The Town of James Island is monitoring the possible threat of Hurricane Irma and has moved to OPCON 4 at 12:00 noon today, following Charleston County’s heightened alert. Town staff has participated in a 12:00 noon conference call with Charleston County Emergency Operations to remain up-to-date on Hurricane Irma.

Sand and bags will be available for residents to fill at two (2) locations on James Island beginning at 8:00 a.m. on  Thursday, September 7th from dawn to  dust; 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.

As of this evening, the Governor has declared a state of emergency.

The Town will continue to monitor Hurricane Irma and will send out regular updates as information becomes available.

Other important information:

• 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/

Today the Town of James Island participated with the Charleston County Emergency Management Department in a conference call with our State and regional counterparts to discuss Hurricane Irma, now a Category 5 storm moving westward at 14mph.  The Town will move to OPCON 4 tomorrow (Wednesday) at 12:00 noon in following Charleston County’s heightened alert.

At this time, the forecast models all indicate that Hurricane Irma will turn to the north.  The exact timing of a turn northward is unknown making it difficult to determine what the specific impacts to South Carolina will be.  State and local emergency management departments are planning for a potential worst-case scenario due to the uncertainty of Hurricane Irma’s path. 

The Town of James Island will continue to monitor Hurricane Irma, and is taking steps now for the potential of a landfall on the South Carolina coastline.  We strongly encourage citizens to take the steps necessary without delay, to ensure that you are ready to react should we find ourselves in the direct path of Hurricane Irma. 

Here are some important website for further information:

Current Charleston County Hurricane Information: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/emergency-management/index.php

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

Download the Charleston County EMD App for the latest updates by searching CC EMD in your carrier’s app store.

For updates, visit the Charleston County website or follow us on our social media platforms:

• Visit website: www.charlestoncounty.org
  • Emergency Management Department: https://www.facebook.com/EMDChasCo/

• Visit website: Town of James Island: www.jamesislandsc.us for latest news releases

Please join us for a Poetry Writing Workshop on Saturday, September 9 from 2-4 p.m. with Dr. Gary Jackson. This event is free and open to the public at the Town of James Island, Town Hall.

The Poetry Reading will be held on Sunday, September 10, from 2-4 p.m. with Dr. Gary Jackson at McLeod Plantation. 

The Town of James Island will hold the following meetings the week of September 4, 2017. *included is a meeting of the James Island Intergovernmental Council on Monday, September 11.

All meetings are held at the Town Hall, located at 1238-B Camp Road, James Island, SC.

Monday, September 4: Labor Day – Town Hall Office Closed

Tuesday, September 5:  James Island History Commission, 6:00 p.m. Agenda: http://www.jamesislandsc.us/Data/Sites/1/media/pdf-files/james-island-historical-commissionfinal-090517.pdf  

Wednesday, September 6: James island Arts Committee, 5:30 p.m.

Monday, September 11, James Island Intergovernmental Council, 7:00 p.m. Agenda: http://www.jamesislandsc.us/Data/Sites/1/media/pdf-files/james-island-intergovernmental-council.-agenda-091117docx.pdf

Many residents have asked how they can help the victims of Hurricane Harvey. The best way is through direct monetary donations to the American Red Cross. Your donations is greatly appreciation. Please click on this link for instructions to donate: https://www.redcross.org/donate/hurricane-harvey?campname=Harvey&campmedium=aspot