As one of the strongest hurricanes the Atlantic Ocean has had is projected to take a turn up the East Coast, residents of Beaufort County are beginning to prepare for what could come.

For most, hurricane preparedness isn’t just about getting enough supplies to make it through a few days without utilities. While Beaufort County’s waterways are its greatest asset, when it comes to big fall storms, they can be a true threat to homes in low-lying areas. Often, preparing for a hurricane means preparing for a flood — and the dangers that can ensue.

Lisa Respess Williams, emergency services specialist at Beaufort County Emergency Management, knows full well what hurricanes can do. She is charged with making grant applications to the National Flood Insurance Program/FEMA for area homes that have been flooded — some once, some many times. She also knows what can happen when homeowners don’t secure their property before the water starts to rise.

Though Irma’s path is still uncertain, Williams has advice for residents in advance of what could be anything from a minor wind and rain event to a Category 3-plus hurricane.

“If you live where it floods, if you have propane gas tanks outside — secure those. Chain them to a tree. If they’re not near a tree, get some cinderblocks and chain them to the cinderblocks so they can’t float away,” Williams said.

Loose propane tanks being tossed around by a wind-ravaged river can become extremely dangerous, she said. To a lesser extent, so can gas cans, and any vehicle or watercraft that becomes flooded.

“If you are evacuating, don’t leave behind vehicles, if you think it’s going to flood. Move your vehicles to higher ground. Same thing goes for boats, jet skis — if it floods, it’s going to float.

Gas cans: put those where they’re not going to get caught in flood waters. Move them up or move them out. If not, then that fuel gets into water and that’s another whole issue,” Williams said. “The same with vehicles that have gas in them, like lawnmowers and push-mowers because that can get in the water and become an environmental hazard. Fuel floating on water can catch on fire.”

If residents find they have to evacuate a home, Williams said there a few things that would benefit the entire community’s safety.

“If you’re leaving, if you can cut that gas off, cut it off — any fuel source that can be cut off, shut it off. Shut off your water, if you can. Anything that can be turned off,” she said. “Gas tanks are a big one. If people will secure those — aboveground gas tanks — and if at all possible, cut them off.”

Before evacuation, shutting off the main breaker of a home, or at least turning off all appliances, will be helpful in the longterm recovery.

“If we have massive power outages, if (power companies) start bringing power back up, they ask people to turn off everything, so that when they try to literally flip that switch they’re bringing it back up with as minimum a load as possible,” Williams said. “If you’re evacuating, make sure everything in your house is turned off and unplug anything unnecessary: computers, TVs, microwaves — that helps them greatly when they’re trying to bring it back up.”

Even those who are above the reach of floodwaters, and for whom evacuation is unlikely, should make a point of securing anything in or around their homes for their own benefit (retaining property) and their neighbors (preventing damage to neighboring homes).

“Secure anything that is outside that become a projectile in wind. Turn over trampolines, lay down swingsets, grills, patio furniture — anything outside that wind or flooding could take away,” Williams said. “Also make sure that windows are closed and locked if possible, because if they’re not locked and there’s enough wind, it can push a window open.”

FEMA Hurricane Tips

• If you’re not in an area that is recommended for evacuation, plan to stay at home or where you are and let friends and family know where you are.
• Close storm shutters, and stay away from windows. Flying glass from broken windows could injure you. Or cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8-inch exterior grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install.
• Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary. If you lose power, food will last longer. Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator to be able to check the food temperature when the power is restored.
• Bring loose, lightweight objects inside that could become projectiles in high winds (e.g., patio furniture, garbage cans); anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., propane tanks); and trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building.