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/