71 www.HugoMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com | www.CarolinaRealEstatePodcast.com | www.TopTenHomesSold.com In this day and age, Lowcountry residents have come to rely on smart phones, television and social media to keep us updated on our daily weather. During hurricane season though, there’s more to being ready for a storm than simply checking weather forecasts. Several cities in our area offer free programs in the spring or early summer to help folks learn the best way to prepare for an impending threat. And with an average of 14 hurricanes in a normal hurricane season, there is no such thing as “one and done.” In the nearly 200 years of recording hurricanes, there have been numerous seasons when more than one hurricane has made landfall here. Just lying in wait to see what happens when a hurricane is forecast is not the soundest approach this time of year. Coastal communities are urging residents to know what to expect from a hurricane and what can be done to ensure the safety of their homes and families. The Isle of Palms is one city that helps its residents prepare by offering an annual Hurricane & Resilience Expo where people can learn the basics of what to do to protect life, home and property. At the Expo held each May, city officials, community agencies and local vendors provide information and guidance regarding what to do before, during and after a storm as well as when to evacuate and where to go should that need arise. Additionally, a free hurricane kit containing flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies and other essentials is given away to one lucky guest. The city’s Mayor Phillip Pounds advised that “it is important that residents and visitors are prepared, have knowledge of what to do, understand precautions they can take now and know the resources available to them in Calm before the STORM The time to prepare for hurricanes is now BY MARY COY Rob Fowler, local television weatherman. hurricane
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