Home improvement stores urge homeowners to prepare for Hermine’s impacts

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) – With Hurricane Hermine set to impact the Grand Strand and the Pee Dee, home Improvement stores are urging homeowners to prepare.

In the front of the Lowe's Home Improvement store in Myrtle Beach, a hurricane safety center is filled with all of the items a person could use to prepare their home.

"I think it's good for the awareness. I think a lot of times here lately, it's been a while since we had a major storm that's really affected us, like a hurricane," said James Cannon, assistant manager for the store. "So I think this being in the front of the store, it kind of puts it out there in front of everybody so it's always in the back of your mind that you might want to stop by here and get ready for it. Never hurts to be prepared."

Cannon added he has witnessed some homeowners learn the hard way.

"Obviously, with our last huge flood we had last year, I think more people realized than not, that they are actually in a flood area," he said. "So it's important to make sure if you do have potential to get water damage, then you stock up on those and cover up any low areas around your house."

Cannon also urged people not to assume insurance will cover the damage anyway.

"Some insurance companies make sure that in those clauses they say that you have an attempt made to save your property," he said. "If you don't get a tarp and try to stop the damage from happening, you may not have your claim covered."

Cannon also urged homeowners to cover weak spots in the roof and windows, and to make a checklist of anything that needs batteries in the home and what kind of batteries in case of a power outage.

Also in the hurricane safety section are glow sticks, flashlights, wind-up radios, generators, inverters and safety kits.

Cannon suggested that residents think about what surrounds their home by trimming trees, and bringing patio furniture and decor inside if possible. If not, it is advised to secure it so it does not catch wind and become a trajectory.

"It doesn't hurt to be prepared for the worst possible case scenario," Cannon said.

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