The Town of James Island moved to OPCON 3 today at 12:00 noon in preparation for Hurricane Irma.
It is highly likely that an evacuation order will be issued on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. The Town urges you to evacuate early. Once a mandatory evacuation order has been given, you will have to follow the evacuation route. If you leave early, you can evacuate using the route of your choice. We urge residents to make plans today and not wait until an evacuation order is given. For James Island, the following evacuation route will be in place:
James Island and Folly Beach – take SC 171 (Folly Road) to US 17.
Take US 17 South to I-526 east to the reversed lanes of I-26
Residents need to prepare their homes and families. 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 Town cannot guarantee supplies will be available. The sandbag supplies are being replenished as we can get supplies. Once an evacuation order is issued, sandbag distribution will cease.
The Town's Office will be closed to regular business beginning Friday, September 8 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/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/
National Weather Service Charleston Office http://www.weather.gov/chs/
Pet Friendly Hotels http://www.pet-friendly-hotels.net/