As a barrier island, Sullivan’s Island shares a unique set of challenges when beset with emergency events. It is important to be prepared for potential emergency situations such as tropical storm, hurricanes, tsunamis, floods and fires. It is essential that community residents and visitors understand that the entire Island is located within a flood hazard area and is prone to catastrophic damage and loss of life if confronted with extreme weather events.

The primary Municipal Emergency Operations Center (MEOC) is located within Town Hall and is equipped with an elevated generator capable of sustaining operations in the event of a power outage. In 2011 the Sullivan’s Island Remote Emergency Notification System (SIRENS) was implemented and is comprised of two sirens located at Station 24 and Station 15. The audio notification will activate should residents become unresponsive to telephone, mobile devices and internet. The Town also manages an emergency and community alert system through Everbridge. This allows residents to register to receive text messages and emails from the Town. Click here to sign up today!

Annually, the Town participates in the Charleston County Emergency Operations Plan and the Charleston County Hurricane Preparedness Guide in addition to the Town’s own Hurricane Plan. Town Government must continually stress the importance of evacuation plans when confronted by any emergency. The best plan of action is to be prepared. Make sure you have a family emergency plan that maps out what to do before, during and after a disaster. Visit our Emergency Evacuation webpage to learn how to effectively leave town should you need to evacuate. Resident only re-entry hanging tags may be obtained at Town Hall upon the presentation of your driver’s license with your Sullivan’s Island address on it or a deed of ownership. These tags are for residents and property owners only, not visitors, guests, extended family or contractors. The Town has many other useful tools to aid you in your emergency preparedness plan. Below are some documents and website links to help you prepare.

One of NOAA's missions is to save life and property by providing critical environmental intelligence, including weather forecasts and warnings, to our partners and the general public. NOAA wants everyone, from communities across the country and the public at large to be ready, responsive and resilient to extreme weather, water and climate events. To that end the Town of Sullivan's Island recently became a NOAA Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador. Click here to learn about the initiative and information from NOAA about inclement weather. 

Additional Resources
Sullivan's Island Disaster Preparedness Guide (PDF)
Are You Ready? Charleston County Hurricane Guide (PDF)
South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD)
SCEMD Hurricane Guide (PDF)
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Everbridge- SI Emergency Notifications
Emergency Evacuation
National Hurricane Center
NOAA Findings on "Average Atlantic Hurricane Season"
Home Disaster Guide (PDF)
Special Needs Resident Form (PDF)
Town of Sullivan's Island Storm Warning Systems
Floodplain Management