While we hope your vacation is filled with sunshine and blue skies, unfortunately, hurricanes are a fact of life at the coast. Whether you’re a resident, homeowner or a guest, below are a few hurricane safety tips to help you prepare if a storm makes it’s way to Holden Beach.
When is Hurricane Season?
Hurricane season in Holden Beach is officially from June 1st to November 30th. Storms during hurricane season can range from tropical depression up to a category 5 hurricane. So what does that mean? Below is a chart showing the different levels of storms.
| Type of Storm | Sustained Wind Speeds | Damage Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Tropical Depression | Up to 39 mph | Heavy rains and strong winds can cause minor flooding and property damage. Some power outages dues to downed trees and branches. Rough seas and rip tides. |
| Tropical Storm | 39 - 73 mph | Dangerous winds can cause damages to singles and siding. Unfastened home items of light to moderate weight will become airborne, causing additional damage and possible injury. Power outages will affect entire neighborhoods, especially in areas with numerous downed trees and power lines. |
| Category 1 Hurricane | 74 - 95 mph | Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days. |
| Category 2 Hurricane | 96 - 110 mph | Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks. |
| Category 3 Hurricane | 111 - 129 mph | Devastating damage will occur: Homes may incur major damage or removal of decks and roofing. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes. |
| Category 4 Hurricane | 130 - 156 mph | Catastrophic damage will occur: Homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months. |
| Category 5 Hurricane | 157 mph or higher | Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months. |
What Should I Do If A Hurricane is Expected?
There are two different types of storm notifications: a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning. A Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible in the area. They are generally issued 48 hours prior to expected storm arrival. A Hurricane Warning means a hurricane is expected in the affected area and is usually issued 36 hours prior to the storm arrival.
GUESTS: Purchasing travel insurance is highly recommended when booking your reservation any time of the year, but is especially important during the hurricane season.
Plan your Route
Plan your evacuation route before the storm hits and plan to have several routes in case of road closures. Before you leave, make sure you have all of your belongings, necessary medications, gas, etc. When the storm passes, we will update you as to when you are able to return to your vacation rental and enjoy the remainder of your vacation.
Prepare a Kit
Prepare a kit before you think you will need it. Waiting until the last minute may make it impossible to purchase the items you need as stores will likely be out of stock on essentials. Your kit should include at the very least: flashlight(s), batteries, cash, and first aid supplies. You can find more information on hurricane kits here.
Stay Informed
Whenever a hurricane threatens the Holden Beach area, PROACTIVE Vacations keeps all guests and homeowners updated as to status of the storm and the status of any evacuation orders. It’s also important to stay informed of the weather via local media.
If You Can Not Evacuate
As a resident, if the storm is coming and you absolutely can not evacuate, stay indoors. It is best to shelter in place in an interior room and away from doors or windows. Make sure you have your hurricane kit available, as well as plenty of bottled water and non-perishable food. Make sure your cell phone is fully charged in the event there is a power outage.
For more hurricane safety information, visit:
National Hurricane Center – Track and get up-to-date information on storms.
Ready.gov – Find helpful information to prepare you for a storm.
Weather.gov – Hurricane Safety Tips
PROACTIVE Vacations takes your safety as one of our top priorities and we encourage you to be prepared, plan ahead and stay safe this hurricane season.
