28 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com our town Preparing for hurricane weather is a normal yearly occurrence for longtime Mount Pleasant residents. But if you are new to the area or have never experienced what hurricanes can do to homes and places along the coast, now is the time to get ready in case the worst happens this fall – and it very well could. “The Charleston and Mount Pleasant areas are in a zone that averages 50-69 hurricane storms every 100 years,” said John Cangialosi, senior hurricane specialist with the National Hurricane Center in Miami. “And since the height of tropical storms and hurricanes for this area is in September, it’s a good idea to prepare now.” Shannon Whitehead, emergency management & resilience officer for the Town of Mount Pleasant, added that adhering to recommended safety guidelines can substantially lessen the impact of hurricanes. “By taking steps such as installing hurricane shutters, reinforcing roofs and clearing yards of debris, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of property damage,” Whitehead said. “And in the event of an evacuation order, allow yourself plenty of time to evacuate.” To this end, forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), headquartered in Washington, D.C., advise these steps, a complete list of which can be found at noaa.gov/hurricane-prep: RISK FROM WIND AND WATER • Know if you live in an area prone to storm surge flooding. • Make sure your home is hurricane proof with storm shutters. • Get an insurance checkup and document your possessions. DEVELOP AN EVACUATION PLAN • Plan several routes. • If you don’t have a vehicle, check with local officials to see what transportation options are available. Hurricane Preparedness BY L. C. LEACH III Don’t wait until it’s too late
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