The official Atlantic hurricane season began June 1 and runs through November 30. If you live on or near the South Carolina coast it’s particularly important for you to understand and be prepared for the dangers these storms can pose.

Although we can’t prevent hurricanes, we can take steps to protect ourselves and our families. It’s important to stay informed, prepare emergency kits, have emergency plans and take other actions that will keep you safe.

To help you prepare for the 2017 hurricane season, we encourage you to pick up or download the official 2017 S.C. Hurricane Guide. The guide — produced by the S.C. Emergency Management Division in coordination with state, federal, local and volunteer agencies — includes hurricane preparation tips, coastal evacuation maps, emergency information, tips on returning home after a storm and much more.

The Hurricane Guide, which also was released via South Carolina newspapers, is available at all South Carolina Welcome Centers, at any Walgreen’s store statewide and at SCDMV offices in Bamberg, Beaufort, Bluffton, Charleston, Conway, Dillon, Florence, Georgetown, Kingstree, Ladson, Lake City, Little River, Mullins, Moncks Corner, Mount Pleasant, Myrtle Beach, North Charleston, Saint George and Varnville.

Click here to download the 2017 Hurricane Guide, which is valid from June 1 until November 30.

For more information about hurricane and disaster preparedness, visit the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control website or go to scemd.org.