Governor Henry McMaster has ordered the evacuation of barrier islands in Beaufort, Colleton, and Jasper Counties. While he has not ruled out further evacuations, it is unlikely that there will be an evacuation of James Island if Irma continues on its expected track.
Residents need to prepare their homes and families. It is very likely that we will suffer effects from Irma because of its large size. This could include wind damage to trees, power outages, and flooding of low lying areas due to high tides and heavy rain.
Today's 5:30 weather briefing stated that we can expect the worst of the storm to hit our area Monday morning. We can have effects from late Sunday to Tuesday.
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 possible. Sandbags are becoming difficult to obtain.
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/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/