Below are some bullet points from SC’s Department of Insurance on how to prepare prior to a hurricane making landfall:

Before the Hurricane

1. Make sure your home and property are covered.
   Check with your insurance agent to see what type of damage your homeowners (or renters) policy covers.  Review your property insurance policy, especially the “declarations” page, and check whether your policy pays replacement cost, or actual cash value for a covered loss.
2. Shop ahead of time.
   It is a good idea for people to buy flood insurance. Flooding is not covered in your standard homeowners insurance policy.  It may be purchased through many insurance agents as part of the National Flood Insurance Program. Keep in mind that inland flooding can occur as far as 500 miles from the site of a hurricane. There is a 30-day waiting period to get flood insurance, so it is important to act before floodwaters start to rise.
3. Make a record of your personal property.
   Inventory your household items, and photograph or videotape them for further documentation. This information will be helpful to your adjuster in the case of a claim. Keep this information and your insurance policies in a safe place, such as a safety deposit box.
4. Protect your insurance policies and other important documents.
   Be sure to keep copies of your policy and a record of your household items in a secure place, such as a safety deposit box.  Keep the name, address and claims-reporting telephone number of your insurer and agent in a safe and easily accessible place.
5. Plan for the worst
   Make a plan of action in case a storm hits.  Designate two meeting places for your family: a location in your home in case of flash flooding or other immediate disaster and a location outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home.
6. Make emergency arrangements for your pets.
   Most shelters will not take pets.  You should call your veterinarian or local Humane Society to find out where you can take your pets in case of an evacuation.
7. Make sure you have the “must-have” supplies.

Must-Have Supplies

1. Bottled Water
   Store at least one gallon of water per person per day.  You should get a three-day supply of water for each person in your household.
2. Food
   Store at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food items.  Select foods that require no refrigeration, no preparation, no cooking and little or not water.  Also, make sure the items are compact and lightweight.  A manual can opener and ice chest are also important to have available.
3. First Aid Kit
   Assemble first aid kits for your home and car that include sterile bandages and pads, scissors and sewing kit, soap, antiseptic, and nonprescription drugs
4. Tools and Supplies
   Make sure you have a flashlight and battery operated radio with extra batteries, cash or travelers checks with change, and sanitation items like personal hygiene supplies and disinfectant.  Basic tools such as a hammer, a screwdriver, nails and screws are also important to have available.
5. Clothing and Bedding
   Pack at least one complete change of clothing and sturdy footwear per person.  Include blankets and sleeping bags for bedding.
6. Special Items
   Remember family members with special needs, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons.  Remember to pack any special diet foods and pet foods, as well as any prescription medication.