DPH Encourages Preparedness Ahead of Hurricane Season

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 4, 2026

COLUMBIA, S.C. — In advance of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which officially begins on June 1, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) joins partners in observing National Hurricane Preparedness Week May 3-9 and May as South Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Month.  

South Carolina is most at risk for tropical storms and hurricanes from June through November.  

“While storms and hurricanes cannot be prevented, there are steps South Carolinians can and should take to protect themselves and their families,” said Dr. Edward Simmer, interim DPH director. “We encourage everyone in our state to update their plans and make the necessary preparations in advance of each hurricane season. South Carolina was spared major impacts during the 2025 hurricane season; however, we must always remain vigilant as a coastal state.”

To prepare for a hurricane, DPH recommends all South Carolinians take the following steps:

• Stay informed: Know where you can go to receive information before and during storms from trusted and reliable sources.
• Make an emergency kit: Make sure your emergency kit addresses your specific needs. Consider the items you use every day when deciding what to add to your kit.
• Know Your Zone: Be prepared for potential evacuation by understanding your hurricane evacuation zone and storm surge risk along South Carolina’s coast.

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) serves as the primary coordinating agency during a weather emergency. DPH is part of the State Emergency Response Team and performs additional critical roles that help protect residents and help the state recover from hurricanes and other disasters as quickly as possible.  

For those with medical equipment requiring electricity or who need a hospital bed, DPH offers Medical Equipment Power Shelters (MEPS) with generator power. Individuals in these shelters should bring a responsible adult companion to care for them. DPH does not provide health care services in these shelters. To access these shelters during an emergency, call 833-351-9990, where transport arrangements can be made if needed.

DPH also assists with pre-storm evacuation support and active monitoring of health care facilities during weather events and post-event recovery operations.  

DPH stands ready to assist wherever possible by providing key services to people in areas recovering from a hurricane. Utilizing unimpacted health departments and other locations, DPH can provide health department services, WIC nutrition services for eligible women and children, and Tdap (tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis) or other immunizations based on event type.

South Carolinians are encouraged to download SCEMD’s official mobile app, SC Emergency Manager, on the Apple App Store or on Google Play. The mobile app contains links to many of the websites listed above as well as other useful tools and resources, and coastal residents can determine their evacuation zone based off their phone’s location or by entering an address.

SCEMD also has a website dedicated to hurricane preparedness with additional information and resources at hurricane.sc and recently released its 2026 South Carolina Hurricane Guide.

For more information on hurricane preparedness, including steps to take before, during and after a hurricane, visit DPH’s Hurricanes and Floods webpage.

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