Emergency Preparedness
Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery are top priorities for the Town of James Island. We must be prepared for any disaster and know that our residents will receive the most up-to-date information when an event occurs. Making sure residents have access to the necessities when disaster strikes is important and ensuring timely evacuation off the island if necessary and a safe return is also key.
South Carolina Hurricane Guide
Town of James Island Municipal Emergency Operations Center (MEOC) Staff:
During emergencies, the Town of James Island will activate the emergency operations center to direct focus on information, safety, preparation, and recovery for any type of disaster. Specific members of staff are assigned roles during activations. Below are the current MEOC Staff and how to get in touch with each division.
MEOC Manager: Mayor
Public Information Officer: Town Clerk
Operations & Damage Assessment: Public Works Director
Finance & Logistics: Finance Director
Liaison & Safety: Code Enforcement Officer
MEOC Contacts:
Mayor: blyon@jamesislandsc.us
Town Clerk: fsimmons@jamesislandsc.us
Public Works Director: mflick@jamesislandsc.us
Finance Officer: mhemmer@jamesislandsc.us
Zoning and Livability Code Enforcement Officer: prichardson@jamesislandsc.us
General information or for direction on who to contact: Call 843-795-4141 (phone line is active during events) or email.
It is vital that every resident sign up for the Charleston County Citizen Alert Notification System powered by EVERBRIDGE. This system allows you to be alerted any of the following ways: home phone, mobile phone, text message, email or by fax. Mass notification keeps everyone informed before, during and after any emergency event. Citizen Alert Notification Sign Up.
During an emergency, information specific to James Island will be shared on this website, the Town News email distribution list, and on the Town Facebook account.
James Island is in Evacuation Zones A & B. Please be prepared should an evacuation order be given.
The Charleston County Emergency Management Department maintains an Emergency Operations 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: Dominion Energy - 1-888-333-4465
Gas Leaks: Dominion Energy - 1-800-815-0083
Non-emergency Public Safety concerns: Consolidated Dispatch - 843-743-7200
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 Emergency Management Institute IS Classes https://training.fema.gov/is/crslist.aspx
National Weather Service Charleston Office http://www.weather.gov/chs/
Pet Friendly Hotels http://www.pet-friendly-hotels.net/