Safety Checkpoints Announced

 

 

 

In 2015, 840 people lost their lives in drunk-driving-related crashes in the month of December alone. Of these crashes, twenty-eight percent involved a driver with a BAC of .08 or higher.

If you will be drinking, plan on not driving. Plan your safe ride home before you start New Year’s Eve celebrations. Designate a sober driver ahead of time.

 

If someone you know has been drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Take their keys, take them home, or help them arrange a sober ride. 

 

If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement by dialing 911. Your actions could help save someone’s life.

 

The Mount Pleasant Police Department’s Traffic Bureau will be conducting traffic safety checkpoints during the evening of December 30, 2016 in the areas of Highway 41, Isle of Palms Connector, and Hungryneck Blvd. We encourage everyone to be safe and make smart decisions in their celebrations.



MPPD Make Drug and Weapon Arrests

Mount Pleasant, SC – On December 19, 2016, at approximately 10:52 a.m., officers from the Mount Pleasant Police Department responded to 261 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard (Days Inn) in reference to a disturbance involving a firearm. Upon arrival officers made contact with the two suspects involved, Christopher Williams and Yahshua Moses. As officers were approaching the suspects, Yahshua Moses began yelling about a maid who allegedly took $6,000.00 from his room. While speaking to Yahshua Moses, he admitted to having a weapon and showed it to officers by moving his jacket allowing the handle of the gun to be seen in his right pocket. The weapon was secured and Yahshua Moses was taken into custody.

An officer speaking with Christopher Williams located a plastic bag in his jacket pocket that he admitted to containing 19 grams of marijuana, 26.7 grams of cocaine, and 24.5 grams of heroin. Christopher Williams was taken into custody.  

The victim advised officers that Yahshua Moses approached her and demanded to know who cleaned his room. During the conversation Yahshua Moses presented the firearm to her by pulling up his shirt and stating he was going to “shut this place down.”

Yahshua Moses was charged with Pointing a Firearm, Unlawful Carrying of a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of a Violent Crime, Trafficking Cocaine Base, Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Distribute, and Trafficking Heroin.

Christopher Williams was charged with Trafficking Cocaine Base, Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Distribute, Trafficking Heroin, and Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of a Violent Crime.

Both suspects were lodged at the Al Cannon, Jr. Detention Center.

Armed Robbery

Mount Pleasant, SC – On December 19, 2016, at approximately 2:42 am, officers from the Mount Pleasant Police Department responded to 2846 Highway 17 North (Circle K) in reference to an armed robbery. The suspect is described as a black male who was wearing all black clothing, a hooded sweatshirt, wearing a mask over his face, and carrying a firearm. He left the scene with an undisclosed amount of money.

Anyone who may have any information on this armed robbery is asked to contact Detective Ashley Goode at 843-884-4176 or anickell@tompsc.com. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 843-554-1111, submit a tip through our smartphone application, or submit a tip at http://mppdnews.blogspot.com/p/submit-tip.html. Crime Stoppers offers rewards of up to $1,000 to anyone who provides information which leads to an arrest.

Vehicle Break-Ins

There have been several vehicle break-ins near or around local gyms over the last couple of weeks. Officers have increased patrols around these areas. We want to remind everyone to lock your car doors and remove any valuables from view while out and about. Please call us if you see suspicious activity/behavior at 843-743-7200. If you see a crime in progress or any other emergency, please dial 911.

Vehicle Break-In Arrest

Mount Pleasant, SC – On December 16, 2016, at approximately 6:32 am, the Mount Pleasant Police Department responded to a vehicle break-in at Fit Body Boot Camp on Market Center Blvd. A witness had observed a silver Dodge Charger leaving the area and provided a description.  An officer responding to the call observed a vehicle matching the description and initiated a traffic stop with the vehicle coming to a stop in the Towne Centre near IHOP. Once stopped both occupants fled the scene on foot and after a short foot pursuit Jabarie Cooper, of Georgia, was captured. Cooper has been charged with multiple counts of Breaking into Motor Vehicles.

This investigation is ongoing and the Mount Pleasant Police Department is asking anyone who may have any information on the second occupant from this traffic stop to please contact Detective Jenkins at 843-884-4176 or gjenkins@tompsc.com. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 843-554-1111, submit a tip through our smartphone application, or submit a tip at http://mppdnews.blogspot.com/p/submit-tip.html. Crime Stoppers offers rewards of up to $1,000 to anyone who provides information which leads to an arrest.

Shooting Arrest

 

 

 

 

Mount Pleasant, SC – On December 15, 2016, at approximately 12:00 p.m., officers from the Mount Pleasant Police Department responded to Dataw Court in reference to a shooting. The victim, Jack Herndon, was located inside the residence suffering from a gunshot wound and was rushed to the Medical University of South Carolina. Ernest Miner Comar, Jr. was taken into custody and charged with Attempted Murder along with Possession of a Firearm During a Violent Crime.

Ransomware Attack

Mount Pleasant, SC – On December 12, 2016, at approximately 12:00 p.m., our Information Technology department was made aware of files that had been encrypted by ransomware. Ransomware encrypts all file types to an obscure name with 128 bit AES encryption. IT was able to isolate the two infected computers and remove them from the network. The ransomware was traced back to an email account that contained the virus.

The Mount Pleasant Police Department’s file system is backed up on a regular basis. IT restored the directories from these backups. No evidence has been lost as a result of this incident. The Town of Mount Pleasant has raised its cyber threat awareness and is taking additional measures to ensure there are no further incidents.

In Memory of Vaughn Edward Kee

 

 

 

On December 13, 1985 at 2:35am Mount Pleasant Police Officer Vaughn Edward Kee stopped an intoxicated driver on Coleman Blvd. near Sea Island Shopping Center. During the traffic stop a second intoxicated driver struck Officer Kee as he stood near his police car. Officer Kee gave his life to protect the citizens of Mount Pleasant!

Please ‪#‎moveover‬ when you see emergency vehicles to give them room to work!



Fatal Traffic Collision

December 14, 2016 Update:

 

Investigators have charged Joseph Granger of Hampton, Virginia with Felony Driving Under the Influence in this case. Mr. Granger was driving the vehicle that pulled in front of the motorcycle on the Isle of Palms Connector. Once he is discharged from MUSC he will be transported to the Charleston County Detention Center.

On 12/11/2016, at approximately 4:08 p.m., officers from the Mount Pleasant Police Department responded to the Isle of Palms Connector and Riviera Drive in reference to a collision. A motorcycle was heading towards the Isle of Palms on the connector when a vehicle turned left off of Riviera Drive into the path of the motorcycle and was struck by the motorcycle in the area of the driver’s door. The motorcycle driver was pronounced dead on the scene and the driver of the vehicle was transported to MUSC. This collision is still under investigation.

Christmas Parade

Don't forget that tomorrow is the Christmas Parade that goes down Coleman Blvd. 

At 4pm Coleman northbound between Patriots Point and Pelzer Dr. will close along with Pelzer to Northcutt southbound. 

At 5pm the rest of the parade route on Coleman will close. This is from Pelzer to Sea Island Shopping Center in both directions. 

The parade ends around 7:45pm but this time is flexible. Traffic restoration is done in stages. 

Make sure you follow Twitter (@mountpleasantpd) and have our smartphone app downloaded to get real time updates on the parade. 

I-526 Fatal Collision Update

Mount Pleasant, SC – On December 2, 2016, at approximately 9:53 p.m., officers from the Mount Pleasant Police Department responded to a fatal collision on I-526.

The investigation revealed that a BMW Sedan, driven in a reckless manner by Jonathan Spicher, overtook a Toyota Sport Utility Vehicle, driven by Gracie Benjamin, both of which were eastbound. Contact was made between the two vehicles causing the Toyota SUV to flip several times. Miss Benjamin was ejected from the vehicle onto Interstate 526 which resulted in fatal injuries. A Kia Sorrento, driven by Matthew McIntosh, and also travelling eastbound came upon the collision scene and struck the body of Miss Benjamin. Mr. McIntosh initially stopped at the scene, got out of his vehicle and approached Miss Benjamin’s body but retreated to his car and left the scene. 

The driver of the BMW, Mr. Spicher, has been arrested and charged with Reckless Homicide. The driver of the Kia, Mr. McIntosh, has been arrested and charged with Obstruction of Justice. 

Identification Needed

The Mount Pleasant Police Department is seeking the public's help to identify the two females above. The women are suspected of using stolen credit cards from residents of The Palms Senior Living Community to make numerous purchases around the Mount Pleasant/Charleston areas.

Anyone with information about these two subjects is asked to contact Detective Fey at 843-884-4176 or LFey@tompsc.com. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 843-554-1111, submit a tip through our smartphone application, or submit a tip at http://mppdnews.blogspot.com/p/submit-tip.html. Crime Stoppers offers rewards of up to $1,000 to anyone who provides information which leads to an arrest.

1st Annual Recruitment Day

Wanted Person

Sonja Lynette Joyner

329 Harbor Pointe Dr. Apt. 13

Mount Pleasant, SC

5'08" 145lbs

48 Years Old

Brown Hair / Brown Eyes

 

 

Ms. Joyner is wanted for two counts of Financial Transaction Card Theft and one count of Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Ms. Joyner is asked to contact Pfc. Lynch at 843-534-6524 or at mlynch@tompsc.com.

 

Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 843-554-1111, submit a tip through our smartphone application, or submit a tip at http://mppdnews.blogspot.com/p/submit-tip.html. Crime Stoppers offers rewards of up to $1,000 to anyone who provides information which leads to an arrest. 

Hit and Run

12/5/2016 11:26 a.m. Update:

The Mount Pleasant Police Department’s Traffic Bureau continues their investigation into the fatal collision that occurred on I-526 on Friday night, December 2, 2016. All parties involved in this collision have been identified and upon conclusion of the investigation it is anticipated charges will be filed. The Mount Pleasant Police Department extends their condolences to the families and wants to thank the public for their assistance in this case.



12/3/2016 9:45 p.m. Update: We have just located the car and driver from this collision. Thank you to everyone for the assistance!

On December 2, 2016, at approximately 9:53 p.m., officers from the Mount Pleasant Police Department responded to a fatal hit and run collision on Interstate 526 eastbound near Longpoint Road. After the collision, a light blue Kia Sorento left the scene. Witnesses described the Kia as possibly between a 2006-2008 with grey plastic front and rear bumpers. The driver was described as a white male who is approximately 30 years of age with a slender build. Witnesses also described him as having short hair as well as facial hair. A white female was in the passenger seat. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information about this collision is asked to call Pfc. Cowdrey at 843-884-4176 or email him at mcowdrey@tompsc.com. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 843-554-1111, submit a tip through our smartphone application, or submit a tip at http://mppdnews.blogspot.com/p/submit-tip.html. Crime Stoppers offers rewards of up to $1,000 to anyone who provides information which leads to an arrest.

Arrive Alive - Antin Texting and Driving Video



What have you missed while texting and driving? As part of the Mount Pleasant Police Department's Arrive Alive: Beyond the Basics safe driving campaign, the MPPD presents this anti-texting and driving video showing how much you can miss while on the move walking or driving distracted. Put down the phone this holiday season and arrive alive.

Press Release from the SCDOT

Lane Shifts on I-526 Westbound at the Wando River Scheduled for

Monday Evening, December 5

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) will shift the westbound lanes of I-526 at the Wando River on Monday evening, December 5, 2016. The shifts are required to provide safe access for workers, materials and equipment for repairs on the Wando River Bridge. Two westbound lanes will remain available during this project.

SCDOT Deputy Secretary for Engineering Leland Colvin said crews will replace a damaged cable that was discovered during a routine inspection. "The cables used in this bridge design are located beneath the deck. A single damaged cable does not compromise the integrity of the bridge and it remains safe for travel," said Colvin.

The project schedule anticipates completion by early March of 2017, weather permitting. The lane shift will be in place until the work is completed.

SCDOT urges motorists to use caution when approaching, moving through and leaving the work zone.

Shots Heard

On November 30, 2016 at approximately 10:51 p.m., one of our officers was getting out of his car at 1195 Mathis Ferry Road when he heard the distinct sound of two shots from a rifle. The officer also heard what he believed to be a bullet going through the trees approximately 20 feet over his head.  Back-up officers arrived and thoroughly searched the area but found no suspect nor any shell casings.

SCAM Alert

 

 

We have received several calls about a scam that is making its way through our community. Someone is calling citizens stating they are either Officer Jackson or Sergeant Jackson. The caller is informing citizens that they missed jury duty and need to pay a $1000.00 fine. Citizens are instructed to get the money on a Green Dot Card and to then call him back with the number assigned to that card.

 

Please do not send any money to this person as this is a scam! If you have received a telephone call like this AND have sent him money or the Green Dot card number, please call us at 843-743-7200 to file a report. You do not need to call us if you only received this call and did not send any money. 

Identification Needed

The Mount Pleasant Police Department is seeking the public's help to identify the man pictured above. He is suspected of using a stolen credit card to purchase merchandise at Nordstrom Rack on Bowman Road.

Anyone with information about these items is asked to call Pfc. Ponder at 843-884-4176. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 843-554-1111, submit a tip through our smartphone application, or submit a tip at http://mppdnews.blogspot.com/p/submit-tip.html. Crime Stoppers offers rewards of up to $1,000 to anyone who provides information which leads to an arrest.

Runaway Juveniles

                                                    Vance Powers                                                       Avery Lites

The Mount Pleasant Police Department is seeking the public's help in locating runaways Vance Powers and Avery Lites. Avery Lites was last seen at his home on 11/13/2016 at 1:00 a.m. He was last seen wearing dark colored shorts and a t-shirt Mr. Lites is described as being 5' 8" tall and weighing 125lbs. He is 15 years old and has short blonde hair.

Vance Powers was also last seen on 11/13/2016 between 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. at his home. Mr. Powers was last seen wearing dark khaki pants and green Air Force boots. He is described as being 5' 8" tall, weighing 120lbs, and has brown hair. He is 16 years old.

Mr. Powers and Mr. Lites are possibly together and maybe in the vehicle shown above. It is a 2008 Ford Expedition with SC tag EIU 324. No foul play is suspected at this time. If anyone has any information, please contact Detective Ivey at 843-884-4176 or at divey@tompsc.com.

Stolen Bobcat and Trailer

The Mount Pleasant Police Department is seeking the public's help in locating a stolen Bobcat and trailer. Both items were taken from Oyster Point around November 5, 2016. The Bobcat has a Pleasant Places sticker on the right side. The trailer has a dual axle and is a 16 foot flatbed. It also has a 2 x 6 wooden bed.

Anyone with information about these items is asked to call Detective Sergeant Salata at 843-884-4176. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 843-554-1111, submit a tip through our smartphone application, or submit a tip at http://mppdnews.blogspot.com/p/submit-tip.html. Crime Stoppers offers rewards of up to $1,000 to anyone who provides information which leads to an arrest.

Identification Needed

The Mount Pleasant Police Department is requesting the public's help to identify the two shoplifting suspects pictured above. They were seen on November 1, 2016 in Palmetto State Armory and are suspected of removing knives from the store.

Anyone with information about these suspects is asked to call Pfc. Boss at 843-884-4176. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 843-554-1111, submit a tip through our smartphone application, or submit a tip at http://mppdnews.blogspot.com/p/submit-tip.html. Crime Stoppers offers rewards of up to $1,000 to anyone who provides information which leads to an arrest.

Halloween Safety

With Halloween coming up Monday we wanted to give you a few tips to help keep you and

your children safe while trick or treating:

Walk Safely

*Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.

*Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.

*Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.

*Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.

*Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

*Trick or treat with an adult.

*Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.

Keep Costumes Both Creative and Safe

*Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light 

colors.

*Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a 

child’s vision.

*Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.

*When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.

Drive Extra Safely on Halloween

*Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods.

*Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.

*Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.

*Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.

*Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your 

surroundings.

*Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the

 day to spot children from greater distances.

*Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids 

during those hours.

Thank you to SafeKids for these tips! www.safekids.org

Storm Debris Update

Town gives post-Matthew storm debris pickup update

by Marquel Coaxum, Multimedia Coordinator

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (Oct. 21, 2016) - The Town of Mount Pleasant started debris removal operations Monday to begin pickup of storm debris in the Town, left in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.

The debris is being collected by the Town's Waste Management Division of the Public Services Department and the Charleston County debris removal contractor, AshBritt Environmental.

"As a whole, we have a lot of storm debris to collect that was left behind by Hurricane Matthew, but I'm proud of the progress our crews have made since we began the initial pickup at the start of the week," said Jody Peele, Town public services director. "We have teams deployed to cover all areas of the Town to help make the clean up an efficient and effective process."

The Town and AshBritt deployed crews throughout the Town to ensure that debris in all areas of the Town are collected, and together they have collected more than 13,889 cubic yards of debris since operations began four days ago.

Completed areas are Bayview Acres, Harbour Watch, Sandpiper, Quail Hollow, West Point, Carol Oaks, Horlbeck Creek, Cardinal Hill, Sunchaser, Waters Edge, Planters Point, Rivertowne and Dunes West.

The subdivisions currently being collected include Remley’s Point, The Groves, Snee Farm, Hamlin Plantation and parts of the Old Village.  The next subdivisions to be collected include Cooper Estates, Molasses Creek, Hidden Lakes, other sections of the Old Village, Long Point and Charleston National. 

Pickup crews are working extended hours to collect the debris, but due to the large volume, it will likely still be several weeks before all storm debris is collected.  Additional AshBritt resources will be assigned to the Town as they become available.

To continue expediting the pickup operation, the Town has also enlisted help from the cities of Rock Hill, Greer, and Anderson to assist with the cleanup.

For more information on storm debris pickup, contact the Town of Mount Pleasant Transportation Department by phone at 843-856-3080

Drug Take Back Program

 

What:   Drug Take Back Program

Where: 1481 Highway 17 North (Wal-Mart Wando Crossing)

When:  October 22, 2016

             10 a.m. until 2 p.m. 

 

 

Turn in your unused or expired medication for safe disposal on Oct. 22nd from 10am to 2pm at Wal-Mart in Wando Crossing. We are unable to accept liquids, syringes, or inhalers. 

Town to begin Matthew storm debris removal

Town to begin Matthew storm debris removal

by Marquel Coaxum, Interim Communications Manager

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (Oct. 12, 2016) - The Town of Mount Pleasant will begin a town-wide storm debris pick up starting Monday morning, in an effort to remove vegetative debris, construction debris and other damaged items related to Hurricane Matthew.

The Town is coordinating with Charleston County’s debris removal contractor, AshBritt Environmental, to facilitate removal.  The intent is for AshBritt to conduct two sweeps of the town to ensure everything is collected.  To make the most efficient use of resources, residents are encouraged to place as much material as possible at the curbside prior to the initial sweep that starts Monday.

To expedite the debris removal process, Charleston County is asking residents to separate their storm debris into six main categories; household garbage, construction debris, vegetative debris, hazardous waste, large appliances and electronics.  Household garbage will be collected by the Town on your normal collection day utilizing your town issued container.  All other categories will be collected by AshBritt.

Residents should place the separated items into debris piles on the curbside, within 15 feet of the road, if possible, not in the roadway or on the sidewalk. Do not lean items against trees, water or gas meters, telephone poles or power towers, in an effort to protect those items from damage during pickup.

Residents are also encouraged to pair with neighbors to consolidate waste piles, which will make the removal process proceed faster.  Drivers should be cognizant that equipment on the roadways may cause minor delays and are asked to be patient and attentive during these occurrences. 

For more information on storm debris pick-up, contact the Town of Mount Pleasant Transportation Department by phone at 843-856-3080

Beware of Scammers

State Joint Information Center

Phone: 803-737-8515  |  Social: @SCEMD

 

Residents Should Ask to See Identification of

Hurricane Matthew Relief Workers

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Residents in affected counties are encouraged to be mindful of possible scams associated with the recovery efforts of hurricane Matthew. Thousands of disaster workers will be coming into the state from all over the country. People affected by Matthew should keep in mind:

·         Ask for proper identification of service providers.

·         Legitimate service providers will not ask for personal information such as the name of your bank, social security numbers or any other identifying information.

·         If you feel unsafe when individuals come upon your property, call 911 for local law enforcement assistance.

Any residents with questions about ongoing Hurricane Matthew response and recovery actions should call the toll-free South Carolina Public Information Phone System 1-866-246-0133.Visit scemd.org for more information from all state agencies that form the S.C. Emergency Response Team. Follow @SCEMD on Facebook and Twitter for continuous information.

Town of Mount Pleasant Government Offices

Mount Pleasant, SC - The Town of Mount Pleasant announces that all government offices will resume normal operations on October 10, 2016. No further curfews will be implemented within the Town of Mount Pleasant regarding the recovery efforts of Hurricane Matthew. The Planning Department will be ready to issue building permits on Monday to assist those needing repairs. 

Municipal court will also be in session on October 10, 2016 beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Garbage & Debris Collection

Mount Pleasant, SC - The Town of Mount Pleasant Public Services Division will resume normal garbage collection on October 10, 2016. Coordination with Charleston County for vegetative debris removal is ongoing. We ask the community to be patient as debris removal could take several weeks to complete due to high volumes.

Evacuation Order

The evacuation order has been lifted for the Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties by Gov. Haley.

Beware of Scams

Curfew Reminder for 10/8/16

Here's a quick reminder about the curfew from midnight tonight to 6 a.m tomorrow. Stay safe!

Ravenel Bridge open for service

Per the SCDOT, the Ravenel Bridge is now open for service after the temporary stoppage for an inspection.

Traffic Signals Broken

Flooded Roadways - Updated 10/8/2016 5:55 p.m.

Below is a list of flooded roadways within the Town of Mount Pleasant:


Chimney Bluff/Stratford Ln.
Wando Park Blvd.
Center Lake Dr.
Lakeshore
Back section of Rivertowne on the Wando
Dunes West Guard Station
Palmetto Hall
Carolina Park around the traffic circle
Darrell Creek
Charleston National Country Club
Col. Vanderhorst Circle at Waring Way

News Release from the State Joint Information Center

Hurricane Matthew

NEWS RELEASE 11

For Immediate Release

Contact: State Joint Information Center

Phone: 803-737-8515  |  Social: @SCEMD

Be Aware of Safety and Health Dangers

Columbia, S.C. – Residents should be aware of potential dangers from Hurricane Matthew as county emergency managers have reported downed power lines, fallen trees, and flooded and washed out roads in the Lowcountry, Midlands and Pee Dee regions of South Carolina.

As hazardous conditions may delay response time for those in need of help, the S.C. Emergency Management Division recommends the following precautions to be taken in an effort to mitigate risk for citizens and first responders.

Stay inside and off the roads. You will not be able to return to your home immediately. Even after the storm passes it could take a few days before emergency crews have assessed all areas for safety hazards or any necessary rescue operations.Do not attempt to re-enter your community until state and local public safety officials determine it is safe for you to return.

Avoid flood waters. Do not use area streams, rivers and the ocean for drinking, bathing or swimming because of the possibility that contaminants and wastewater may have entered them as a result of the storm. Avoid wading in murky water because broken glass, nails, metal fragments or other objects might be in the water.

Loss of power and flooding pose a threat to food supplies. As a general rule “when in doubt, throw it out.” Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.

Take precautions before using tap water for drinking or cooking purposes after the storm. Listen to radio and television reports about the safety of the public water supplies or call your water utility. Use only bottled or stored water until it is determined that the water is safe to drink. If bottled or stored water is not available and the safety of the water is in question, the water should be boiled vigorously for at least one minute and then cooled before use.

For more information visit scemd.org or follow @SCEMD on Twitter and Facebook.

After a Hurricane Tips from Ready.gov

• Listen to local officials for updates and instructions.
• Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.
• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
• Watch out for debris and downed power lines.
• Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and fast-moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• Avoid flood water as it may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines and may hide dangerous debris or places where the ground is washed away.
• Photograph the damage to your property in order to assist in filing an insurance claim.
• Do what you can to prevent further damage to your property, (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof), as insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm.

Statement by the SCDOT Regarding the Ravenel Bridge Closing

Out of an abundance of caution and due to the complex design of the Arthur Ravenel, Jr. cable-stay bridge, SCDOT has closed the bridge until an engineering inspection can be completed. Specialized engineers will begin their review as soon as weather conditions permit. 

SCDOT engineers are taking these steps to ensure the safety of the motoring public. The design of the Ravenel Bridge allows for some movement of the bridge elements, but Hurricane Matthew is the bridge’s first exposure to significant storm force winds. SCDOT is able to remotely monitor sensors on the bridge; however, SCDOT’s top bridge engineer recommends an on-site, physical review of the bridge before it is opened to traffic. SCDOT intends to return the bridge to service as soon as possible, pending the outcome of the physical inspection. 

Lee Floyd SCDOT Contact 803-737-1493 or 803-737-1290 

Curfew Starts at Midnight

Press Release from Columbia

NEWS RELEASE 10

For Immediate Release

DANGEROUS CONDITIONS THROUGHOUT SOUTH CAROLINA

COLUMBIA, S.C. ­- The S.C. Emergency Response Team strongly reminds all citizens coastal evacuation orders are still in effect. Hurricane Matthew began impacting the state this morning with hurricane and tropical storm-force winds, heavy rain and flooding along the coast and far inland, and forecasters say hazardous conditions will continue to affect evacuated areas for at least the next 12 hours.

From Hilton Head to North Myrtle Beach, citizens are asked to stay away from evacuated areas until conditions improve and the danger subsides.

The S.C. Emergency Management Division website, scemd.org, lists emergency shelter status statewide and is updated in real-time by the S.C. Department of Social Services. Coastal evacuees without internet access are urged to call the state Public Information Phone System at 1-866-246-0133. For more information visit scemd.org or follow @SCEMD on Twitter and Facebook.

Road Closure

Longpoint Rd. is shut down between Parkway Dr. and the traffic Circle at Needlerush Parkway. Those that live in Rice Planters must use Whipple Rd.

Bridge Conditions

Area bridges are now in condition red.  Sustained winds have reached 40mph. It is unsafe to for the public to travel over these bridges. Anyone who drives over bridges against this advisory is doing so at their own risk.

Hurricane Matthew Communications

Mount Pleasant, SC – The Town of Mount Pleasant Police Department would like to remind citizens of the communications channels being used during Hurricane Matthew. Critical information will be shared on these social media platforms throughout the storm.

Twitter - @mountpleasantpd

Facebook - www.facebook.com/mountpleasantpd

Nextdoor - http://www.nextdoor.com

Blog - http://www.mppdnews.blogspot.com

The Town of Mount Pleasant Police Department will also utilize their smartphone app which sends critical notifications directly to your phone.

Smartphone App Downloads:

iOS- https://appsto.re/us/ieL5P.i

Android- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.netgalaxystudios.tomppd&hl=en

Hurricane Matthew 10/8/2016 5 a.m. Update

KEY MESSAGES:

1.  The western eyewall of Matthew, which contains hurricane-force
winds, is now moving over the northern coast of Georgia and
the southern coast of South Carolina and should spread up the coast
during the day.

2.  Hurricane winds increase very rapidly with height, and occupants
of high-rise buildings along the coast are at particular risk of
strong winds.  Winds at the top of a 30-story building will average
one Saffir-Simpson category higher than the winds near the surface.

3.  The water hazards remain, even if the core of Matthew remains
offshore.  These include the danger of life-threatening inundation
from storm surge, as well as inland flooding from heavy rains from
Florida to North Carolina.

4.  The National Hurricane Center is issuing Potential Storm Surge
Flooding Maps, and Prototype Storm Surge Watch/Warning Graphics for
Matthew.  It is important to remember that the Potential Storm Surge
Flooding Map does not represent a forecast of expected inundation,
but rather depicts a reasonable worst-case scenario -- the amount of
inundation that has a 10 percent chance of being exceeded.

Impassable Roads 10/8/2016 4:05 a.m.

UPDATE: Curfew In Effect

UPDATE: Town of Mount Pleasant curfew in effect until 6 a.m.