Take some time to prepare now, so that you’re as ready as possible when an emergency happens. Disasters can happen without warning. Even in the case of hurricanes, which develop relatively slowly, there may not be enough time to take all of the necessary steps if you wait until a storm is in the forecast.

Electronic records can be a valuable resource if a disaster destroys your physical records or makes them inaccessible.

• Scan your paper tax records and bank statements, and securely store electronic versions.
• Keep electronic copies of tax records, bank statements, W2s, home-closing statements, and insurance records.
• Consider keeping backup copies on a secure cloud storage service or external storage device, like an encrypted flash drive or hard drive. Store these duplicates in a safe place, like a waterproof container at a trusted relative's home or in a safe deposit box.
• Make it a habit to file and store important documents (and their duplicates) promptly.
• Back up your computer often.
• Treat your digital files with the same level of security as your physical ones. Store digital files on a private server, and use passwords to protect your documents.

Don't choose your safe storage spot only out of convenience—if a disaster strikes your home or business, it will likely affect the surrounding area.

Filing your tax returns electronically is faster and more accurate – and it ensures that your returns are protected from a natural disaster.

• South Carolina businesses can file their returns using our free tax portal, MyDORWAY​, at MyDORWAY.dor.sc.gov.
  • View all of our online file and pay options at dor.sc.gov/biz-services.
• Individuals can find a list of free and low-cost Individual Income Tax online filing options at dor.sc.gov/iit-filing.

Store passwords and information needed to access such returns in a safe place, like a secure password manager.

Should the worst occur, taking photos or videos of your home or business’s contents before a disaster can help support any claim of loss on a tax return or with insurance.

• Take photos and videos of each room from multiple angles.
• Create a ledger of your possessions, along with their value.
• Store the photos or videos in a safe place, like a secure cloud storage service.

Don't choose your safe storage spot only out of convenience—if a disaster strikes your home or business, it will likely affect the surrounding area.

Create detailed emergency plans now, communicate them to your family and employees, and update the plans regularly.

• Decide where to seek shelter from all types of disasters.
• Prepare an emergency supply kit.
• Identify evacuation routes from your home and business.
• Establish how you’ll​​​ communicate with employees, customers, and others after an emergency happens.
• Create a plan for accessing your important records after the emergency is over.
• Check out the SC Emergency Manager app from the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) to get started with your plans.