Evacuation Zones for Market Common Residents

If you live in Market Common or nearby Surfside Beach, you have likely wondered which evacuation zone you are in and what that means when a storm targets the Grand Strand. You want a clear, reliable answer, not guesswork when time matters. In this guide, you will learn how to confirm your official zone, what the recent Market Common update means, how zones differ from FEMA flood maps, and what steps to take before hurricane season. Let’s dive in.

Why evacuation zones matter

Evacuation zones help local officials move people out of harm’s way in an orderly way during coastal storms and hurricanes. Zones are based on storm surge and roadway capacity, not on insurance requirements. That is why they differ from FEMA flood zones and why officials use zones to phase evacuations by area.

When you know your zone and your route, you reduce stress and avoid last-minute decisions. You also understand when re-entry may happen after an evacuation. Think of your zone as a planning tool that helps you act quickly and safely when an order is issued.

Market Common is Zone C

Recent municipal mapping updates place the Market Common area within the City of Myrtle Beach’s Zone C. Because Market Common sits inside city limits, the city’s evacuation-zone designation controls any evacuation orders for that neighborhood.

You should still verify your address on the city’s official resource, since maps can be refined over time. Use the City of Myrtle Beach emergency management page to confirm the current zone and view the latest map. If you are near a boundary, cross-check with Horry County resources as described below.

Find your official zone

Step 1: Confirm your jurisdiction

Start by identifying who governs your property. Market Common is within the City of Myrtle Beach. Surfside Beach is a separate town within Horry County. If you are unsure about your boundary, use your parcel record or the city or county GIS viewer to confirm the jurisdiction before you look up your zone.

Step 2: Use the official map or lookup

Check the evacuation-zone map or address lookup hosted by your governing authority. For Market Common addresses, visit the City of Myrtle Beach emergency management pages for evacuation zones and updates. For Surfside Beach and unincorporated areas, use Horry County Emergency Management’s evacuation resources. These tools show the zone letter for your property.

• City of Myrtle Beach evacuation info and map: visit the City’s Emergency Management hub to confirm your zone and see current guidance.
• Horry County evacuation resources: check countywide maps, evacuation routes, shelter information, and alerts.

Step 3: Cross-check near boundaries

If your property is near a city or town line, compare the municipal map with Horry County’s resources. Jurisdiction determines which map applies, so confirm which authority governs your parcel. If anything is unclear, call or email the city or county emergency management office for a definitive determination.

Step 4: Sign up for emergency alerts

Enroll in both county and city alerts so you receive zone-specific instructions by phone, text, or email. Use Horry County Emergency Management for countywide alerts and information. For Market Common addresses, also subscribe to City of Myrtle Beach notifications posted on the emergency management page. Getting both perspectives helps you act fast when orders are issued.

Step 5: Save your plan and share it

Write down your zone letter and your preferred evacuation route, and keep a printed copy of the official map. Share your plan with household members and a trusted out-of-area contact. Printed copies can be vital if power or internet access is disrupted during a storm.

Evacuation zones vs FEMA flood zones

Evacuation zones guide safety and movement during a storm. FEMA flood zones are used for insurance, lending, and building code decisions. They are not the same thing and they serve different purposes.

To review your property’s flood designation and insurance considerations, use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center’s property lookup. Understanding both your evacuation zone and your FEMA flood zone gives you a fuller picture of risk and helps with insurance planning and preparation.

• Review your FEMA flood map: use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center to look up your property’s flood zone.
• Learn about storm surge: see the National Weather Service storm surge resource to understand how surge affects evacuation decisions.

Routes, shelters, and re-entry basics

Evacuation guidance will identify recommended primary routes and provide updates as conditions change. Choose a primary route and one or two alternates in case of congestion or flooding. Follow official traffic instructions and give yourself extra time to travel.

Shelter locations and pet policies are set by local agencies. If you may need a shelter or assistance, review county resources early and ask about medical or mobility needs in advance. Re-entry after an evacuation is also phased and may be restricted by zone and authority. Watch for official updates from the city or county before returning.

Quick preparation checklist

Use this simple checklist to get ready before hurricane season:

• Know your governing authority and zone letter.
• Save and print the official evacuation map for your area.
• Pick primary and alternate routes out of your neighborhood.
• Sign up for county and city emergency alerts.
• Prepare a go-bag with medications, documents, cash, chargers, and essentials for 3 days.
• Make a plan for pets, including carriers, food, and vet records.
• If you need medical or transportation assistance, register with local agencies early.
• Review your insurance coverage for wind and flood and store policy numbers in your go-bag.

Resources for Horry County and Myrtle Beach

Use these official resources to verify your zone and stay informed:

• City of Myrtle Beach Emergency Management: confirm the Market Common Zone C designation, find evacuation-zone maps, and see city updates. Visit the city’s emergency management pages for current information.
• Horry County Emergency Management: view countywide evacuation maps, routes, shelters, and alert sign-up.
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center: check your property’s FEMA flood zone and download official maps.
• NOAA and National Weather Service Storm Surge: learn how storm surge modeling informs evacuations.
• South Carolina Emergency Management Division: get statewide hurricane planning guidance and resources.

Helpful links:

• City of Myrtle Beach Emergency Management: City emergency management information
• Horry County Emergency Management: Horry County Emergency Management resources
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center: FEMA flood map lookup
• NWS Storm Surge: National Weather Service storm surge overview
• SC Emergency Management Division: Statewide hurricane guidance

Staying current matters. Evacuation-zone boundaries can be updated as mapping improves, so verify your zone at least once a year and any time a new municipal announcement is released.

When you are considering a home purchase in Market Common, Surfside Beach, or anywhere along the Grand Strand, it helps to understand evacuation zones and flood designations early in your search. If you want local insight while you weigh neighborhoods, routes, and preparedness, we are here to help.

Ready to talk through neighborhoods, safety planning, and home options that fit your goals? Reach out to Unknown Company to start a conversation and get local guidance tailored to you.

FAQs

How do I confirm my Market Common zone?

• Use the City of Myrtle Beach emergency management pages to view the official evacuation-zone map. Recent updates place Market Common in Zone C, but verify your address before storm season.

How do Surfside Beach residents check their zones?

• Use Horry County Emergency Management’s evacuation resources and maps, since Surfside Beach is a separate town within Horry County. Jurisdiction determines which map applies.

Does being in Zone C mean I must always evacuate?

• Not always. Evacuation orders depend on the forecast and storm severity. Officials will announce which zones must evacuate and when.

What is the difference between evacuation zones and FEMA flood zones?

• Evacuation zones help manage safety and traffic during storms. FEMA flood zones guide insurance and building decisions. Check both to understand risk and coverage.

How often are evacuation zones updated in Horry County and Myrtle Beach?

• Local governments refine maps as new data becomes available. Check municipal and county resources before hurricane season and after any official update is announced.

Where can I sign up for alerts and find shelters?

• Go to Horry County Emergency Management for countywide alerts and shelter information, and use the City of Myrtle Beach emergency management pages for city notices that apply to Market Common addresses.