Prepare
Hide From The Wind
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale estimates potential property damage based on a hurricane’s sustained wind speed. Hurricanes reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major because of their potential for significant loss of life and property damage. Category 1 and 2 storms are still dangerous, and require preventative measures.
Category 1
Damage
Minimal Damage
- Some damage to roofs, siding, gutters and trees.
Wind
74-95 mph
Power Outages
Outages could last several days.
Category 2
Damage
Moderate Damage
- Extremely dangerous winds could cause major damage to homes and buildings.
- Shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted.
Wind
96-110 mph
Power Outages
Near total power loss that could last from several days to weeks.
Category 3
Damage
Moderate Damage
- Devastating damage could occur.
- Buildings can sustain damage with loss of roof structure and some exterior walls.
- Trees will be snapped and uprooted.
Wind
111-129 mph
Power Outages
Outages can last for several days to weeks.
Category 4
Damage
Extreme Damage
- Buildings will sustain severe damage.
- Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
Wind
130-156 mph
Power Outages
Outages could last for weeks to possibly months.
Category 5
Damage
Catastrophic Damage
- A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse.
- Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
Wind
157+ mph
Power Outages
Outages will last for weeks to possibly months.
Run From The Water
Storm surge inundation is the total water level that occurs on normally dry ground as a result of the storm tide, and is expressed in terms of water, in feet, above ground level. Storm surge flooding causes more deaths than high winds during a hurricane.
Storm Surge:
1-3 Feet
- Could knock you off your feet
- Could cause cars to stall
- Not passable to light vehicles
Storm Surge:
4-6 Feet
- Move to higher ground
- Can enter homes
- Floating cars and debris
Storm Surge:
7-9 Feet
- Move to higher ground if predicted
- Fills first floors of homes and business
- Can't see what's in the water
Storm Surge:
10 Feet
- Deadly and destructive
- Can overwhelm whole coastal cities and towns
- Covers one story homes
Power Pointers
Start preparing for a power outage now. Visit scemd.org to find a list of all power utilities serving S.C. complete with their outage reporting information.
Power Lines
If you see a downed power line, do not touch it. Do not touch tree limbs or other objects touching a power line.
Generators
Do not attempt to tie generators into the house circuit without out prior, professional installation. This can be dangerous to you, your neighbors and to linemen. Plug appliances directly in to the generator. Make sure the generator is in a well-ventilated space to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Cooking
Should the power go out while you are cooking, remember to turn the stove off and remove any cookware from the cooking surfaces and the oven.
Refrigerators
Do not open refrigerators or freezers during an outage unless absolutely necessary. Repeated openings cause the cold air to escape and the food inside to thaw more quickly.
Gas
If you smell gas, leave your home immediately and call your power company.
