Hurricane season officially begins on June 1, and on Thursday Governor McMaster was joined by Horry County officials to discuss how communication can be strengthened along the coast during potential storms.
“We’ve been through, you could call them dress rehearsals with hurricanes, we are preparing for the very worst and we are prepared for them to hit us with short notice,” McMaster said.
The state’s emergency management department launched the SC Emergency app this week that allows families to locate shelters, and customize and evacuation plan.
“You can input your insurance information, keep a check list of planning items, medications, important papers, that type of thing,” said SC Emergency Management Director, Kim Stenson.
With so many implants from out of state, the Horry County Emergency Team says the app will also be helpful for new residents to stay in the loop.
“We haven’t seen the direct impact of a serious hurricane, much like Hugo in 1989 and while we are blessed, it can still happen and we want to make sure everyone has the information,” said Randy Webster.
South Carolina was given $65 million dollars in federal aid for Hurricane Matthew this year, McMaster says he feels confident the state has enough support to help rebuild if more damage occurs this season.
“Last year we were able to get some things done in record time, and we look forward to do that again if necessary, we have great partners, great congressional delegations as well as local, of course here in this district we have Tom Rice, we have legislators, Alan Clemmons and others.”