An Overactive Hurricane Season Requires Special Attention for Horry County Residents

This year, more and more homeowners are relying on storm recovery services in Horry County. The overactive hurricane season has brought about multiple named storms already, with a few more currently active in the Atlantic Ocean. One such storm is Tropical Storm Karen, which the NOAA is watching carefully.

According to the NOAA, “Regardless of Karen’s status as a tropical cyclone, this system is expected to bring tropical-storm-force winds, heavy rainfall, flash floods, and mudslides.”

After Hurricane Dorian, it appears the worst is not yet behind us.

The Dangers of Storm Surges: Storm Recovery in Horry County

Caused by the force of the winds around a hurricane or tropical storm, a storm surge is an excessive amount of water pushed toward the shore by the storm. A storm surge is fast, produces inland flooding, and often produces over 20 feet of water at once. Any property in the way are likely to be destroyed along the coast.

The key to coming back stronger than ever after a storm surge is to remain informed and prepare ahead of time.

• Storm surges are the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States.
• Water weighs around 1,700 pounds per cubic yard, so the waves from a storm surge can easily destroy a building along the coast.
• A storm surge will undermine roads and foundations, eroding the materials underneath.
• A single inch of water from a surge can lead to around $25,000 in property damages.
• In order to prepare for a tropical storm or storm surge:
• Understand your area’s risk of hurricanes, tropical storms and flooding.
• Sign up for community warning alertsor emergency alerts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio.
• Learn more about your evacuation zone, evacuation route and shelter locations within driving distance of your home.
• Gather necessary storm preparedness supplies, including three days of food and water for every person, medical aid, medications and more.
• Protect your home from significant storm damage by cleaning the drains and gutters, installing check valves and investing in storm shutters for windows.

Keeping Safe After Hurricane Damage

After the storm has passed, it’s not all sunshine. There will still be dangers around every corner, so take precautions.

• Listen to the authorities for instructions and up-to-date storm warnings and information.
• Do not attempt storm recovery and cleanup yourself. Hire a local restoration company to handle the damage.
• Do not touch any electrical equipment in your home if there is standing water.
• Avoid walking through floodwater, as it can contain dangerous debris, scared animals or contaminants.
• Save your phone’s battery for emergencies.

For more information on how to keep everyone safe before, during and after a hurricane, we’ve constructed a hurricane preparedness checklist for families in the region. Take a moment to download a copy below for further information on the subject.

For 24-hour storm recovery services this hurricane season, please call Restoration 1 of Horry County at 843-279-2662!

About The Author

Jake Gervin is the president of Restoration 1 of Horry County. Jake and his team of professionals are all certified by the IICRC and have years of experience in home and commercial restoration.