South Carolina Officials Urge Preparation Ahead of June 1 Hurricane Season

With the calendar flipping to June, South Carolina officials are reminding residents that the time to prepare for severe tropical weather is before a storm ever develops in the Atlantic.

Governor Henry McMaster, alongside the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD), issued a briefing emphasizing that state emergency teams are fully mobilized and ready, but individual family readiness remains the most critical line of defense.

“Hurricane season begins on June 1, and now is the time to prepare,” Governor McMaster stated. “Team South Carolina is ready, but every family should have a plan in place before a storm threatens our state.”

While coastal areas like the Lowcountry frequently bear the initial brunt of tropical systems, emergency managers emphasize that inland regions across the Upstate—including Mauldin, Simpsonville, and Fountain Inn—are far from immune. Fast-moving tropical storms can easily push destructive winds, widespread power outages, and sudden flash flooding deep into interior counties.

To ensure local households are fully equipped, emergency officials recommend taking three foundational steps over the next week.

1. Know Your Zone and Your Risk

For residents who plan to travel toward the coast this summer, or for those with family members in coastal counties, understanding South Carolina’s designated evacuation zones is essential. SCEMD maintains an interactive map at scemd.org that details exactly when and where evacuations will be ordered based on storm trajectories.

For inland residents along the Golden Strip, localized risk assessment means checking neighborhood drainage patterns, clearing backyard debris, and identifying trees that could threaten rooflines if high winds push through the area.

2. Build a Severe Weather Kit

A well-stocked emergency kit should be able to sustain a household independently for at least three to five days if regional infrastructure or power grids face disruptions. Vital kit components include:

• Water: One gallon of water per person, per day, for drinking and sanitation.

• Food: A multi-day supply of non-perishable items that require no cooking or refrigeration.

• Power & Light: Flashlights, a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA Weather Radio, and fully charged portable power banks for cellular devices.

• Medical & Personal Needs: A first-aid kit, a minimum two-week supply of prescription medications, and essential supplies for pets or small children.

3. Review Insurance and Documents

Property insurance policies should be reviewed immediately, as most companies will not allow homeowners to add or adjust coverage once a named tropical system is actively moving toward the coast. It is also highly recommended to keep digital or waterproof physical copies of birth certificates, insurance policies, and medical records easily accessible in a single location.

By dedicating a few hours to building a family plan this week, Upstate residents can head into the summer months with the peace of mind that they are ready for whatever the Atlantic season brings.