Emergency Preparedness

WHAT IS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS?

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, "preparedness is the shared responsibility of our entire nation." It involves the whole community beginning with individuals and communities, private sector organizations, non-profits and faith-based organizations, and all levels of government. Individual and community preparedness is critical to building a resilient community that is equipped to face natural, technological, and human-caused disasters. By providing information, resources, and training, Bluffton Township Fire District contributes to the National Preparedness Goal established under Presidential Policy Directive 8 (PPD-8).

WHAT ARE THE THREATS FOR OUR AREA?

The South Carolina Lowcountry is vulnerable to several hazards and threats. Not only are we subject to natural risks such as hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, earthquakes and flooding, but technological and human-caused vulnerabilities such as hazardous materials, acts of terrorism, cyber-attacks, power outages, and others present significant opportunity for residents of and visitors to our area.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Preparedness begins with you! In public safety, we encourage people to prepare for a minimum of 72 hours. That means that you have the ability to be self-sufficient with your own food, water, and personal supplies in the event of a major emergency in our area. We have put together a starter list of basic supplies you may want to include in an emergency kit, but each kit should be personalized to the needs of an individual. An older adult will have significantly different needs than a child. Various items such as prescription medications, medical devices and supplies, and personal care items will be different depending on your stage of life.

Pet preparedness is also important. If you have to evacuate your home due to an oncoming tropical storm, where will you go? Have you thought about pet-friendly hotels/motels? Do you have current vaccination records for your pets? What about pet carriers, collars, and leashes? We've also provided some resources for your furry family friends. Check out the link below.

If you are a business owner, do you have an emergency plan? What about a business continuity plan so that you can continue to serve the customers who may depend on you? We have that covered as well. Take a look at our Business Preparedness resources below.

Resources & Information

Build a kit. Make a plan. Start now.

The Bluffton Township Fire District wants to ensure that you are prepared in the event that nature sends its fury our way. Please use the below information to create a plan that is right for you and your family.

Pet Preparedness

Just as you do with your family’s emergency supply kit, think first about the basics for survival, such as food and water. Have two kits, one larger kit if you are sheltering in place and one lightweight version for if you need to evacuate. Review your kits regularly to ensure that their contents, especially foods and medicines, are fresh.

Here are some items you may want to include in an emergency kit for your pet:

Preparedness Planning for Your Business

Businesses and their staff face a variety of hazards:

Natural hazards like floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes.
Health hazards such as widespread and serious illnesses like the flu.
Human-caused hazards including accidents and acts of violence.
Technology-related hazards like power outages and equipment failure.

There is much that a business leader can do to prepare his or her organization for the most likely hazards. The Ready Business program helps business leaders make a preparedness plan to get ready for these hazards.

Hurricane Evacuation Information EVACUATION ACTIONS Be Prepared

If you live in a vulnerable area, plan an evacuation route. Learn and practice the safest routes inland and be ready to drive at least 20 to 50 miles inland to locate a safe place. Consider staying with family and friends or in a hotel outside the vulnerable area.