This editorial originally appeared in the Post & Courier on August 10, 2025

By Susan Everitt, Regional CEO, American Red Cross of South Carolina

About 25 years ago, my husband, baby daughter and I returned to our beloved Southern roots, moving from Upstate New York to Conway. I remember telling our real estate agent we couldn’t consider a house with a steep driveway; it would be impossible in snow and ice. We all laughed when I realized that wasn’t something I’d need to worry about in the South.

In 1999, we were devastated by Hurricane Floyd. We lived along a river, and the water rose 18 feet, destroying our home. In the aftermath, we received help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and a group of amazing people in red vests. It was at that moment that I knew I wanted to join them and be a part of that work. Shortly after, I became a volunteer with the American Red Cross and started helping with disaster response.

I’m now proud and honored to serve as the regional CEO for the American Red Cross of South Carolina, leading our humanitarian mission to help families in their greatest time of need. Last September, my family was once again affected by a hurricane when Helene barreled through several states and damaged thousands of homes along the way, including mine, this time in Edgefield.

As a Red Crosser, I stand on the front lines witnessing how more frequent and severe weather is impacting communities, many repeatedly, and fueling a humanitarian crisis as more and more people are displaced by extreme weather events such as rapidly intensifying storms, extreme heat and record floods. While we are adapting and expanding our response capabilities, the needs continue to escalate.

Readiness is more important than ever as we’re responding to large disasters on a nearly continual basis. That’s why the Red Cross is working diligently year-round to pre-position supplies, coordinate with local and state partners, confirm sheltering plans and build and train a volunteer workforce ready to respond when disaster strikes.

What keeps me up at night is recognizing that South Carolina continues to see an enormous influx of new residents, many of whom, like my family so many years ago, have little or no experience with hurricanes. In one of the top states for net migration, this issue is critical for our partners in the emergency management space and was once again a central topic of discussion at Gov. Henry McMaster’s annual hurricane tabletop exercise last month.

Knowing that just one big storm could be catastrophic to our coastal communities, it’s essential to educate our newest neighbors about the tremendous threat that hurricanes pose to our state and spread the message of preparedness. The Red Cross is working hard to ensure South Carolinians are ready for emergencies before they knock at our door.

The best time to prepare for a hurricane is now. Make a plan to stay safe, and know how you’ll stay connected. Think about where you will go if you need to leave, how you will get there, where you will stay and what you’ll take with you. Gather critical supplies, such as food, water and medicine, and organize them into a go-kit and a stay-at-home kit. Know how you will get critical information even if the power goes out. You can sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government or download the free Red Cross Emergency App.

I recently visited the site of what was once my home in Conway. Today, it’s just an empty field. While recalling what my family experienced, I’m resolved to make sure that other families who find themselves in similar situations are prepared for the worst to happen and will experience the hope and comfort I received from the Red Cross if it ever does.

If you're looking for a meaningful way to serve your community, please consider volunteering with the Red Cross. We need your help. Learn more at RedCross.org/volunteer.