Sir Godfrey Gregg
IRMA
STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED IN SC AHEAD OF HURRICANE IRMA
The executive order enables all state agencies to coordinate resources in preparation for Hurricane Irma
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster today issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency and, along with the S.C. Emergency Management Division, has urged South Carolinians to prepare for the possibility of Hurricane Irma impacting the state.
The executive order enables all state agencies to coordinate resources in preparation for Hurricane Irma, which is currently a category five hurricane. Forecasters believe Irma could affect the east coast of the United States in the coming days.
FORECAST: Hurricane Irma’s Latest Forecast & Track
“The state of emergency allows one of the best, most experienced emergency response teams in the entire world to begin organizing response efforts,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “South Carolina is fortunate to have time to allow us to prepare for Hurricane Irma’s potential landfall, and it is important that families and individuals in vulnerable areas use that time to review safety plans in case they are needed.”
People in potentially vulnerable areas should review personal safety plans, become familiar with local evacuation zones in coastal counties and locate the nearest hurricane evacuation routes. This information is detailed in the 2017 S.C. Hurricane Guide, currently available at all Walgreen’s stores statewide, at all rest areas along interstates and for download at scemd.org.
To be clear: There are NO current evacuation orders in South Carolina
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Members of the state’s Emergency Response Team will begin reviewing plans and notifying response staff should they be needed. SCEMD Director Kim Stenson continues conference calls with county emergency managers, SERT agencies and local National Weather Service offices. The agencies on these coordination calls share information and discuss emergency plans in advance of any response to the storm.“It’s too soon to rule
out any possibilities,” Stenson said “Hurricane Irma is a dangerous storm and its projected path could put South Carolina in harm’s way. Fortunately, people in South Carolina have time. While we hope we never see a hurricane head our way, we all need prepare for the possible effects.”
The Emergency Management Division has increased operational readiness to Condition 4. OPCON 4 is the next highest response level above normal, day-to-day activities, and emergency managers make initial preparations for the possibility of any hazardous situations. Select personnel from SCEMD’s Operations and Preparedness sections continue to monitor Hurricane Irma from the State Emergency Operations Center in West Columbia.
HERE’S THE OFFICIAL SC HURRICANE GUIDE
With the now very real possibility that Hurricane Irma could affect the state, it’s important for everyone in the state to go ahead and review the guide.
Columbia, SC (WLTX) – South Carolina’s Emergency Management Division has put together a good guide for people to help them get ready for a hurricane.
With the now very real possibility that Hurricane Irma could affect the state, it’s important for everyone in the state to go ahead and review the guide.
Latest Forecast: Hurricane Irma Making a Shift
It’s got good information about what to prepare before the storm, what to do during a hurricane, and what you’ll need to do afterward.
Related Coverage: State of Emergency Declared in South Carolina
It’s available here as a PDF file for viewing, but it can be downloaded. Read the 2017 South Carolina Hurricane Guide
2017 South Carolina Hurricane Guide by WLTX on Scribd
