Decide NOW what you'll do when a  storm approaches. Where will you go? What will you do if someone gets separated? Make your Plans NOW!!

Make your personal storm preparation plan. It's essential that everyone in the family knows early on what the plan is, and what each person's role is.

Your first objective, of course, is to make sure you and your family are as safe as possible.  And your plan should cover not just what to do as the storm threatens and hits, but what you should do afterward, when you're on your own without help, and could be for up to a month.

Decide where you want to be during a hurricane: Where do you want to be when the storm hits,  You may choose to evacuate to another part of the state, completely out of state, or you may utilize a shelter (should be your last resort). Study all the alternatives and decide which is best for you and your family. Be specific in your planning. If you are leaving town, where will you go? Plan your evacuation route.

Have backup plans for shelter: If you're going to an emergency shelter, know which one you're supposed to go to and know where two others are, for backup. If evacuations are necessary, the following shelters are in the North Charleston area. 

Decide what to do if your family gets separated: Have a designated meeting place, and a backup.

Tell others about your plan: Tell at least two family members who live outside your area what you're going to do in case of a hurricane. If you're leaving town, tell them where you're going. If you change plans, let them know and try to communicate with them afterward. 

Involve all members of the family: Involve everyone in the family, especially the children, in your preparations. Each family member should have responsibilities so that work is shared and nothing is overlooked. 

Make preparations for children: Decide now who picks them up from school during a storm threat if both parents work. Start helping them now to deal with any fears: Explain what a hurricane is, what it can do, and what preparations your family is making to contend with one. Click here for some help with the kids. 

Prepare for those with special needs: Make arrangements right away for family members who are elderly or who have special needs. Those with special needs should make preparations well in advance.  A person with special needs is anyone who may need help evacuating in a hurricane. That may include senior citizens and anyone with a disability or serious illness.

If you require any type of life-support equipment that uses electricity, register with your local Emergency Management Office, regardless of whether you live in an evacuation zone. That office can provide assistance including direct warning of an evacuation, help in leaving a home, transportation to a home or shelter, and transportation of equipment such as wheelchairs.

After registering with an Emergency Management Office, keep the registration form and instructions safe and handy.

Make plans for any special transportation needs.  Even if you have arranged transportation with emergency workers, plan for backup transportation just in case, and for peace of mind.

Prepare a "safety" bag to take with you should you have to evacuate. It should include a blanket, pillow, folding chair, and sleeping bag or cot; food for at least two days; medication for three to seven days; personal hygiene items; identification and valuable documents (insurance, birth and marriage certificate

Monitor your local radio and/or TV station when a storm threatens.

Don't panic if you can't get a ride when a hurricane is threatening. Ask a Firefighter, Law Enforcement officer or emergency official for help.

If you have a loved one in a nursing home, state law requires nursing homes to have disaster plans. The plans require adequate food and water, medical supplies, emergency power and staffing. If you have someone in a nursing home, ask the supervisor to see the plans well before a storm threatens.

Have some emergency cash put away: A hurricane will disrupt banking schedules. Automated teller machines and credit cards, in a world without electricity, will not work or will run out of cash. Don't charge your credit cards to the limit; you may need them to get more cash after the storm.

Planning is key to avoiding price gougers who appear after calamity strikes. Buy as many supplies as you can, especially big-ticket items like generators, before a hurricane threatens and demand skyrockets.

Get your Ducks in a row: Gather and store all valuable paperwork such as mortgage notes, insurance papers, deeds, licenses, photos, etc... You must be able to show proof of ownership for your home or vehicle in order to claim the loss through insurance or FEMA. Store these things in a water-proof container.

Itemize furnishings, clothing, valuables, etc... Take photos or videos of your home and belongings.  This will help adjusters to settle claims. They can also prove uninsured losses, which are tax deductible.

Gather non-perishable food, drinking water, candles, matches, first aid kits, radio with batteries, flashlights, etc... Have these things ready at all times.

Review your Insurance policy, make sure it meets your needs. Don't wait until the storm is bearing down on you!!