Welcome to summer and the return of hurricane season. Though officially the season runs from June 1 to November 30, here in the Lowcountry, the heart of hurricane season is typically from mid-August through October, with September usually being the time when tropical activity is at its peak.
For residents of Bluffton, hurricane season is simply part of living in a beautiful coastal community. Every year, hurricane season also brings a new “freshman class” of residents who may have never experienced tropical weather, evacuation orders, storm surge, or coastal flooding before.
That is why preparation is not just about your own household – it is also about helping your neighbors.
For longtime residents, a quick conversation can go a long way. Help new neighbors understand where to find trusted information, what “Know Your Zone” means, and which agencies handle different parts of hurricane response. Sometimes just helping someone understand what to expect can ease a great deal of anxiety.
It is also important to remember that everyone has a different comfort level during storms. Some people feel safer leaving early. Others may choose to stay during lower-level events. There is no perfect answer that fits every family. The important thing is to think ahead, make a plan, and decide now what you need to feel safe and prepared.
One of the biggest areas of confusion during hurricane season is understanding who does what during an emergency.
The governor of South Carolina is the only person who can order an evacuation. Beaufort County Emergency Management oversees countywide emergency coordination and manages re-entry after a storm. Locally, the Town of Bluffton’s Police Department and Public Services Department work throughout storms and recovery efforts to monitor conditions, clear roads when it is safe, protect infrastructure, and help keep an eye on the community.
Residents should also take time now – before a storm develops – to review evacuation zones, emergency supplies, insurance coverage, and flood risks. Waiting until a hurricane is approaching the coast can create unnecessary stress and confusion.
The town’s hurricane FAQ page is designed to help residents understand the basics in a clear and practical way. It includes information about evacuation zones, emergency alerts, sandbags, flood insurance, storm preparation, and what residents can expect before, during and after a storm.
Most importantly, hurricane season reminds us how connected we are as a community. Bluffton has always been a place where neighbors help neighbors. That spirit matters during emergencies just as much as it does during everyday life.
As we head into another hurricane season together, please take a few moments to prepare, check in on neighbors, and help new residents feel more comfortable navigating coastal storms for the first time. Preparation is not about fear – it is about taking care of yourself, your family and your community.
Residents can learn more by visiting the town’s hurricane preparedness FAQ page at townofbluffton.sc.gov.