MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WAVY / WBTW) – As the track for Hurricane Florence makes its way to the east coast, it is especially important to be prepared, not panicked. Most storms hit between mid-August and mid-October, so having a family hurricane plan will help you know when, if needed, it’s time to evacuate.

Emergency management officials can’t stress enough how important it is to have a hurricane survival kit and you don’t have to spend a lot of money to create one.

Before you grab a shopping cart to load up on hurricane survival supplies, open up your cabinets at home.  You likely have most of what you need already.

Tools & Supplies for your Hurricane Kit

  • Cell phone with chargers
  • Hand-crank or battery-operated radio
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First-aid kit
  • Paper plates, cups and plastic utensils
  • Extra cash, loose change
  • Manual can opener, utility knife
  • Map of area (for locating shelters or evacuation routes)
  • Matches in waterproof container
  • Multi-purpose tool
  • Insect repellent and sunscreen
  • Camera (damage photos)
  • Extra set of car keys and house keys

Know Your Zone

Additionally, it’s important to  “Know Your Zone”  with maps aimed at making evacuations easier. Hurricane predictions are getting better all the time, but scientists still can’t stop a storm. This is why it is especially important to Know Your Zone. 

There are three zones, and it’s simple to find yours online. All you have to do is type your address here.

Evacuation areas for ZONE A include:

  • All areas east of U.S. Business 17 up to the intersection with US 17
  • All areas east of U.S. 17 to the northern county line

Evacuation areas for ZONE B include:

  • Areas South of Highway 707 and Longwood Drive
  • All areas in Longwood Plantation to the Waccamaw River
  • All areas east of US 17 Bypass to US 17
  • All areas east of US 17 to the northern county line

Evacuation areas for ZONE C include:

  • Areas between Hwy 701 and Hwy 544
  • South of Brown’s Chapel Avenue and Hwy 814
  • All areas east of Highway 31 (Carolina Bays Parkway) to Hwy 90
  • All areas east of Highway 90 to US 17 to the northern county line

Remember: Watch the latest warnings and advisories on WBTW and WBTW.com.