This week's meetings of the Town of James Island:

Rethink Folly Road Steering Committee

Thursday, September 14, 2017

3:00 p.m.

This meeting will be held at the Town of James Island Town Hall, 1238-B Camp Road, James Island, SC. For further information, please contact Town Hall at (843) 794-4141. Agenda can be found here.

SEPTEMBER 12, 2017

The Town of James Island moved to OPCON 3 today at 12:00 noon as we work through the recovery from Hurricane Irma.

Town Hall is closed for regular business today but fielding resident concerns regarding the storm. We will reopen for regular business on Wednesday, September 13 at 9:00 a.m.

Update from SCE&G: The majority of the power has been restored to James Island residents, with the area of Camp/Folly/Ft Johnson Roads seeing the largest power outages. There also exists some smaller outages throughout the Town. The majority of the issues have been caused by downed trees/fallen limbs on lines and crews are assessing the damage and currently working on restoration throughout the Town. Residents can check for updates to their particular home by going to www.sceg.com or by calling 1-888-333-4465.

 Please visit the Town’s website at www.jamesislandsc.us for updates as they become available.

 Other important information:

 Damage Report Tool:

Damage assessment teams are out assessing properties impacted by Irma.

Charleston County residents can use the link below to report damages related to the storm. This will allow for us to collect initial damage assessment data from the public to assist with a potential FEMA Declaration and to be able to direct damage assessment teams to the areas hit the hardest.  

https://www.crisistrack.com/public/charlestonSC/citizenRequest.html

The Citizen’s Information Line will remain active until 5 p.m. today and will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, September 13 at (843) 746 – 3900

• Spanish (843) 746 - 3909
• TTY (843) 746 – 3911

Shelters and transportation are now closed as of Noon today. The American Red Cross will continue to be available for as long as needed. If you need assistance when you return home, please call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Report derelict boats/watercraft to Coast Guard:  843-740-7050

Downed Trees and Power Outages: Call 911

Downed Power lines and Power Outages: SCE&G - 1-888-333-4465

Gas Leaks: SCE&G - 1-800-815-0083

Non-emergency Public Safety concerns Consolidated Dispatch - 743-7200

Here are other important links with helpful information before, during and after an event:

South Carolina Emergency Management Division - http://www.scemd.org/

FEMA website for Citizen Preparedness http://www.ready.gov/

FEMA https://www.fema.gov/

National Weather Service Charleston Office http://www.weather.gov/chs/

Pet Friendly Hotels http://www.pet-friendly-hotels.net/ 

NEWS RELEASE – HURRICANE IRMA UPDATE 

RELEASE #8 

September 11, 2017

The Town of James Island is continuing to operate at OPCON 1 as we deal with the effects from Hurricane Irma.

James Island is under a storm surge warning, flash flood warning, a tropical storm warning and a tornado warning until 1 pm. Go into an interior space within your home away from windows.   

We are urging residents to stay off the roads and remain inside. We are currently experiencing storm surge of four to six feet. Charleston County has suspended all EMS operations while winds are sustained at 40 mph. There are various impassable roads throughout James Island due to either standing water, downed lines and/or trees. We repeat, please remain off the roads.

Those road closures include Central Park Rd between Fleming and Riverland Dr, HBVR at James Island Connector and North Shore, Fort Johnson and Folly, Riverland Drive between George Griffith and Grimball Rd, and Woodland Shores.  

Residents located in low lying areas that have flooded in past should relocate to higher ground when wind speeds die down.  If possible, stay with friend or family on higher ground.    A hotel or motel in the north area should also be considered.

Shelter Information:

A Charleston County facility at 3765 Leeds Avenue opened as a shelter of last resort. Transportation to the shelter is currently not running due to high wind speeds. Pick-up locations for James Island are listed below. Those seeking shelter need to bring pillows, blankets, medications, and entertainment for children. The shelter will accommodate pets, however please bring crates, food and any other pet needs. For specific questions about special medical needs contact DHEC: 1-800-578-2031.

A second Charleston County Facility located at 3841 Leeds Avenue at the corner of Bridge View Drive will open as a shelter. This shelter will NOT accept pets. They are still being accepted at the shelter at 3765 Leeds Avenue.  

The Town’ sand bag distribution has ceased.   The Town has no sandbags or fill material remaining.

The Town’s Office will be closed to regular business on Monday, September 11; and Tuesday, September 12.

The Town will send out regular updates as information becomes available. Please visit the Town’s website at www.jamesislandsc.us

Other important information:

·         Citizen Hotline: (843) 746-3900 

·         2017 Charleston County Hurricane guide: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/emergency-management/files/hurricane-guides/2017-Hurricane-Guide-Color-Fold.pdf 

·         Charleston County Citizen Alert System: Charleston County residents should register for the Charleston County Citizen Alert System, a free program that allows the public to receive voicemail, text message, and e-mail notifications about emergencies. Register online at: https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085611698#login

·         High Wind and Bridge policy: http://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/emergency-management/files/bridgeprocedureshighwinds.pdf

·         Definition of OPCON levels: http://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/emergency-management.opcon.ph 

The Charleston County Emergency Management Department developed and maintains an Emergency Operations Plan and Re-Entry Plan for the entire County. Please visit their website at www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/emergency-management for more information and links to these documents.

In case of an event, here are some important numbers or websites you need to know.

Downed Trees: Call 911

Downed Power lines and Power Outages: SCE&G - 1-888-333-4465

Gas Leaks: SCE&G - 1-800-815-0083

Non-emergency Public Safety concerns Consolidated Dispatch - 743-7200

Here are other important links with helpful information before, during and after an event:

South Carolina Emergency Management Division - http://www.scemd.org/

FEMA website for Citizen Preparedness http://www.ready.gov/

FEMA https://www.fema.gov/

National Weather Service Charleston Office http://www.weather.gov/chs/

Pet Friendly Hotels http://www.pet-friendly-hotels.net/

The Town of James Island moved to OPCON 1 today at 1:00 PM in preparation for Hurricane Irma.

James Island is under a storm surge warning, flash flood watch, and a tropical storm warning. 

Winds are expected to be 35 to 40 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.   The most likely time of arrival is between 5 AM and 9 AM Monday morning.  It is possible that high winds could arrive as early as 11 PM  tonight.

Strong offshore winds are expected to lead to a storm surge of four to six feet.  Some flooding is possible at tonight’s high tide at midnight.  The most serious flooding is expected on Monday between 10 AM to 3 PM.

Rain is forecast to be 3 to 6 inches.   This will likely cause additional flooding on James Island.

Residents located in low lying areas that have flooded in past should relocate to higher ground.  If possible, stay with friend or family on higher ground.    A hotel or motel in the north area should also be considered.

Charleston County has made available a shelter at 3765 Leeds Avenue.   It is open to everyone, including those with pets.   Please bring any supplies you or your pet need.  

For those without transportation, evacuation busses will begin operation at 1:00 PM today until 8 PM tonight.  

On James Island the stops are:

Earth Fare - 74 Folly Road (South Windermere Shopping Center)

Fast Point Food Store - 1029 Harbor View Road (Harbor View Road at Quail Drive)

Wal-Mart – 1231 Folly Road and Griffith Road

Folly Beach Shopping Center - 907 Folly Road (Camp Road and Folly Road)

Harris Teeter – 1739 Maybank Highway and Folly Road

Hot Wheels – 1523 Folly Road

Camp Center – 1238 Camp Road

Harris Teeter – 1985 Folly Road and Sol Legare Road

Harris Teeter – 675 Folly Road

Murray Elementary School – 691 Riverland Drive

James Island High School – 1000 Ft. Johnson Road

Hideaway Pizza Kitchen – 608A Harborview Road & Clearview, near Ft. Johnson

The Town’ sand bag distribution has ceased.   The Town has no sandbags or fill material remaining.

The Town’s Office will be closed to regular business on Monday, September 11; and Tuesday, September 12.

The Town will send out regular updates as information becomes available. Please visit the Town’s website at www.jamesislandsc.us

Other important information:

• Citizen Hotline: (843) 746-3900
• 2017 Charleston County Hurricane guide: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/emergency-management/files/hurricane-guides/2017-Hurricane-Guide-Color-Fold.pdf
• Charleston County Citizen Alert System: Charleston County residents should register for the Charleston County Citizen Alert System, a free program that allows the public to receive voicemail, text message, and e-mail notifications about emergencies. Register online at: https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085611698#login
• High Wind and Bridge policy: http://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/emergency-management/files/bridgeprocedureshighwinds.pdf
• Definition of OPCON levels: http://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/emergency-management.opcon.php

The Charleston County Emergency Management Department developed and maintains an Emergency Operations Plan and Re-Entry Plan for the entire County. Please visit their website at www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/emergency-management for more information and links to these documents.

In case of an event, here are some important numbers or websites you need to know.

Downed Trees: Call 911

Downed Power lines: SCE&G - 1-888-333-4465

Gas Leaks: SCE&G - 1-800-815-0083

Non-emergency Public Safety concerns Consolidated Dispatch - 743-7200

Here are other important links with helpful information before, during and after an event:

South Carolina Emergency Management Division - http://www.scemd.org/

FEMA website for Citizen Preparedness http://www.ready.gov/

FEMA https://www.fema.gov/

National Weather Service Charleston Office http://www.weather.gov/chs/

Pet Friendly Hotels http://www.pet-friendly-hotels.net/

NEWS RELEASE – HURRICANE IRMA UPDATE

RELEASE #6

September 9, 2017

Our area is currently under a tropical storm and storm surge warning. We could see a storm surge of 4 to 6 ft. in some places. Residents in areas that typically flood may want to seek shelter further inland if available. Charleston County is currently on standby and may open shelters and run transportation efforts if necessary. Rain is expected to begin Sunday evening and last throughout the day Monday. The storm surge is expected to be at its worse on Monday morning around 10 am. Please continue to monitor the local weather as updates become available. 
The Town has made sand and bags available for James Island residents to fill at two (2) locations, Dock Street Park, at 1433 Patterson Avenue and the James Island Youth Soccer Club Fields at 871 Fort Johnson Road. Bags are limited to 10 per household. Shovels are limited so residents are asked to bring their own if available. The sandbag supplies are still currently available at these locations but it is unlikely they will be replenished again during this storm event. 
The Town’s Office will be closed to regular business on Friday, September 8; Monday, September 11; and Tuesday, September 12 as staff prepares for Hurricane Irma. Town personnel can still be reached at (843) 795-4141 throughout the duration of the storm.
The Town will continue to monitor Hurricane Irma and will send out regular updates as information becomes available. Please visit the Town’s website at www.jamesislandsc.us
Other important information:
• Citizen Hotline: (843) 746-3900
• 2017 Charleston County Hurricane guide:https://www.charlestoncounty.org/…/2017-Hurricane-Guide-Col…
• Charleston County Citizen Alert System: Charleston County residents should register for the Charleston County Citizen Alert System, a free program that allows the public to receive voicemail, text message, and e-mail notifications about emergencies. Register online at:https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085611698#login
• High Wind and Bridge policy: http://www.charlestoncounty.org/…/bridgeprocedureshighwinds…
• Definition of OPCON levels: http://www.charlestoncounty.org/…/emergency-management.opco… 
The Charleston County Emergency Management Department developed and maintains an Emergency Operations Plan and Re-Entry Plan for the entire County. Please visit their website atwww.charlestoncounty.org/departments/emergency-management for more information and links to these documents.
In case of an event, here are some important numbers or websites you need to know.
Downed Trees: Call 911
Downed Power lines: SCE&G - 1-888-333-4465
Gas Leaks: SCE&G - 1-800-815-0083
Non-emergency Public Safety concerns Consolidated Dispatch - 743-7200
Here are other important links with helpful information before, during and after an event:
South Carolina Emergency Management Division - http://www.scemd.org/
FEMA website for Citizen Preparedness http://www.ready.gov/
FEMA https://www.fema.gov/
National Weather Service Charleston Office http://www.weather.gov/chs/
Pet Friendly Hotels http://www.pet-friendly-hotels.net/