---
title: "Clinton Residents Advised to Review Updated Storm Preparation Guide"
url: https://www.hereclinton.com/2026/08/06/clinton-residents-advised-review-updated/
date: 2026-08-06T09:40:20+00:00
modified: 2026-08-06T09:40:20+00:00
author: "Marty Castellanos"
categories: ["National"]
site: "HERE Clinton"
attribution: "HERE Clinton"
---

# Clinton Residents Advised to Review Updated Storm Preparation Guide

*Source: [HERE Clinton](https://www.hereclinton.com/2026/08/06/clinton-residents-advised-review-updated/) — August 6, 2026 by Marty Castellanos*

The City of Clinton is drawing attention to a recently updated storm preparation guide, offering a comprehensive checklist for residents to safeguard their homes and families against severe weather. Originally published on October 14, 2025, and revised on May 27, 2026, the guide provides a structured approach to readiness, from long-term maintenance to immediate pre-storm actions, emphasizing proactive measures crucial for the Clinton area.

This preparation framework is strategically divided into three distinct phases to manage the workload and ensure thorough readiness. Basic preparations, encompassing general home maintenance and the assembly of essential supplies, are recommended to begin two to three months before the typical storm season. This allows ample time for non-urgent tasks, preventing last-minute rushes. As a specific storm threat emerges and is forecast, a more focused protection plan should be activated three to five days before its anticipated arrival. This phase involves specific actions tailored to the approaching weather. The final, critical actions are to be completed within the 24 hours leading up to the storm’s impact, addressing immediate vulnerabilities and securing the property.

A significant portion of the guide focuses on exterior property maintenance, a crucial aspect for homes across Clinton’s diverse neighborhoods, from Hampton Woods to Beasley Estates. Homeowners are advised to conduct thorough inspections of their roofs for any existing damage, loose shingles, or vulnerabilities that could worsen under high winds or heavy rainfall. Proactive repairs can prevent costly water intrusion and structural compromise. Cleaning gutters and downspouts is equally critical to ensure proper water drainage, preventing overflow that can damage siding, foundations, and landscaping. The guide specifically recommends directing downspout water at least five to ten feet away from the home’s foundation to prevent water accumulation, which can lead to hydrostatic pressure against basement walls or erosion of the soil around the house.

Tree care is also highlighted as a vital preparatory step. Residents are strongly advised to trim branches that are within ten feet of their home or power lines. This measure significantly mitigates the risk of falling limbs causing property damage, puncturing roofs, or leading to widespread power outages across Clinton. Securing any loose outdoor items—ranging from patio furniture and grills to garbage bins and garden tools—is another key step to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles in strong winds. Finally, a thorough check of all windows and doors for proper sealing and locking mechanisms is advised. This reinforces the home’s envelope, preventing water intrusion and enhancing overall structural integrity against wind pressure.

Beyond the immediate structure, the guide emphasizes the importance of ground-level preparations to manage water flow around the property. Proper soil grading around the home is critical; the recommendation is for the soil to slope at least six inches over a ten-foot distance away from the foundation. This natural incline helps channel rainwater away from the house, significantly reducing the risk of basement flooding, foundation damage, and erosion, particularly relevant in areas within the Enoree River or Duncan Creek watersheds. For homes equipped with basements or crawl spaces, testing sump pumps is a vital step to ensure they are operational when needed, preventing significant water accumulation. Identifying vulnerable entry points for water, such as cracks in the foundation, gaps around utility lines, or poorly sealed window wells, allows homeowners to address them proactively with sealants or other barriers. Checking basement and garage floor drains ensures they are clear of debris and functional, ready to handle any water that might enter these lower-level spaces.

Assembling a comprehensive emergency supply kit is a cornerstone of the guide’s recommendations, designed to sustain household members for at least 72 hours in the event of disrupted services. Essential items include one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation, along with a supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food items. Flashlights and an ample stock of fresh batteries are necessary for navigating power outages safely. A well-stocked first-aid kit, along with any necessary prescription medications and copies of important medical information, is also critical for addressing injuries or health needs. A battery-powered or hand-crank radio can provide vital official updates and emergency alerts if other communication methods, such as cell service or internet, fail. Phone chargers, portable power banks, and a supply of cash are also recommended, as ATMs and electronic payment systems may be unavailable during widespread power disruptions. For households with pets, specific pet supplies, including food, water, medications, and carriers, should be included in the emergency kit.

Once a severe storm is specifically forecast for the Clinton area, the guide outlines a series of immediate actions to be taken. All outdoor items that cannot be permanently secured should be brought inside the home to prevent them from becoming hazards. Installing hurricane shutters or boarding up windows with plywood provides an additional layer of protection against high winds and flying debris, safeguarding the interior of the home. Placing sandbags around vulnerable entry points, especially in areas prone to localized flooding or near basement windows, can help divert water away from the structure. Filling bathtubs and other clean containers with water ensures a reserve for sanitation purposes if tap water becomes unavailable or contaminated. Charging all electronic devices, including phones, laptops, and power banks, is crucial for maintaining communication and accessing information during and after the storm. Filling vehicle fuel tanks ensures transportation readiness for potential evacuation or local travel if power is out and gas stations are affected. Moving valuable possessions and important documents to higher floors can protect them from potential flood damage. Finally, documenting the home’s condition with photos or videos before the storm can be invaluable for insurance claims and recovery efforts after the event.

The guide also provides clear indicators for when professional assistance is warranted, emphasizing that certain issues require expert intervention for safety and effective resolution. Significant roof damage, such as large punctures or widespread missing shingles, should prompt a call to a qualified roofing contractor. Dangerous or diseased trees that pose an imminent fall risk, especially near homes or power lines, require professional arborists. Persistent foundation or water-seepage problems, which can indicate serious structural issues, necessitate evaluation by a foundation specialist. Sump pump installation or replacement, if beyond a homeowner’s capability, should be handled by a plumber. Electrical hazards, visible mold growth, and any signs of structural damage to the home should prompt immediate calls to licensed professionals. In the immediate aftermath of a storm, critical emergencies such as gas leaks, downed power lines, active water intrusion, and sewage backups are situations that demand immediate professional attention and should not be handled by homeowners due to significant safety risks.

### Why it matters in Clinton

The comprehensive storm preparation guide is particularly relevant for Clinton residents, given the region’s susceptibility to severe weather, especially during the summer months. Proactive measures outlined in the guide can significantly reduce property damage and enhance safety for families across neighborhoods like Stone Creek and College View. For institutions such as Presbyterian College, understanding community-wide preparedness is vital for coordinating campus-wide emergency responses and ensuring the safety of students and staff. By following these recommendations, Clinton can bolster its collective resilience against potential natural events, minimizing disruption and accelerating recovery efforts for all its citizens and institutions.