BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–As Hurricane Florence inches closer to the Carolina coast, Berkeley County officials are working around the clock to prepare.
On Tuesday at noon, Berkeley County moved to OPCON 1. This means a disaster or emergency situation is in effect, full-fledged emergency response operations are on-going. Berkeley County is in the highest state of emergency operations.
“What we feel we are going to see, which is typical of Berkeley County, is flooding. We may not have direct effects of this hurricane. But our low lying areas will be flooded,” stated Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis during a press conference.
He was joined by the mayor of Moncks Corner, Goose Creek’s mayor and other county leaders.
“We are positioned well to make sure that our citizens are safe through this,” stated Goose Creek mayor, Greg Habib. “The sand and sandbags are available at our fire department headquarters and public works complex. I’m really encouraged by how well we will be able to take care of the people that live here.”
“Our police department, our public service department and fire department stand ready to serve in the storm. We’ve called in extra personnel, so we are ready,” stated Moncks Corner Mayor Michael Lockliear.
Additional Amphibious Vehicles Requested
The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office continues to work closely with the other municipalities within the county, Lewis added. He has also requested additional amphibious vehicles from the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office to help rescue people if necessary.
“Those vehicles are on the way to Berkeley County as we speak,” stated the sheriff. “We also have a number of assets at the sheriff’s office that I’ve made available to all the municipalities in the county. We have boats and other assets available to be able to rescue people in those flooded zones if that occurs. I’m moving some watercraft assets down to Hanahan in anticipation of any flooding that they may have. We will be doing the same for Daniel Island, Clement’s Ferry, Huger should we need to rescue people.”
Extra Deputies on Patrol
Deputies are presently working around the clock in 12-hour shifts. Because of the lane reversals on I-26, Lewis stated that the roads leading into and out of the county will likely be congested.
“So we are monitoring those traffic points around the county. We will have deputies on secondary roads. They’ll only be monitoring. We are not going to be directing traffic,” stated Lewis. “Once traffic becomes congested, our deputies will come and relieve the pressure off of those traffic points.”
For residents who decided to follow Governor Henry McMaster’s mandatory evacuation order, Lewis stated that there will be additional deputies patrolling the neighborhoods, subdivisions and business district.
“We ask you to please lock up your values and please let your neighbors know where you’ll be going in case someone needs to reach you,” Lewis urged residents. “If you do leave, please be aware of your surroundings, where you’re going and what’s going on and be patient if you have to travel the secondary roads in Berkeley County. It is going to be congested at times.”
Inmates Help Residents Prepare
According to Lewis, inmates from the Hill Finklea Detention Center are also helping residents prepare for Hurricane Florence.
“We have inmates filling sandbags at locations in the city of Hanahan and the town of Moncks Corner. I just talked to Mayor Habib, and we will be helping those folks in Goose Creek fill sandbags, too, when they are ready for us,” stated Lewis.
County and State Offices Closed
A State of Emergency was declared at Monday night’s county council meeting. Berkeley County offices will be closed until further notice. Schools and state offices are also closed. This, however, excludes emergency personnel.
Shelters to Open
In coordination with the evacuation, the following shelters will be opened. Additional shelters may open if needed. Anyone who stays a shelter is responsible for their bedding, food, water, and any other necessities they may have. There is a special needs shelter in Berkeley County. If you are in need of this shelter, please call DHEC at 1-800-578-2031.
· Berkeley Middle School
· Cane Bay High School: This a pet-friendly location. Citizens must stay with their pets during their time at the shelter. Pet owners are NOT allowed to drop-off their pets at the shelters.
· Goose Creek High School- Berkeley County citizens are welcome at this shelter. This is the primary location for Charleston residents.
· St. Stephen Elementary
Landfill and Convenience Centers
Landfill and convenience centers will be open normal operating hours through close of day Wednesday, September 12. Starting Thursday, until further notice, all landfills and convenience centers will be closed.
Sandbag Locations
Berkeley County distributed sandbags to the following locations: Hanahan (near amphitheater), Pine Ridge Fire Department on Jedburg Road, Shulerville Fire Department, Cainhoy Fire Department, Longridge Fire Department, Alvin Fire Department, Macedonia Fire Department, Goose Creek Fire Station #1 (201 Buton Hall Avenue), Pimlico Fire Station #1, Pimlico Fire Station #2, C&B Fire Station on Royal Road, Otranto Fire Department, Moncks Corner Fire Department, Pine Ridge (Myers Rd Station), Lake Moultrie, Whitesville (Sunview Station), Santee Circle Fire Department, Cross Station #1, Cross Station #2, Cross Station #3, Pineville Fire Department
Berkeley County distributed more than 16,600 on Monday, September 10. Residents are responsible for filling the bags, and the sand is available on a first come, first served basis.
Citizen Call Line
Berkeley County opened a citizens’ information line at 8 a.m. Saturday, September 8. By calling 843-719-4166, residents can get updated information from the County’s Emergency Preparedness Department and plan. Additionally, citizens can report issues the County should be made aware of.
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