Living along the South Carolina coast means hurricane season is part of the rhythm of the year. From Myrtle Beach down through the Grand Strand and inland across the Pee Dee, storms can bring high winds, storm surge, and the kind of flooding that turns a manageable problem into a major one fast. The good news is that a little preparation goes a long way. As a woman-owned, IICRC-certified restoration company that helps neighbors recover after storms, we put together this checklist to help you protect your family and your home before the next system spins up.
Get Your Home Ready Before the Season Starts
The work you do in calm weather pays off when a storm is bearing down. Tackle these tasks early in the season rather than waiting for a named storm:
- Trim trees and remove dead or overhanging branches near your roof and power lines.
- Clean gutters and downspouts so rainwater drains away from your foundation.
- Inspect your roof for loose or missing shingles and have them repaired.
- Know where your water shut-off valve and electrical panel are located.
- Photograph or video every room, plus your roof and exterior, for insurance records.
- Move important documents into a waterproof, portable container.
A dry, well-sealed home handles wind-driven rain far better than one with small existing problems. Many of the water damage calls we see start with a vulnerability the homeowner already knew about.
Build an Emergency Kit and Communication Plan
When power and roads go down, you may need to be self-sufficient for several days. Assemble a kit you can grab quickly:
- At least one gallon of water per person per day for three or more days.
- Non-perishable food and a manual can opener.
- Flashlights, batteries, and a battery or hand-crank radio.
- A first-aid kit and a week's supply of prescription medications.
- Phone chargers, a backup battery, and a little cash in small bills.
- Copies of insurance policies, IDs, and your restoration company's number.
Just as important is a plan. Decide where your household will go if you evacuate, choose an out-of-town contact everyone can check in with, and make sure each person knows the plan. Keep a list of emergency numbers written down in case your phone dies.
Protect Against Wind and Water
The two forces that do the most damage on the Grand Strand are wind and water, so focus your storm-day prep there:
- Install storm shutters or pre-cut plywood for windows and doors.
- Bring in or secure patio furniture, grills, trash cans, and anything that can become a projectile.
- Anchor or relocate boats, trailers, and outdoor equipment.
- If flooding is likely, move valuables and electronics to upper floors or higher shelves.
- Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting in case the power goes out.
- Fill bathtubs and containers with water for cleaning and flushing.
If you live in a low-lying or surge-prone area, take evacuation orders seriously. No amount of preparation is worth staying behind for. Property can be repaired and restored; people cannot.
Know Your Evacuation Zone and Route
Coastal South Carolina uses designated evacuation zones, and your zone determines when you should leave. Look up your zone now, before a storm is in the forecast, and write it down where the whole household can see it.
- Identify your evacuation zone and the nearest official routes.
- Keep at least half a tank of gas in your vehicle during hurricane season.
- Plan for pets, including carriers, food, and vaccination records.
- Sign up for local emergency alerts from your county.
Leaving early beats sitting in gridlock as conditions worsen. If officials call for evacuation, treat it as the deadline, not a suggestion.
After the Storm: Act Fast on Damage
Once it is safe to return, document everything before you touch it. Photograph standing water, soaked drywall, roof leaks, and any sewage backup for your insurance claim. Then move quickly, because time is the enemy with storm damage.
Water that sits begins fueling mold growth within 24 to 48 hours, and contaminated flood water carries health risks that require professional handling. We help Grand Strand and Pee Dee homeowners with water damage, flood damage, mold removal, sewage cleanup, and full hurricane damage recovery. You can see all the areas we serve across the region.
Drying, cleaning, and rebuilding after a hurricane is not a DIY job, especially when flood water or sewage is involved. Bringing in certified professionals early protects your health and helps your insurance claim go more smoothly.
We're Here When the Storm Passes
A solid checklist keeps your family safe, but recovery is where we come in. If your home takes on water or storm damage this season, Clean Sweep Enterprises responds quickly with the certified, compassionate help you need to get back to normal. Call us anytime at (843) 932-9388 or request a free estimate, and let us handle the cleanup so you can focus on your family.