UWLC Long-Term Recovery Group

05/31/2026

Sharing on behalf of https://www.w4bft.com/

Amateur radio operators provide a reliable backup communications network when traditional systems become overloaded or unavailable. Before a storm, they help share preparedness information, support emergency planning efforts, and test communication networks to ensure readiness.

During a storm, amateur radio operators can relay critical information between emergency management agencies, shelters, response organizations, and affected communities when power, cellular, or internet service is disrupted. They help provide situational updates, resource requests, and welfare messages.

After a storm, amateur radio volunteers assist with damage assessment reporting, coordinate recovery communications, support relief organizations, and help reconnect families and communities by providing essential communication links until normal systems are restored. Their ability to operate independently of commercial infrastructure makes them a valuable partner in disaster response and long-term recovery efforts.

If you're interested in seeing how amateur radio works during storm time communications, join Beaufort Amateur Radio Group for this event.

https://www.w4bft.com/

05/27/2026

Sharing this information ahead of the storm season:

Hurricane season is approaching. FEMA has several resources to navigate this busy time. This includes a new National Flood Insurance Program checklist to guide policyholders through the claims process, including:

- Immediate flood response
- Preparing a claim
- Working with an adjuster
- Finalizing a claim

Download and store the NFIP claims checklist ahead of the storm: floodsmart.gov/claims-checklist

05/27/2026

Sharing this great information!

Are you receiving emergency alerts?
Don’t rely on just one source. Sign up for Emergency Alerts, keep a NOAA Weather Radio nearby, enable weather app notifications, and stay tuned to local TV and radio. Text and email alerts plus checking in with family and friends can also keep you informed. Stay connected.

05/21/2026

🌀 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, thanks largely to the expected development of a strong El Niño pattern that can suppress storm activity. Forecasters currently expect 8 to 14 named storms, including 3 to 6 hurricanes and 1 to 3 major hurricanes.

Emergency officials stress that “below normal” does not mean “no risk.” It only takes one storm to create devastating impacts for coastal communities. Now is the time to review your home and business emergency plans, refresh supply kits, and stay prepared before hurricane season begins June 1. 🌧️🌊⛈️


Please check our online resources, upcoming in-person trainings, and online meetings to learn more.

Early preparation essential to staying safe all season

05/20/2026

Today, members of our United Way of the Lowcountry Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG) joined more than 80 disaster recovery leaders from across several states for an impactful American Red Cross-hosted VOAD/LTRG training.

The session focused on best practices in long-term disaster recovery, strengthening relationships with Emergency Management partners, improving response coordination, and building sustainable programs that can serve communities for years to come.

One major takeaway: relationships matter. From Emergency Management Divisions (EMD) and Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPC) to partners like the American Red Cross and Salvation Army, strong community connections are critical before, during, and after disasters.

We also explored new recovery-tracking templates, resource-sharing tools, and capability matrices to strengthen how we serve Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton counties.

Our LTRG remains committed to learning, growing, and improving how we support our neighbors during times of crisis. Disaster recovery is never done alone: it takes communication, collaboration, and community.

Thank you to the American Red Cross and all participating organizations for sharing knowledge, experience, and encouragement as we prepare for future storm seasons together.

05/19/2026

Today our United Way of the Lowcountry Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG) attended the 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan Open House hosted by the Lowcountry Council of Governments. It was an excellent opportunity to support regional coordination efforts across Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper counties as we continue working together to strengthen disaster preparedness and community resilience throughout the Lowcountry.

We were grateful to connect with new community partners and collaborate with organizations committed to protecting our region ahead of future hazards and the upcoming hurricane season. Congratulations to Chris Ramm and the entire Lowcountry Council of Governments team for presenting such comprehensive and impactful data that will help guide mitigation planning for years to come.

Community input remains a critical part of this process. To review their report and provide feedback, please check out the QR code shared at today’s event. We look forward to continued partnership and future joint meetings as we help our Lowcountry communities prepare, respond, and recover together.

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05/19/2026

As hurricane season approaches, our UWLC LTRG is actively strengthening our emergency preparedness efforts by assembling hurricane readiness buckets for residents across Beaufort County, Jasper County, and Hampton County. This week, we received additional supplies, including ponchos and emergency zippered bags, to help local families stay dry, safe, and prepared following future storms. We've added to our existing stockpile of blankets, water, and hygiene kits with these new supplies.

If your family still needs assistance from Hurricane Helene or your neighbors or businesses are concerned about preparing for the upcoming storm season, we encourage you to stay connected with us for information about upcoming preparedness events and supply distribution opportunities. If you're a local business owner that wants to donate time, materials, and effort with us, reach out!

843-941-5042 | www.UWLowcountry.org/LTRG | [email protected]



Readiness checklist:https://www.scemd.org/media/1118/scemergchecklist.pdf

05/19/2026

05/19/2026

Another good page to bookmark:

Hurricanes and tropical storms can bring multiple hazards, including strong winds, flooding, storm surge, and power outages. Understanding these risks is an important part of staying safe and being prepared.
To learn more about hurricanes and their hazards, visit https://hurricane.sc/know