Living in the Lowcountry means living with hurricane season. From June through November, the South Carolina coast and surrounding communities — including Summerville, Nexton, and the Greater Charleston area — face the possibility of tropical storms and hurricanes. While direct hits are relatively rare, the consequences of being unprepared can be devastating.
This guide walks you through everything you need to do before, during, and after a storm to protect your family, your home, and your finances.
Before the Season: January Through May
Smart hurricane prep starts months before the first storm forms. Use the early months of the year to tackle the big-ticket items.
1. Review Your Insurance Policies
This is the single most important step, and it is the one most people skip until it is too late.
Homeowners insurance: Confirm your policy covers wind damage with a deductible you can afford. Most SC policies have a separate hurricane or wind/hail deductible — typically 2% to 5% of your dwelling coverage. On a $400,000 home, a 2% deductible means you pay the first $8,000 out of pocket.
Flood insurance: Standard homeowners policies do NOT cover flooding. Even if you are not in a FEMA-designated flood zone, heavy tropical rain can overwhelm drainage systems in any neighborhood. A separate flood policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private carrier is strongly recommended.
Auto insurance: Comprehensive coverage (not just liability) is needed to cover storm damage to vehicles.
Daniel Reardon at Robinson & Associates is an independent insurance broker who can review all of your policies in a single appointment. Because he works with multiple carriers, he can compare prices and coverage options specific to your Nexton, Cane Bay, or Summerville home.
2. Inspect Your Roof
Your roof is your home's first line of defense against wind and rain. Before hurricane season:
- Have a professional inspect for loose, missing, or damaged shingles
- Check flashing around vents, chimneys, and skylights
- Ensure gutters and downspouts are clear and securely attached
- Verify that the roof deck-to-truss connections meet current wind codes
Tristan Carter at Right Hand Roofing provides pre-season roof inspections for Summerville and Nexton homeowners. If repairs or replacement are needed, it is far better to handle them in the spring than to scramble after a storm watch is issued.
3. Secure Windows and Doors
Windows are vulnerable in high winds. Options for protection include:
- Impact-resistant shutters or window film — permanent solutions that require no setup during a storm
- Accordion or roll-down shutters — installed and ready to deploy quickly
- Plywood panels — the most affordable option, but pre-cut and label them now so you are not measuring in the dark when a storm is approaching
Bubba Davis at Carolina Interior Installations consults on window protection options, including reinforced shutter systems that serve dual purpose as everyday window treatments and storm protection.
4. Address Drainage and Water Intrusion Risks
The Lowcountry's flat terrain and clay soils mean water moves slowly. Before hurricane season:
- Grade soil away from your foundation
- Clean and test your sump pump (if applicable)
- Clear storm drains and yard drainage paths
- Seal any cracks in your foundation or basement walls
5. Trim Trees and Secure Your Yard
Dead branches, weak limbs, and overgrown trees become dangerous projectiles in high winds.
- Remove dead or dying trees near your home
- Trim branches that overhang your roof or power lines
- Identify items in your yard that need to be brought inside or secured (patio furniture, grills, trampolines, potted plants)
Building Your Hurricane Kit
Every Lowcountry household should maintain a hurricane kit stocked and ready by June 1. Here is a comprehensive list:
Essentials (3-5 Day Supply Per Person)
- Water: 1 gallon per person per day
- Non-perishable food (canned goods, protein bars, dried fruit, peanut butter)
- Manual can opener
- Medications (at least a 7-day supply of all prescriptions)
- First aid kit
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA weather radio preferred)
- Phone chargers (battery packs and car chargers)
- Cash in small bills (ATMs and card readers fail during power outages)
- Important documents in a waterproof container (insurance policies, IDs, medical records, property deeds)
Home Protection Supplies
- Plywood or shutters for windows (pre-cut and labeled)
- Duct tape and heavy-duty plastic sheeting
- Tarps (multiple sizes for emergency roof covering)
- Sandbags (available free from Berkeley and Dorchester counties before storms)
- Generator (properly vented — NEVER run indoors or in a garage)
- Fuel for generator (store safely)
Comfort and Safety
- Battery-powered fans
- Coolers and ice
- Pet supplies (food, water, medications, carrier)
- Games, books, and activities for children
- Sleeping bags or blankets
- Hygiene supplies (toilet paper, hand sanitizer, garbage bags)
When a Storm Is Approaching: 72 to 24 Hours Out
Once a storm enters the Gulf or Atlantic and forecasts show a potential Lowcountry impact:
72 Hours Out
- Fill vehicle gas tanks (stations run dry fast)
- Withdraw extra cash
- Charge all devices
- Review evacuation routes (I-26 westbound is the primary route from the Charleston area)
- Confirm hotel reservations or out-of-area accommodations if evacuating
- Notify out-of-state contacts of your plan
48 Hours Out
- Install window shutters or plywood
- Bring in all outdoor items (furniture, grills, decorations, toys)
- Secure garbage cans and recycling bins
- Fill bathtubs with water (for flushing toilets if water service is disrupted)
- Move vehicles into garages if possible
- Take photos and videos of your home and possessions for insurance documentation
24 Hours Out
- Make final decision: shelter in place or evacuate
- If evacuating, leave early to avoid traffic gridlock
- Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings
- Unplug non-essential electronics
- Turn off propane tanks
- If staying, identify the safest interior room (no windows, lowest floor)
During the Storm
- Stay indoors and away from windows
- Monitor NOAA weather radio or local news for updates
- Do NOT go outside during the eye of the storm — the back side of the eye wall often brings the strongest winds
- If power goes out, use flashlights — not candles
- Keep phones charged and limit non-essential calls to keep networks available for emergencies
After the Storm: Recovery
Immediate Steps
- Wait for an official all-clear before going outside
- Watch for downed power lines, standing water, and structural damage
- Document ALL damage with photos and videos before touching anything
- Contact your insurance company to file a claim
- Do NOT enter a structure that appears to have significant damage until it has been inspected
Professional Help
Roof damage: Tristan Carter at Right Hand Roofing handles emergency tarping and storm damage claims. He works directly with insurance adjusters to ensure fair compensation for roof repairs or replacement.
Water damage and mold: Greg Busang at Bactronix of Charleston specializes in water damage restoration, mold remediation, and indoor air quality. After any flooding or water intrusion, prompt professional remediation is critical to prevent mold growth — which can begin within 24 to 48 hours in the Lowcountry humidity.
Insurance claims: Daniel Reardon at Robinson & Associates can help you navigate the claims process, ensure proper documentation, and advocate with your carrier if disputes arise.
Evacuating From the Lowcountry
If you decide to evacuate — or if a mandatory order is issued — here are the primary routes:
- I-26 Westbound to Columbia (may be converted to one-way outbound during major evacuations)
- US-17 Northbound toward Georgetown and Myrtle Beach
- US-78 Westbound toward Augusta, GA
- I-95 Northbound or Southbound depending on the storm's projected path
Plan multiple routes. Download offline maps. Keep your gas tank above half full during hurricane season.
Living With the Risk
Hurricane season is a fact of Lowcountry life, but it does not have to dominate your summer. The families who weather storms best are the ones who prepare early, maintain their homes throughout the year, and have trusted professionals on speed dial.
The Summerville Business Directory network exists for exactly this reason — connecting you with licensed, insured, and verified professionals who are your neighbors, not faceless national call centers. When a storm hits, you want a roofer, an insurance agent, and a restoration specialist who answer their phone and show up.
Prepare now. Stay informed. Protect what matters.