September is National Preparedness Month: Be Ready Before the Storm

September is National Preparedness Month: Be Ready Before the Storm

Posted on September 10, 2025 by John Brush

September is National Preparedness Month, a reminder for families and communities to take steps now to be ready for emergencies. In South Carolina, this month also falls during the peak of hurricane season, making it the perfect time to prepare your home, your family; and your energy needs.

At Santee Cooper, we work year-round to strengthen our system and prepare for severe weather, but readiness is a team effort. Here's how you can be storm-ready:

Build or Refresh Your Emergency Outage Kit

Having supplies ready before a storm hits makes a big difference. Your outage kit should include:

• Flashlights and extra batteries
• A battery-powered phone charger
• First aid supplies and medications
• Bottled water and non-perishable food
• Cash, in case ATMs or card readers are down
• Important documents stored in waterproof containers

Know How to Stay Connected

Powerful storms can disrupt communications. Make sure Santee Cooper has your current contact information and sign up for My Energy Link (MEL) to get outage alerts sent directly to you. Our Storm Center also allows you to report and track outages quickly.

Plan for Backup Power

If you use a generator during an outage, always operate it safely:

• Keep it outside and away from doors, windows and vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Never connect a generator directly to your home's wiring - use proper transfer switches and follow safety guidelines.

How Santee Cooper Prepares

Just as you're preparing your home and family, we prepare too. Santee Cooper crews inspect and reinforce our system, trim trees near power lines, and stage equipment and personnel so we can respond as quickly as possible when storms hit. Our priority is restoring power safely and efficiently to every customer.

Storms can be unpredictable, but preparation gives you peace of mind. This September, take a few minutes to review your family's plan, update your outage kit, and know how to connect with Santee Cooper before, during and after severe weather.