Getting Your Lowcountry Home Ready Before the Storm Rolls In

If you've lived in the Charleston area for any length of time, you know hurricane season isn't something we wait to think about until a storm shows up in the forecast. From evacuation planning to yard work to simply having a plan in place, a little preparation now can save a lot of stress later. Here's what we tell our own clients as we head into another storm season on the coast.

Start Thinking About It Before the Forecast Does

It's tempting to wait until a storm is named and tracking toward the coast before pulling out the checklist, but by then, supplies are picked over and contractors are booked solid. We encourage our clients, whether they've owned a home here for twenty years or just closed last month, to use the early part of hurricane season as a natural check-in point. A few things worth taking care of early:

• Restock basic supplies, including a battery-powered radio, flashlights, portable cell phone chargers and fresh batteries.
• Sign up for local storm alerts to stay on top of the storm's path as it draws closer to shore and makes landfall. These alerts will also keep you updated on any tornadoes that may spin up during these tropical storms.
• Know your evacuation route before you need it. South Carolina's primary evacuation corridor for our area runs along I-26 toward Columbia, and the state has used reversible "lane reversal" traffic patterns on I-26 during past major evacuations to move traffic inland more efficiently.
• If you have a generator, whether a whole-house unit or a portable one, test it now to confirm it's running properly, and purchase gas for portable generators ahead of time rather than waiting until a storm has passed.
• If you have pets and may need to evacuate, check the pet policies at hotels in outlying, inland areas ahead of time. Pet-friendly rooms away from the coast tend to book up quickly once a storm is in the forecast.

Give Your Property a Once-Over

A little yard maintenance goes a long way when tropical weather is in the forecast. Trimming dead or overhanging tree limbs, clearing gutters and downspouts, and checking that drainage areas around your home are free of debris can meaningfully reduce the odds of water intrusion or storm damage.
It's also worth taking current, dated photos or a short video walkthrough of your home's interior and exterior before storm season gets underway. Beyond being useful for insurance purposes if you ever need to file a claim, this kind of documentation is simply good practice for any homeowner along the coast.
When a storm is actually approaching, bring in or secure outdoor furniture, grills, and décor, and give your car a full tank of gas well before the roads get crowded.

Have a Simple Plan for Your Household

You don't need an elaborate plan, just a clear one. Know where you'd go if evacuation were recommended, keep a few days of essentials on hand, and make sure everyone in your household, including pets, has what they need if you have to leave quickly, including medications.
Keep copies of important documents, such as your insurance policies and identification, somewhere accessible, whether that's a physical folder you can grab on your way out or a digital copy you can pull up from your phone.

Whether you're preparing your current home for another storm season or thinking about buying or selling in the Charleston area, we're happy to talk it through. If you're weighing a move, our Buyer's Guide is a helpful place to start, and sellers can find more on our seller consultation page. 

Lauren, Tina and Gigi | Lauren Zurilla & Associates — Your Charleston Area Real Estate Experts

Lauren Zurilla & Associates is committed to the letter and spirit of Fair Housing law. We support equal housing opportunity for all.