Hurricane season is upon us, and now is the time to get your official 2018 South Carolina Hurricane Guide.

The 2018 guide, recently released by the S.C. Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) and partner agencies, provides residents useful information about what they should do before, during and after the landfall of a major hurricane. This year’s guide has updated sections that include new evacuation zones (Dorchester County), tips on preparing for an evacuation, ways to stay connected during an emergency and steps to keep in mind when returning home after a major storm. Images and artwork from last year’s Hurricane Irma are also included.

Over the past week or so the guide has been distributed via subscription and rack sales in various newspapers across the state. Beginning June 1, it be available at all South Carolina Welcome Centers, at any Walgreens store statewide and at South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (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.

Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed May 27 through June 2 to be South Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Week. South Carolina residents should act now to prepare for major emergencies like hurricanes by reviewing their family emergency plans, developing a disaster supplies kit and talking with family members about what could happen during a crisis.

The official Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through Nov. 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. To help you prepare for the 2018 season, we encourage you to pick up or download the updated guide.

Click here to download the 2018 Hurricane Guide. For more information about hurricane and disaster preparedness, visit the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control website or go to scemd.org.