Storms in the CSRA
This year, forecasters are calling for a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. NOAA predicts 8 to 14 named storms, 3 to 6 hurricanes, and 1 to 3 major hurricanes. But as the Augusta Chronicle wisely noted, a quieter forecast does not mean zero risk for inland Georgia and South Carolina. It only takes one storm tracking through the Savannah River Valley to put your business sign back in harm's way.
Here is how to protect your investment before the next storm arrives.
1. Inspect Your Mounting Hardware Now
The fasteners, anchors, and mounting systems holding your sign are your first line of defense. Over time, heat, humidity, and routine vibration from traffic can loosen bolts and corrode metal brackets. Inspect letters, monument signs, and pylon signs before peak season. Look for:
- Corroded or rusted fasteners
- Loose anchor bolts in concrete or masonry
- Cracked or separated sign cabinets
- Worn welding on structural supports
If your sign was installed before Helene, it has weathered two more years of CSRA heat and storms. That hardware may not be storm-ready anymore.
2. Remove Temporary and Portable Signage
A-frames, banners, and sandwich boards are designed for visibility, not wind resistance. The Augusta sign ordinance already requires temporary sandwich board signs to be removed daily after business hours. Before a named storm enters the forecast, take down every portable sign, flag, and banner well in advance. Flying debris damages more than just the sign that launched it; it puts neighboring properties and passing vehicles at risk.
For vinyl banners attached to buildings or fences, cut them down and store them flat. Rolling or folding them incorrectly can cause creases and weaken the material over time.
3. Document Everything for Insurance
Before storm season peaks, photograph every sign on your property from multiple angles. Capture close-ups of mounting hardware, electrical connections, and any existing wear or damage. Store these images with your business insurance records and update them after any maintenance or repairs.
If your sign is damaged in a storm, your insurer will ask for proof of the sign's pre-storm condition. A current photo taken in August 2026 is far more credible than a memory.
4. Know Which Signs Can Stay and Which Must Go
Not all signage needs to be removed. Well-engineered permanent signs with hurricane-rated anchoring are designed to withstand high winds. However, even permanent signs can be vulnerable if:
- The sign face is outdated acrylic or brittle plastic
- The electrical housing lacks proper sealing
- The structure was never rated for local wind loads
If your illuminated sign has a damaged face or exposed wiring, rain and wind can turn a small problem into a total loss. Schedule repairs now, before a hurricane watch is issued and every contractor's calendar fills up.
5. Plan Your Post-Storm Inspection
After the storm passes, do not simply flip the breaker and turn your sign back on. Walk the perimeter and look for:
- Cracked or missing sign faces
- Exposed wiring or damaged conduits
- Shifted or leaning structures
- Water infiltration in the sign cabinet
If water entered the electrical housing, turning the power on can cause short circuits, fires, or further damage. Call a sign professional to inspect and test illuminated signage before re-energizing it.
When to Call Keen Signs & Graphics
Hurricane season runs through November 30, but August and September are the peak months for the CSRA. Whether you need a pre-season repair or a complete sign rebuild after past damage, Keen Signs & Graphics has been serving Augusta, North Augusta, and the greater Central Savannah River Area for years.
We learned from Helene. We know what inland wind damage looks like. And we know how to help local businesses protect the signage that helps customers find them, storm or shine.
Contact Keen Signs & Graphics for your signage needs.
Keen Signs & Graphics is a full-service sign company located in Augusta, GA, serving businesses throughout the CSRA with custom signs, vehicle wraps, banners, and commercial signage solutions.
