General Tips For Adults
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Heart and high blood pressure medication
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Insulin
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Prescription drugs
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Denture needs
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Contact lenses and supplies
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Extra eye glasses
2-Protect
Charleston County Links
The Local Emergency Planning Committee
Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
Community Emergency Response Training (CERT)
Awendaw District Fire Department
National Preparedness Links
National Incident Management System (NIMS)
Emergency Management Department
Phone: (843)746-3800
Fax: (843)746-3810
EMD Duty Officer: (843)743-7200
Office Hours: 8am - 5pm
Quick Links
Emergency Tips
It's Scary Simple | FEMA
It's Scary Simple | FEMA
Disaster Dodgers: Introduction to Emergency Planning
Disaster Dodgers: Severe Weather
When the Storm Comes
Prepping A Go Bag With Supplies In Case Of An Emergency: It’s Scary Simple | FEMA
Tips For
Winter Storm
Winterize Your Home
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Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
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Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
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Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year.
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Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing. Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.
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All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside and kept clear.
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Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
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Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
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Insulate your home by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to keep cold air out.
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Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.
Tips For
Tornado
Quick facts you should know about tornadoes:
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They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.
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They may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.
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The average tornado moves Southwest to Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.
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The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 mph, but may vary from stationary to 70 mph.
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Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.
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Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.
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Tornadoes are most frequently reported east of the Rocky Mountains during spring and summer months.
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Peak tornado season in the southern states is March through May; in the northern states, it is late spring through early summer.
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Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 pm and 9 pm, but can occur at any time.
Know the Terms
Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a tornado hazard:
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Tornado Watch - Tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information.
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Tornado Warning - A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.
Tips For
Hurricane
Red Cross Tips
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Download an application to your smartphone that can notify people where you are, and if you need help or are safe. The Red Cross has a Hurricane App available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. A First Aid app is also available.
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Use hurricane shutters or board up windows and doors with 5/8 inch plywood.
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Bring outside items in if they could be picked up by the wind.
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Clear gutters of debris.
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Reinforce the garage door.
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Turn the refrigerator to its coldest setting in case power goes off. Use a cooler to keep from opening the doors on the freezer or refrigerator.
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Fill a bathtub with water.
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Get full tank of gas in one car.
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Go over the evacuation plan with the family, and learn alternate routes to safety.
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Learn the location of the nearest shelter or nearest pet-friendly shelter.
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Put an ax in your attic in case of severe flooding.
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Evacuate if ordered and stick to marked evacuation routes, if possible.
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Store important documents -- passports, Social Security cards, birth certificates, deeds -- in a watertight container.
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Have a current inventory of household property.
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Leave a note to say where you are going.
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Unplug small appliances and electronics before you leave.
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If possible, turn off the electricity, gas and water for residence.