Lt. Governor André Bauer offers tips to seniors complying with the voluntary evacuations that have been recommended in Horry and Georgetown Counties

It is important that we prepare for hurricanes so that when the time comes to evacuate, it can be done quickly so that everyone is safely inland before the storm comes ashore.  One of the best ways to prepare is to have an all hazards emergency plan and family emergency kit so that you will know how you are going to respond and the supplies needed to take care of yourself and your family for at least 72 hours.

Most people already have a plan on how they are going to deal with a fire so creating an emergency plan only requires a few more steps.  Emergency planning can and should be used in all hazards though since our state is vulnerable to all natural disasters with the exception of volcanoes according to experts.

Make sure you know the contact numbers for fire, police and EMS as well as numbers for friends or relatives that you need to know where you are and that you are okay or in need of assistance.

Identify in advance where you plan to evacuate to.  For those that do not have friends or relatives that they can stay with, an early evacuation may be more important as space in hotels fills up.  It is also important to consider your pets and where they will go as many places including emergency shelters do not allow non-service animals on site.

Keep a copy of the 2008 Hurricane Guide produced by the South Carolina Emergency Management Division in your emergency kit or vehicle.  It contains important information on evacuation routes, emergency shelter locations, evacuation and emergency tips, evacuation zones and radio frequencies that will broadcast emergency information.  A link to the Hurricane Guide can be found on the Office on Aging Website www.aging.sc.gov.

You should also keep copies of important documents such as insurance policies, deeds, birth certificates and medical information together so that you can carry them with you when it is time to leave.  After the storm has passed this information will be very important should you have to make an insurance claim or be asked for positive identification for re-entry to a damaged area.  You should also consider taking pictures of your home and possessions and take them along as well to aid your insurance company with your claim if your property is damaged or destroyed.

It is very important for seniors to take prescription medications and the bottles with refill information in case you are away from home for longer than expected.  Running out of medications can be more than an inconvenience; it can be dangerous if a senior runs out of maintenance drugs.  It is also important to remember small essentials like hearing aid batteries.

When it is time to evacuate, make sure that you leave with a full tank of fuel in your vehicle.  Often times, traffic will move slowly along evacuation routes, and running out of fuel will be very inconvenient for you and the individuals behind you in the flow of traffic.

You can find additional information on emergency planning and hurricanes through the SC Emergency Management Division www.scemd.org, The National Hurricane Center www.nhc.noaa.gov and the American Red Cross www.redcross.org.

We will update information for the senior community on this website and mine www.ltgov.sc.gov throughout emergencies and disasters, so please check back often.  If you have concerns or need assistance you can always call the Office on Aging at 1-800-868-9095 and my staff will do everything they can to help you.

Emergency Supply Kit

Having an emergency kit put together can make your response to an emergency much less complicated.  Gather supplies for your kit ahead of time so you can use at home or take if you evacuate. A basic kit should include:

• Maps that show evacuation routes and a 2008 SC Hurricane Guide
• Non-perishable food (including canned goods)
• Drinking water (two quarts per person per day)
• Flashlights, extra batteries, and bulbs
• Battery-powered AM/FM or hand crank radio and NOAA weather radio with extra batteries
• First-aid kit and first-aid manual
• Non-electric can opener
• Prescription medicines and your prescriptions so you can get a refill if your supply runs low.
• Sturdy shoes
• Important documents (insurance policies, family records, photo identification, important telephone numbers, tax records, bank information)
• Identification cards
• Toiletries and other personal hygiene items
• Cash and credit cards

Family Pets and Emergency Preparedness

Many people consider their pet a part of the family, so it is important to prepare your pet for emergencies too.  Since most shelters do not take pets, think about sheltering them when you make your evacuation plans.

Pet Disaster Supply Kit

• Proper identification including immunization records
• Ample supply of food and water
• A sturdy carrier or cage
• Medications
• Muzzle, collar and leash

At The Public Shelter

Before heading to a public shelter, first consider staying with family and friends or in a motel out of the area. If those are not available, the American Red Cross will provide a safe place to stay when you have no other place to go. Cots and blankets will not be provided in the public shelter, and although food will be provided, specialty items for infants and individuals on restricted diets may not be available.

If you plan to evacuate to a shelter, you will want to carry the supplies listed above in your Emergency Supply Kit as well as:

• Blankets
• sleeping bags
• pillows
• cots
• Special foods (for restricted diets)