Town of Bluffton strengthens readiness as 2025 hurricane season begins

With hurricane season officially underway, the Town of Bluffton is urging residents, business owners, property managers, and developers to prepare early and remain vigilant through November 30th. Drawing from nearly a decade of storm experience—including Hurricanes Matthew, Irma, Florence, Dorian, and Michael—town officials are reinforcing their commitment to safety, preparedness, and community resilience.

“Bluffton is very fortunate to have not had a direct strike throughout the years, but it is important for residents to prepare for disasters—especially new residents who may be experiencing hurricane season for the first time,” said Town Manager Stephen Steese. “We learned just this past season that every storm is unique; one may bring primarily flooding while another brings damaging winds.”

Lessons Learned from Past Storms
Town officials stress that preparation—not panic—is the key to recovery. Steese and department leaders shared that past storms revealed both strengths and vulnerabilities in the town’s response systems. These experiences now inform townwide efforts.

Among the key takeaways:

• Stormwater management is critical. Blocked ditches and storm drains can cause localized flooding that threatens homes, roads, and public infrastructure. While town crews inspect and clean public systems, residents are encouraged to check ditches and drains near their homes and remove debris.

• Reliable information is essential. During storms, the Town of Bluffton uses social media to communicate frequently with the public. However, with misinformation often circulating, officials advise verifying all storm-related updates through official town, county, or state sources.

• Employers must prepare too. Past storms highlighted challenges for residents working across state lines. During Hurricane Florence, for example, South Carolina issued evacuation orders while nearby Georgia did not, creating confusion. The town recommends that workers and employers discuss expectations ahead of time.

• Media confusion is common. Since Bluffton falls within the Savannah media market, local evacuation or storm orders may differ from those covered by regional news outlets. Residents are advised to rely on the Town of Bluffton and Beaufort County Emergency Management for the most accurate, local updates.

• Patience is crucial. Steese emphasized that emergency decisions—like evacuations and re-entry—are made with community-wide safety in mind. “There are multiple variables to each decision; however, the mission is always public safety,” he said.

Townwide Readiness Measures
The Town of Bluffton begins hurricane season with a full review of its emergency preparedness plans. Staff are required to attend annual training, equipment is serviced and staged, and contracts for debris removal are renewed. The town also coordinates closely with Beaufort County Emergency Management and local schools, utility providers, and nonprofit partners.

“We prepare as if each storm will be the big one,” Steese said. “From public works crews to emergency communications staff, our teams are committed to protecting this community.”

In addition, the town emails preparedness checklists to property owners’ associations and contractors, reminding them of their responsibilities for stormwater systems, landscaping, irrigation, and debris removal. Much of Bluffton’s stormwater infrastructure is privately owned and must be cleared of pine needles, sediment, or trash before a storm.

What Residents Can Do Now

Officials urge every Bluffton resident to begin preparations before a storm is named. Key steps include:

• Have an evacuation plan. Know where you will go, what route you’ll take, and where you’ll stay. If possible, leave before an official evacuation order is issued to avoid traffic and limited accommodations.

• Create a disaster kit. Include at least a week’s supply of food, water, medications, pet supplies, and essential documents. Secure valuables and photograph your home for insurance purposes.

• Check and clear gutters, drains, and yard debris. Remove items that can become flying projectiles, clog drainage systems, or collect standing water after a storm.

• Review your insurance coverage. Most homeowners’ policies do not include flood insurance, which must be purchased separately through the National Flood Insurance Program. It carries a 30-day waiting period. More than 75% of Beaufort County is at risk of flooding during even a Category 1 hurricane.

• Stay informed. Follow the Town of Bluffton and Bluffton Police Department on social media. Bookmark websites such as townofbluffton.sc.gov and hurricane.sc for updates.

• Be self-sufficient. After a storm, power, medical services, and emergency response may be unavailable for at least 72 hours. Prepare to care for yourself and your family during that time.

Pets
Don’t forget pets when planning. The town recommends assembling a pet emergency kit with food, water, medicine, ID tags, vaccination records, and familiar items. Many hotels that allow pets fill up quickly, so early planning is critical.

Special Needs
Residents with special needs or those lacking transportation are encouraged to contact Palmetto Breeze, the Lowcountry’s public transportation provider, at 843-757-5782 for assistance ahead of an evacuation.

Contractors and Developers
Local developers and contractors are reminded to secure job sites, remove potential debris, and inspect erosion control systems. The town encourages them to maintain clear communication with the Town of Bluffton’s planning and public works departments in the event of an impending storm.

Coordinating with Regional and State Agencies
The Governor of South Carolina is the only authority who can issue a mandatory evacuation order. Once issued, Beaufort County Emergency Management becomes the lead agency for evacuation routes, closures, and re-entry procedures. Bluffton follows the county’s lead and will disseminate updates accordingly.

No emergency shelters are available in Beaufort County. The American Red Cross may open shelters in neighboring Jasper County, but space is limited and early planning is essential.

Final Word: Preparation Is a Community Responsibility
Town officials stress that hurricane safety is a shared responsibility. Director of Projects & Watershed Resilience Kim Jones said. “Any obstruction can cause a domino effect of flooding and that could result in damage to your house, your street or your property. Every resident is encouraged to help in this effort.”

For more information, including detailed checklists and storm resources, visit townofbluffton.sc.gov or the South Carolina Emergency Management Division’s website at hurricane.sc.