Hurricane Florence: Be Prepared

 Dear fellow South Carolinians,

Yesterday, Governor Henry McMaster ordered the mandatory evacuation of South Carolina’s entire 187-mile coastline starting at noon on 9/11. Since then, the mandatory evacuations of Jasper, Colleton and Beaufort counties has been rescinded. As of 9/9, at the direction of the Governor, the Palmetto State is under a State of Emergency allowing the S.C. Emergency Management Division and all state agencies to organize resources in preparation for the oncoming hurricane. While the storm is a few days out, and the path is still uncertain, South Carolinians know that it is important to always be on the lookout. 

Be prepared. Stock up with water and non-perishable foods, and know that should you lose power, it may be a few days or weeks until power is restored to your homes. Please stay alert and follow all evacuation notices to ensure your safety and that of your family.

I will continue to work with our state and federal agencies to monitor and respond to this storm. My team is ready, willing, and able to help with any assistance that we can provide.

 
Courtesy of the Governor’s Office:

Know Your Hurricane Evacuation Zone: If evacuation becomes necessary, information for residents will be broadcast by coastal evacuation zone. Residents can locate their zone by visiting scemd.org, downloading the SC Emergency Manager mobile app and by referring the 2018 S.C. Hurricane Guide.

Prepare to evacuate if ordered to do so:  Residents living in vulnerable areas and those living in mobile homes that are in the storm’s path must plan their evacuation now. Become familiar with evacuation routes, which are marked with special signs. Options include: a hotel, motel, or friend’s home that is outside the vulnerable area or an American Red Cross shelter. Hotels and motels fill up quickly and “out of county” evacuations take time.

Fuel cars, keep supplies in vehicles, secure important documents: If the storm approaches South Carolina, individuals and families should fill up their cars with gas. Road maps, nonperishable snack foods, a first-aid kit that includes a supply of your family’s prescription medications, and convenience items such as diapers should be available in the car. Secure important documents in waterproof packaging.

Obtain supplies to protect the home:  If residents are ordered to evacuate, there will be little time to protect their homes for the storm. Boarding supplies such as wood and shutters should be purchased in advance. Make plans to clear property of outdoor furniture and debris that would damage the home during a hurricane.

Consider the safety of pets: Pets are not allowed in Red Cross shelters. Individuals and families should plan to board pets with veterinarians, kennels, or other facilities in non-vulnerable areas.  Identification and rabies tags should be attached to the pets’ collars.

Sincerely,
 
Tim