Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Myrtle Beach sits directly in the historically active hurricane track corridor along the South Carolina coast, and the Grand Strand has experienced significant tropical weather events across its history. Preparation is not paranoia — it is the responsible practice of coastal property ownership. This checklist covers what to do before the season, when a storm threatens, and after it passes.
Pre-Season Preparation — Complete by May 31
Exterior
- Gutter cleaning: Clean gutters in May before hurricane season begins. Clogged gutters that overflow during a major rain event cause the same damage as no gutters at all — and during a tropical storm, rainfall rates can exceed 3 inches per hour. Clean gutters in May, plan for post-storm cleaning if a storm passes nearby.
- Roof inspection: Have your roof professionally inspected for loose or missing shingles, damaged flashing, and any vulnerabilities that a significant wind event could exploit. Damage caught before hurricane season costs much less to repair than damage exploited by a storm.
- Tree trimming: Dead branches and overhanging limbs become projectiles in high winds. Trim dead wood from any tree that could reach your home if it fell. Professional tree service recommended for any trimming near the structure.
- Caulking and sealing: Inspect all window frames, door frames, and exterior penetrations. Gaps and failed caulking that would cause minor moisture issues in normal weather become significant water infiltration points under sustained wind-driven rain.
- AC condenser: Ensure your outdoor AC unit is properly secured to its mounting pad. Hurricane straps are available for older units that may not be adequately secured.
Documentation
- Photograph or video your entire property's interior and exterior for insurance documentation purposes — before any storm damage occurs
- Confirm your homeowner's and flood insurance coverage and know your deductibles
- Store insurance documents, policy numbers, and agent contacts somewhere accessible both locally and remotely (cloud storage)
When a Storm is Forecast — 72–48 Hours Out
- Bring all outdoor furniture, planters, umbrellas, and decorative items inside or secure them — patio furniture becomes dangerous projectiles in tropical storm winds
- Fill your vehicle with gas before fuel shortages develop
- Purchase supplies: water (1 gallon per person per day for 3 days minimum), non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries
- Know your evacuation zone and route — Horry County maintains official evacuation zone maps. Know if you are in Zone A (mandatory evacuation) before a storm threatens
- If evacuating: turn off utilities, unplug electronics, move valuable items to upper floors if flooding is possible, and notify your property manager or maintenance team of your departure
Post-Storm Property Assessment
After a storm passes, conduct a systematic property assessment before cleaning begins. Document everything photographically before touching anything — your insurance claim depends on photographic evidence of the damage as it existed after the storm.
- Roof: Inspect from the ground first for obvious missing shingles, debris damage, or displaced flashing. A professional roof inspection after any significant storm is always worthwhile.
- Gutters: Post-storm gutter cleaning is usually necessary within days. Storm debris fills gutters rapidly, and the next rain event — often following closely after a tropical system — will overflow filled gutters.
- Windows and doors: Check all seals for damage. Water infiltration through damaged window or door seals creates interior moisture damage that is not always immediately visible.
- Exterior: Look for siding damage, caulking failures, and any locations where storm water may have infiltrated the wall assembly.
- Trees: Address any storm-damaged trees or hanging limbs immediately — secondary failures in the days after a storm cause many of the injuries and property damage events that post-storm assessments reveal.
For vacation rental owners: Post-storm restoration timing is critical. Guests have bookings and expect the property to be ready. Establish a relationship with your maintenance team before storm season so emergency response is fast — not a new vendor search happening simultaneously with half the Grand Strand's property owners.
Emergency Post-Storm Response in Myrtle Beach
Bakerss provides 24/7 storm response — post-storm gutter cleaning, debris removal, and property assessment throughout Horry County. Call 843-467-7136 any time.
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