The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season did not bring a substantially damaging storm to South Carolina, as 2024 did when Hurricane Helene wrought a path of damage to the western part of the state.
Still, the last season provided plenty of reminders of the destruction that major storms can cause. 2025 brought 13 named storms, including four major hurricanes, as well as $503 million of damages inflicted nationwide, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Tropical cyclones are among the natural threats in South Carolina that can easily reduce a municipality’s ability to maintain its services, and hurt its finances through property damage.
The beginning of hurricane season is an excellent time for a city to review its insurance coverage and its operational preparations. Here are some key items to check over:
Insurance coverage
- Review the valuation of the city’s covered property – It’s important to keep listed asset values up to date for any potential claims, including property damage and business interruption.
- Review the insurance coverage’s contractual limits, deductibles and loss-reporting requirements – These rules can be complex for catastrophic losses. For example, the SC Municipal Insurance and Risk Financing Fund coverage contract has limitations for properties that are eligible for coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program. SCMIRF also has deductibles that apply specifically in coastal counties when damage has been caused by a “named storm” — those storms intense enough for the National Hurricane Center to officially give a name.
- Review whether flood events are covered, and if exclusions for particular locations exist – It’s important to know how the contract defines “storm surge;” how it addresses business interruption costs, like revenue or extra expenses; whether it places restrictions the on the timing and location of rebuilding; and if it has deadlines for filing proof of loss.
Insurance claims preparedness
- Keep critical financial records at a site that is secure from flood or wind damage – Additionally, when filing claims, it’s important to maintain detailed tracking of all documentation requests, like what was requested, who requested it, who responded and when and to whom the information was sent.
Emergency response and business continuity
- Review crisis management procedures and business continuity plans for any needed updates —Consider potential impacts of both direct or indirect hits from a major storm for their residents, employees, and the vendors that would be involved in storm recovery. Establish coordinated response procedures with other local government agencies and emergency services, if none exist.
- Establish emergency notification contact lists and evacuation plans for employees.
- Plan out work-from-home procedures when possible and appropriate for employees – Plenty of first responders and other essential workers cannot work remotely in an emergency, and will need critical supplies — potable water, nonperishable food, first-aid kits, flashlights, handheld radios or cell phones.
- Make sure employees are ready for post-storm response – Slips, trips and falls are a serious issue for workers after a storm. Walking carefully and using rubber-soled shoes or boots with good tread grip can help.
- Examine backup resources for needed preventive maintenance – Power generators, for example, need periodic maintenance.
Securing property ahead of an approaching storm
- Relocate movable high-value assets away from low-lying, flood-prone areas – This could be equipment like fire trucks, fleet vehicles or other heavy equipment.
- Clear rain gutters and downspouts and check drain pumps to reduce flooding potential.
- Secure facility doors and board up windows to protect from flying debris – It’s also important to secure lightweight outdoor items to prevent them from becoming flying objects in high winds.
For questions on hurricane planning, response and recovery issues, contact losscontrol@masc.sc. Learn more in the South Carolina Hurricane Guide of the SC Emergency Management Division.