Hurricanes and tropical storms have the potential to produce strong winds, storm surge flooding, and heavy rainfall, which can result in severe erosion and significant damage to public and private property along the South Carolina coast.
Satellite image showing Hurricane Dorian off the South Carolina coast in September 2019 -- NOAA.
Preparedness Operations
SCDES BCM prioritizes emergency preparedness to improve the safety and effectiveness of post-disaster recovery operations. Preparedness activities involve annual emergency planning, logistics and early coordination, staff training, field work, and data management.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. As the season approaches, SCDES BCM begins monitoring weather forecasts and reported activity in the tropics. When a possible threat has been identified, planning begins for the potential need to issue emergency orders allowing property owners to conduct certain activities in the critical areas, for example, installation of sandbags, sand scraping, or minor renourishment to provide temporary protection to beachfront structures.
Post-disaster Recovery Operations
Following impact, SCDES BCM implements post-disaster recovery operations in coordination with local communities impacted by the storm. Depending on the severity of damage, recovery operations may include assessment of damage to beachfront structures and issuance of emergency authorizations for repair or reconstruction of damaged structures. SCDES BCM also supports long-term recovery within locally affected communities.
Report Erosion and Damage
SCDES BCM encourages residents and officials to report erosion and damage to beachfront structures including habitable structures, pools, and erosion control structures, as well as damage to infrastructure including roads and dune walkovers using the Storm Witness reporting tool on SCDES BCM's MyCoast web and mobile application. This information will assist in prioritizing post-disaster damage assessment and coordination with coastal counties and municipalities. Property owners should also report damage to structures, including homes, to their local building officials.
Past Disaster Recovery Coordination
- Tropical Storm Debby Recovery & Requirements
- Hurricane Ian Recovery & Requirements
- Hurricane Irma Recovery & Requirements