Mount Pleasant Magazine March/April 2018

90 www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasant.Pet | www.MountPleasantBuilders.com feature and what kind of shingles are used,” he said. Farmer said the program provides funds for other methods of protecting homes as well. “If a homeowner needs to protect their windows, doors and garage doors in anticipation of storm season, we encourage them to apply,” he added. For example, the grant can help cover the cost of storm shutters or to reinforce windows, doors and garage doors. Farmer said that it is important to make sure homeowners apply and complete the retrofits because, “once the envelope of a home is compromised from a bad storm it will need to be strengthened, no matter how safe the home was when the homeowner first bought it.” Only homeowners in the following coastal counties are eligible to apply for a Safe Home grant: Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dillon, Dorchester, Florence, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry, Jasper, Marion, Marlboro and Williamsburg. Participating South Carolina Safe Home contractors and inspectors, licensed through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, are listed on the Department of Insurance website. They will provide the estimates that must be submitted along with the completed grant application. More than one estimate is recommended. Farmer said that once the money is awarded, homeowners have up to three months for the work to be completed, but “the time frame also depends on the contractor and their schedule.” Homeowners can apply for the Safe Home grant online at www.doi.sc.gov . “This program is an incentive to homeowners along the coast to get their homes hurricane-ready,” Farmer said. “It’s a great opportunity to take advantage of.” By the Numbers The category 1 to 5 scale for hurricanes estimates potential property damage. (CNN) A category 2 hurricane with winds at 96 to 110 mph can cause some roof and window damage. (CNN) A category 3 or higher is considered a major hurricane. (CNN) Since official records began in 1851, 42 tropical cyclones made landfall in the Charleston County area – 25 hurricanes, 10 tropical storms and seven tropical depressions. (NOAA) Estimates of insured losses for Hurricane Matthew, which grazed the coast of Florida with 120 mph winds but hit landfall near McClellanville on Oct. 8, 2016, range from $1.5 billion to $7 billion in the United States. (Insurance Information Institute) r l estate Sharon Cassidy & Sally Castengera 843.971.3501 (o) 843.901.1590 (c) sharon.cassidy@direalestate.com sally.castengera@direalestate.com danielisland.com 117 BRAILSFORD STREET, CHARLESTON, SC 29492 4 Bedrooms • 3 Full Baths •1 Half Bath • 4,000 Sq. Ft. • $1,595,000 Situated on the RALSTON CREEK GOLF COURSE in Daniel Island Park