A total of 43 hurricanes have reportedly made landfall in South Carolina over the past 150 years. Since the state is vulnerable to these destructive storms, it's important to know what to do during a hurricane and right after one passes. It's equally important to know if you have the right protection to get you back on track.

A South Carolina independent insurance agent can get you set up with all the homeowners insurance and other coverage you may need to stay safe during a hurricane. But first, here's a breakdown of how to prepare for these natural disasters, what to do during and after, and more.

How Often Do Hurricanes Hit South Carolina?

South Carolina is hit by hurricanes and other storms much more often than many states out there. Check out the stats below for a better idea. 

Storm Surge Risk by State by Number of Single-Family Homes and Reconstruction Value

South Carolina ranks seventh-highest in the nation for the number of homes at risk of a storm surge, or of being hit by a hurricane.  While 37,107 homes are currently at risk of being hit by a Category 1 storm, 363,875 are at risk of being hit by a Category 5 surge. More than a quarter of a million residents are at risk of being hit by either a Category 4 or Category 5 hurricane.

Check Your Coverage: Hurricane Safety Starts before a Hurricane

Before the storm hits, make sure you know that you have the right amount of coverage to avoid unpleasant surprises later on. In most cases, you’ll need at least a homeowners insurance policy combined with flood insurance to fully protect yourself. Keep in mind, though, that most flood insurance comes with a 30-day waiting period before coverage kicks in. So if you see a hurricane warning on the news and you don’t have flood coverage, it’s already too late.

The following insurance policies help protect against hurricane damage:

• Homeowners insurance: Homeowners policies often protect your property from high wind damage, unless you live in a specific zone where they're allowed to exclude this coverage.
• Windstorm insurance: If you live in an area especially prone to hurricanes, you might be required to get separate windstorm coverage to protect your home from high wind.
• Flood insurance: Your homeowners insurance won't cover damage caused by natural flooding that accompanies a hurricane, which is when you'll need a separate flood insurance policy.

Some additional things to look into with your South Carolina independent insurance agent include:

• Your coverage limits: In recent years, the average flood insurance claim reported by the National Flood Insurance Program was $44,401. You'll need to review the limits of your home insurance, flood insurance, and windstorm insurance with the help of your South Carolina independent insurance agent to be sure you have enough coverage to fully protect you.
• Your deductible amounts: South Carolina mandates that homeowners must meet a hurricane deductible before homeowners insurance reimburses for any damage. Hurricane deductibles are often 2%-5% of your home’s total insured value. It's helpful to know if you have one and how much it is before a hurricane rolls through your town.
• Your coverage's start date: If you've just purchased a flood insurance policy, it won't be effective for 30 days. Sometimes new home insurance policies can take up to 90 days to kick in, also. You'll want to be certain your coverage is in effect well before a hurricane warning ever pops up on the news.

It is useful to become really familiar with all aspects of each type of coverage you need for a hurricane, including your limits, deductibles, exclusions, and more. Your South Carolina independent insurance agent can review each policy in depth with you.

Prep Smart before the Hurricane Hits

With your insurance good to go, there's still more work to be done before the hurricane strikes. Take these steps to keep your home and family as safe as possible:

• Create an inventory: Today you can even do this with an app on your smartphone, but it's important to create a personal inventory of all your belongings before a hurricane, so you'll know what you might be missing afterward.
• Secure your belongings: Next, take the time to bring outdoor furniture and loose items indoors, and make sure your windows and doors are properly latched or otherwise secured. It's also helpful to clear your gutters and storm drains to allow water to flow away from your home, and to trim branches and shrubs to prevent possible damage.
• Prepare appliances: In case of a power outage, go ahead and set your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest possible settings. Next, turn on your storm tracking app, TV or radio, and grab some extra batteries to have on hand.
• Gather supplies: Next, create a kit of water, food, and emergency supplies to wait out the storm. First aid kits and prescription meds are priority items, as well as blankets, flashlights, and a set of basic tools.

The CDC's website also provides a ton of helpful tips on how to prepare for a hurricane, how to handle things after the storm has passed, and much more.

How to Stay Safe during a Hurricane

If the storm has come to your town, stay as calm as possible, and follow these tips to get your family to safety:

• Stay online: Keep the storm tracker app on your phone open, or keep your TV or radio connected to local stations so you know exactly where the storm is and how it's progressing at all times.
• Get inside: Make sure everyone shelters in an interior room of the home, as far as possible from exterior doors and windows, and on the top level of your building. Bring your emergency kit with you.
• Evacuate or stay put: If and when your town orders you to evacuate, do it. Otherwise, stay put and wait out the storm in the safest interior room of your home.
• Be safe if evacuating: When driving during a hurricane, never attempt to drive through a puddle, turn around instead. Also keep extra distance between you and the car ahead of you, and avoid bridges.

Staying physically safe during a hurricane until it passes completely should be your top priority. You can worry about your property and potential insurance claims later on.

What Should You Do after a Hurricane?

You and your family's safety is the main concern after the hurricane passes, not your favorite or prized belongings. After your family members are all accounted for, you can move on to these next steps:

1. Stay dry and warm: Keeping yourselves dry and warm, especially if the power's out, should be the top priority after the hurricane.
2. Contact family: Take a moment to call or message family members in or out of the area to let them know that you're safe.
3. Avoid wires: Keep all family members away from electronics or exposed wires that have come into contact with water.
4. Document any damage: Take pictures or make a list of any damaged or destroyed items.
5. Compare inventories: If you had a home inventory of your belongings before the storm, compare it to the one you create after it's passed to note any missing items.
6. Make temporary repairs: You can make temporary repairs to your home after a hurricane if it's for the safety of your family, but be sure to save all receipts to pass along to your insurance.
7. Call your agent: Your South Carolina independent insurance agent can contact your insurance companies and file claims for you, as well as keep you updated every step of the way. 

The safety of you and your family is priority number one during a hurricane, but it's also extremely important to double-check your coverage and take measures to keep your property safe before a storm hits. Afterward, following the steps above can help you get your life back on track fast.

Why Choose a South Carolina Independent Insurance Agent?

South Carolina independent insurance agents simplify the process by shopping and comparing insurance quotes for you. Not only that, but they’ll also cut the jargon and clarify the fine print so you know exactly what you’re getting.

South Carolina independent insurance agents also have access to multiple insurance companies, ultimately finding you the best home insurance coverage, accessibility, and competitive pricing while working for you.