When a Tropical Storm or Hurricane is Approaching

What to do if you tested POSITIVE for COVID-19 and are still in isolation at home OR you were in CLOSE CONTACT with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 and are still in quarantine at home

Get Supplies

  • Talk to family members or neighbors to help get your supplies ahead of the storm.
  • You can also use delivery services to order and deliver supplies to your home.
  • Include items like bottled water, non-perishable food, weather radio, flashlight, extra batteries, chargers, toiletries, blankets or sleeping bags. 
  • Make sure you have an adequate supply of any prescription medications. 
  • Download the free SC Emergency Manager app and a copy of the South Carolina Hurricane Guide.

Stay Safe at Home

  • As much as possible, persons who currently have COVID-19 and are in isolation or are in quarantine because of being in close contact with a COVID-19 case are encouraged to stay at home if they are not ordered to evacuate.
  • It’s important to know your evacuation zone.

If You Must Evacuate (If you’re in an evacuation zone and cannot stay at home)

  • Prepare a ‘go kit’ to include:
    • Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
    • Bar or liquid soap
    • Disinfectant wipes (if available)
    • 2 cloth face coverings per person evacuating
    • All items listed in the South Carolina Hurricane Guide
  • Find a safe place where you can stay and practice precautions to prevent transmission of COVID-19.
    • Talk to family and friends about staying with them. 
      • If staying with family or friends, stay in a separate room and use a separate bathroom, if possible.
    • Wear a face covering when in a room with persons who don’t have COVID-19.
    • Frequently wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
    • Frequently clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, etc.
    • Consider if the household you plan to stay with includes someone at higher risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19 (including older adults and people who have health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or lung disease).
    • Consider emergency shelters to be an option of last resort. 
  • Use your personal vehicle to evacuate, if possible. 
    • If you must stop to get gas during an evacuation, wear a face covering at the gas station and stay 6 feet apart from others. If possible, wipe the pump handle and keypad with a disinfectant wipe before and after pumping gas. 
    • If you are evacuating with other members of your family or household who have not tested positive for COVID-19, wear a face covering in the car. 
  • If you have any questions, please call the DHEC Care Line at 1-855-472-3432.

Monitor Your Symptoms

  • Monitor for new or worsening symptoms. 
    • Emergency warning signs for COVID-19 can include worse or new persistent pain or pressure in the chest, increase in difficulty breathing, new confusion or inability to arouse, and bluish lips or face.
  • Seek medical attention if needed. Call 911 and tell the dispatcher that you have COVID-19 or that you’re a close contact of a COVID-19 case.

Informational Flyer

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Emergency Preparedness Hurricanes & Floods Statewide