September is National Preparedness Month, and there has been good reason to be ready in West Columbia in recent years.

The flood of 2015 impacted West Columbia’s Riverwalk. Floods from Hurricane Matthew in 2016 wreaked havoc on the city. And in 2017 Hurricane Irma resulted in an emergency response.

This week Hurricane Florence is threatening South Carolina. Governor Henry McMaster declared a State of Emergency.

“Until now, we have been good to go this year,” said West Columbia Assistant Police Chief Scott Morrison. “But you always have to be ready, because you never know when an emergency situation can arise. Just look at how quickly Florence became an issue.”

Morrison said families should have non-perishable food items on hand in case they are left without power. He said families should have an emergency kit prepared, too.

Consider how you will respond to emergencies. Think about emergencies – like a winter storm – that may require your family to find shelter in your home, versus an emergency – like a hurricane – that may require your family to evacuate.

Suzanne Terry, and her husband Marc and daughter Chloe, live in West Columbia.

“We have a plan for emergencies, and we discuss the different types of potential emergencies,” said Terry.

The Terry’s have prepared MREs (Meals Ready to Eat), bottled water, go bags, with medical supplies in case of an emergency. Terry said her family has a week’s supply of everything.

She also said if there is a fire, everyone knows the quickest exit path out of their home.

Food and a plan are not all you need. “Have flashlights, with fresh batteries,” Morrison said. “And it’s a good idea to have matches, too.”

Morrison suggested that families plan a central location to meet so all members can be accounted for.