UWLC Long-Term Recovery Group

08/19/2026

07/22/2026

Beaufortonians: do you know your zone for evacuations and sheltering? Know before the storm arrives.

Know Your Zone, Know Your Risk 🌊

Do you know your flood zone? Whether your property is along the waterfront or farther inland, understanding your flood zone can help you assess flood risk, insurance requirements, and preparedness needs.
Take a few minutes to learn your flood zone and what it means for your home, business, or property. Being informed is one of the first steps toward protecting what matters most.

Link to FEMA Flood Map: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search?AddressQuery=City%20of%20Beaufort

07/21/2026

Tanger Outlets Hilton Head and the Beaufort County School District hosted a free Back to School Expo on July 18 with school resources, giveaways, and family support services. The expo connected families with schools and community organizations while providing resources to help students get ready for the 2026-27 school year.

UWLC LTRG participated by sharing fun age-appropriate hurricane coloring pages, as well as sunscreen chapstick, and body toilettes for backpacks. Thank you to the Beaufort County School District for inviting us to the table, to share Hurricane Prep Tips and supply lists.

07/21/2026

Check out this family-friendly fun activity from South Carolina Emergency Management Division:

Looking for a fun summer activity for the kiddos?
Turn emergency preparedness into a game with an Emergency Kit Scavenger Hunt. Challenge kids to gather items for their own go-bag! Set a timer, make it a race, and teach important preparedness skills while having fun together.

07/21/2026

Blood donors are urgently needed: The American Red Cross is alerting the public to an emergency blood shortage after the national blood supply dropped nearly 25% in June, with Type O positive and Type B negative blood especially needed. RedCrossBlood.org

07/14/2026

See if you're eligible for pre-storm upgrades:

The SC Safe Home Grant Program has reopened its application portal. This opportunity gives more families the chance to receive financial assistance for roof upgrades and wind‑mitigation improvements ahead of hurricane season.

Eligible homeowners can apply for grants that help cover:

🔧 Roof retrofits (including Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) Research Center FORTIFIED ROOF upgrades)

🪟 Window & door retrofits

🛡️ Storm shutters & opening protection

Grant awards range from $3,000 to $7,500, depending on project type and eligibility.

📍 Apply starting today at: https://doi.sc.gov/605/SC-Safe-Home
📩 Questions? Email [email protected]

07/14/2026

A great idea as you and your neighbors prepare for back-to-school this year:

NEWS RELEASE: Build Your Emergency Kit While Saving During South Carolina’s Tax Free Weekend

South Carolina’s annual Tax Free Weekend begins Friday, Aug. 7, and continues through Sunday, Aug. 9, giving residents an opportunity to save money while preparing for emergencies.

While many families use the tax free weekend to purchase school supplies and clothing, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) encourages residents to also use the opportunity to build or refresh their emergency supply kits.

Emergency supply kits should include essential items families may need if they must leave home quickly during a disaster for an extended period of time.

According to the South Carolina Department of Revenue, shoppers can save nearly 6% on qualifying items purchased both online and in stores. Many of these tax free items can also serve as important emergency preparedness supplies.

Suggested items include:

• Clothing: Pack an extra set of clothes, socks, and sturdy shoes for each family member.

• Backpacks: A backpack is a great way to organize and carry emergency supplies.

• School supplies: Notebooks, pens, binder pouches, pencil boxes and sheet protectors for storing copies of important documents can all be useful during emergencies.

• Specific needs items: Families should consider the needs of every household member, including diapers and comfort items for children. Crayons, markers, drawing pads, and books can help keep children occupied during an emergency. For more details on tax exempt items, visit https://dor.sc.gov/communications/tax-free-weekend.

SCEMD encourages all South Carolinians to build an emergency supply kit that includes enough supplies for every household member, including pets.

For additional emergency supply kit recommendations and preparedness information, visit https://www.scemd.org/.

News Release: https://www.scemd.org/news/build-your-emergency-kit-while-saving-during-south-carolinas-tax-free-weekend/

07/14/2026

Even "low" amounts of rain can cause local flooding issues and unsafe driving conditions. Always turn around, don't drown!

Slow moving scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected today, with a couple rounds possible into the evening hours. Rainfall rates of 1-2” per hour are possible, producing rainfall totals 0.5-1.5 inches though isolated areas that see numerous rounds may see 3+ inches. Isolated flash flooding may occur, especially for areas that already have saturated grounds from the last few days of rainfall.

07/06/2026

Sharing from a fellow nonprofit. Note: this is not an LTRG-sponsored event.

Join our friends at Walton Options for Independent Living for a Disaster Preparation Workshop on July 22 at 11:00 AM at the Bluffton Branch Library.

07/01/2026

Sharing on behalf of a wonderful community partner:

✨JULY food distribution will take place on NEXT Wednesday , 07/08 from 10AM-12PM! Come get FREE fresh fruits and veggies 🥦 🍓🍑🥬🌽🧅!

Mark your calendar NOW! 📅📌✅

It is first come, first served! Come with your own bags! Share with anyone in need! ✨