Hilton Head Island’s New Citizen Guide to Emergency Preparedness Now Available Online

The 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins June 1, and now is the time to begin preparing for potential storm threats. To help Hilton Head Island residents, the Town of Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue Department has released its new “Guide to Emergency Preparedness.”

The guide is available online in both English and Spanish, and provides all the essential information to help residents gather supplies for an emergency kit, make an evacuation plan, and stay informed about any emergency situation that happens on the Island and across the Lowcountry.

“Our emphasis is on making sure our residents know what to expect and how to prepare for hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and other weather- related emergencies,” said Tom Dunn, Emergency Manager for the Town. “Fortunately, we have not had any major emergencies in a few years, but it’s important to be prepared.” The Town’s emergency guide provides information on:

• Weather-related emergencies (hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, earthquakes, floods and fires).
• What you should include in your emergency kit.
• What you should do to prepare for an evacuation.
• The Town’s role in evacuation and recovery.
• Important phone numbers, social media and website for various resources.

The guides may be downloaded from the Town’s website at hiltonheadislandsc.gov. The Town also has developed handy pocket guides, which provide snapshots of emergency information and pages for citizens to write down their own plans and contact information. They are also available in English and Spanish. Citizens may pick up a pocket guide from Town fire stations or Town Hall.

In addition to the guides, make sure you are signed up to receive electronic notifications and alerts from the Town during an emergency. Visit hiltonheadislandsc.gov to subscribe. Also, follow the Town on Facebook (@townofhiltonheadislandsc) and Twitter (@townofHHI) to stay connected and informed.