping your gutters clean of debris. Pile sandbags about two feet high around the entrances to your house to barricade against flood water. Flood insurance can provide some reassurance in case your home does become flooded.

Go around the house and unplug expensive appliances, or plug them into a surge protector. Hurricanes can cause power surges from lightning or falling utility poles. These surges can fry your appliances, resulting in a costly loss. Also make a list and take photos of appliances, being sure to record the serial numbers. If any of the items are damaged during the storm, you’ll have an accurate record for your insurance company.

Losing a refrigerator full of food can be quite painful. When a hurricane hits, it often results in several days with no power. Safeguarding your food against spoilage is an important step in hurricane preparation. Before the storm hits, turn the dials in your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings. Freeze as much as you can. Stock up on bags of ice–if you can’t find any ice at the local stores, freeze containers of water.

Protect your family (pets too!)

There are several ways to protect your family members during a natural disaster. Start by listening closely to warnings and updates regarding the storm. Use both national and local news outlets to keep up with the latest information. Local media sources in the Hilton Head area include The Island Packet, The Bluffton Today, WSAV, WTOC, WJCL, and WTGS.

When hurricanes hit areas like Hilton Head, evacuations are often a necessity. All family members should pack a “go bag” a couple days before the storm. FEMA suggests that these bags include items such as:

• 3-day supply of food and water (per person)
• flashlights, battery-powered or crank radio, batteries, and a multi-purpose tool
• prescriptions
• cash
• personal hygiene items
• chargers for electronics
• blankets/sleeping bags
• a change of clothing

If you are in an area where the local authorities have ordered an evacuation, leave immediately. If there is no evacuation order in your area and you decide to stay in your home, stay away from windows and glass doors. If you are out in your car when the storm begins, move to high ground.

Be sure to fill all prescriptions for your family members a few days before the storm is supposed to hit. It may not be possible to get these important medications right after the hurricane passes. Store important documents in waterproof, sealable bags. When you’re packing emergency supplies, don’t forget about your pets. Pack three days of food and water, their medications, and put copies of their vet records with your important papers.

Create a family emergency plan that will help the people in your household reconnect safely in case of separation. Write down important numbers on a slip of paper in your wallet or purse. Choose an out-of-state friend or relative to serve as your reconnecting point. Plan to use text messaging or social media in case you can’t make calls.

Hurricanes can cause severe damage to your vehicles and your home. These precautions can help you protect your assets and help your family members stay safe during a storm.

However, if your luxury car has been damaged after a tropical storm or hurricane, we can help. Contact Hilton Head Lexus at (843) 208-7800 to schedule a service appointment or get a quote on auto body repair in Hardeeville. We serve drivers throughout South Carolina, including Hilton Head, Bluffton, Hardeeville, and Limehouse.