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.

Town of Mount Pleasant Curfew Reminder

Town of Mount Pleasant Curfew Reminder

Flash Flood Warning including Charleston County

Charleston County School District Report

From the School District:

Charleston County School District schools will remain closed for students on Monday, October 10, 2016.

This decision was made for several reasons:

Hundreds of thousands of people (including many of our employees) that evacuated our area will be trying to return on Sunday or Monday;

Current storm projections lead us to believe there may be water damage in some of our schools; and

Several of our schools are being used as shelters. Deep cleaning will be required for these facilities, and most likely, our hard-working staff will not be able to finish those tasks until sometime on Monday.

A decision has not been made at this time regarding staff schedules for Monday.

Please continue to stay safe and follow local law enforcement’s instructions.

Hurricane Matthew 10/7/2016 5 p.m. Update

KEY MESSAGES:

1.  We have been very fortunate that Matthew's strongest winds have
remained a short distance offshore of the Florida Coast thus far,
but this should not be a reason to let down our guard.  Only a
small deviation to the left of the forecast track could bring these
winds onshore.  The western eyewall of Matthew, which contains
hurricane-force winds, is expected to move over or very near the
coast of northeastern Florida and Georgia through tonight.

2.  Hurricane winds increase very rapidly with height, and occupants
of high-rise buildings in the Jacksonville area 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.

Hurricane Matthew Patrols

We wanted to take moment to let our citizens know that all of our men and women have been working hard since Wednesday to safeguard our community. These officers and civilians have been on 12 hour shifts and have not left to see their families. 

We will continue to be here throughout the storm protecting our community. An active presence of officers will be in the neighborhoods and patrolling businesses until conditions deteriorate to the point where we must come off of the road. We will be at the ready and will respond to calls as soon as conditions allow. 

We also want to say thank you to our Fire Department and Public Services. They have been side by side with us as we prepared the Town for the Hurricane Matthew.

Everyone be safe!

Curfew

Chief of Police Carl Ritchie has announced that the Town of Mount Pleasant has implemented a curfew beginning at 12 midnight tonight that will continue until 6:00 a.m. Chief Ritchie emphasizes the importance of those who have not evacuated and still want to, should do so now. It is important for our residents to stay home if they have not evacuated so that first responders can focus on storm issues and emergency response. 

Hurricane Matthew 10/7/2016 2 p.m. Update

CARTA Emergency Operations Suspended

All CARTA emergency operations have been suspended as of 12:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7.

Hurricane Matthew 10/7/2016 11 a.m. Update

KEY MESSAGES:

1.  We have been very fortunate that Matthew's category 3 winds have
remained a short distance offshore of the Florida Coast thus far,
but this should not be a reason to let down our guard.  Only a
small deviation to the left of the forecast track could bring these
winds onshore.  The western eyewall of Matthew, which contains
hurricane-force winds, is expected to move over or very near the
coast of northeastern Florida and Georgia today.

2.  Hurricane winds increase very rapidly with height, and occupants
of high-rise buildings in the Jacksonville area 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.

Helpline for Shelter Locations

Columbia, S.C. – Evacuees seeking refuge from Hurricane Matthew should call 1-866-246-0133 to be directed to the nearest open emergency shelter anywhere in the state. The state’s public information phone system is operational 24 hours a day until South Carolina is no longer in danger.

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 currently traveling or without internet access are urged to call the PIPS line if they need assistance.

S.C. PUBLIC INFORMATION PHONE SYSTEM

1-866-246-0133

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

Lane Reversal

DOT and the Highway Patrol are in the process of restoring the normal flow of traffic on I-26. It is expected to take a couple of hours to fully complete.

Transportation to Shelters

CARTA service resumes Oct. 7 at 8 a.m. and goes for as long as weather allows.

If you need transportation to a shelter call: 843-746-3900 or 843-724-7420.

Hurricane Matthew 10/7/2016 5 a.m. Update

KEY MESSAGES:

1.  Matthew is likely to produce devastating impacts from storm
surge, extreme winds, and heavy rains along extensive portions of
the east-central and northeast coast of Florida today.

2.  Evacuations are not just a coastal event.  Strong winds will
occur well inland from the coast, and residents of mobile
homes under evacuation orders are urged to heed those orders.

3.  Hurricane winds increase very rapidly with height, and residents
of high-rise buildings 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.

4.  When a hurricane is forecast to take a track roughly parallel to
a coastline, as Matthew is forecast to do from Florida through South
Carolina, it becomes very difficult to specify impacts at any one
location.  Only a small deviation of the track to the left of the
NHC forecast could bring the core of a major hurricane onshore
within the hurricane warning area in Florida and Georgia.  Modest
deviations to the right could keep much of the hurricane-force winds
offshore.  Similarly large variations in impacts are possible in the
hurricane watch and warning areas in northeast Georgia and South
Carolina.

5.  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.

CARTA Ending Emergency Service

CARTA will end its emergency service – on-demand pickup for seniors, pet owners and those at blue hurricane signs downtown – at 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6. Until then, anyone who needs a ride is asked to call the Charleston County Emergency Operations Center at (843) 746-3900 to get started.

More information will be available as this situation progresses. The latest on CARTA service alterations can be found at:

• www.ridecarta.com/hurricanematthew
• Facebook/rideCARTA
• Twitter: @rideCARTA
• CARTA Customer Service: (843) 724-7420

MEDIA CONTACT

Daniel Brock, (919) 820-2612, dbrock@rawlemurdy.com 

Sebastian Hale, (336) 409-3856, shale@rawlemurdy.com

Hurricane Matthew 10/6/2016 5pm Update

KEY MESSAGES:

1.  Matthew is likely to produce devastating impacts from storm
surge, extreme winds, and heavy rains in the northwestern Bahamas
today, and along extensive portions of the east coast of Florida
tonight.

2.  Evacuations are not just a coastal event.  Strong winds will
occur well inland from the coast, and residents of mobile
homes under evacuation orders are urged to heed those orders.

3.  Hurricane winds increase very rapidly with height, and residents
of high-rise buildings 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.

4.  When a hurricane is forecast to take a track roughly parallel
to a coastline, as Matthew is forecast to do from Florida through
South Carolina, it becomes very difficult to specify impacts at
any one location.  Only a small deviation of the track
to the left of the NHC forecast could bring the core of a major
hurricane onshore within the hurricane warning area in Florida and
Georgia.  Modest deviations to the right could keep much of the
hurricane-force winds offshore.  Similarly large variations in
impacts are possible in the hurricane watch and warning areas in
northeast Georgia and South Carolina.

5.  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.  In
addition, because the Flooding Map is based on inputs that extend
out only to about 72 hours, it best represents the flooding
potential in those locations within the watch and warning areas in
Florida and Georgia.

Bridge Procedures in High Winds

There is no current plan to close any of the bridges in Mount Pleasant during the evacuation phase of this storm. The picture below explains what procedures are used in high winds.

Curb Items

Please do not start putting extra items at the curb. No special runs will be made to collect them. This includes furniture, tree limbs, etc.

Hurricane Matthew Update 10/6/2016 11am

1.  Matthew is likely to produce devastating impacts from storm
surge, extreme winds, and heavy rains in the central and
northwestern Bahamas today, and along portions of the east
coast of Florida tonight.

2.  When a hurricane is forecast to take a track roughly parallel
to a coastline, as Matthew is forecast to do from Florida through
South Carolina, it becomes very difficult to specify impacts at
any one location.  For example, only a small deviation of the track
to the left of the NHC forecast could bring the core of a major
hurricane onshore within the hurricane warning area in Florida and
Georgia.  However, a small deviation to the right could keep the
hurricane-force winds offshore.  Similarly large variations in
impacts are possible in the hurricane watch area in northeast
Georgia and South Carolina.

3.  Tropical storm or hurricane conditions could affect eastern
North Carolina later this week or this weekend, even if the center
of Matthew remains offshore.

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.  In
addition, because the Flooding Map is based on inputs that extend
out only to about 72 hours, it best represents the flooding
potential in those locations within the watch and warning areas in
Florida and Georgia.

Price Gouging

Please contact the above account or call 803-737-3953.

Communications

Make sure you are following our social media platforms and have our smartphone app downloaded. We will put out critical information regarding Hurricane Matthew on these platforms throughout the storm. Our smartphone app allows us to send critical notifications directly to your phone.

Twitter - @mountpleasantpd
Facebook - www.facebook.com/mountpleasantpd
Instagram - mountpleasantpolice
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantPD/videos
Nextdoor - http://www.nextdoor.com
Blog - http://www.mppdnews.blogspot.com

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 Key Points

KEY MESSAGES:

1.  Matthew is likely to produce devastating impacts from storm
surge, extreme winds, and heavy rains in the central and
northwestern Bahamas today, and along portions of the east
coast of Florida tonight.

2.  When a hurricane is forecast to take a track roughly parallel
to a coastline, as Matthew is forecast to do from Florida through
South Carolina, it becomes very difficult to specify impacts at
any one location.  For example, only a small deviation of the track
to the left of the NHC forecast could bring the core of a major
hurricane onshore within the hurricane warning area in Florida and
Georgia.  However, a small deviation to the right could keep the
hurricane-force winds offshore.  Similarly large variations in
impacts are possible in the hurricane watch area in northeast
Georgia and South Carolina.

3.  Tropical storm or hurricane conditions could affect eastern
North Carolina later this week or this weekend, even if the center
of Matthew remains offshore.

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.  In
addition, because the Flooding Map is based on inputs that extend
out only to about 72 hours, it best represents the flooding
potential in those locations within the watch and warning areas in
Florida and Georgia.

Emergency Shelters

For Immediate Release

Contact: Chaney Adams, 803-528-7217

Joe Farmer or Derrec Becker, 803-737-8500

               

Emergency Shelters Now Open

Columbia, S.C. (Wednesday, October 5, 2016) – The South Carolina Response Team today announced the opening of shelters across the state for residents and visitors who are evacuating from coastal areas as Hurricane Matthew approaches. Shelters began opening on Wednesday, October 5, and as of 5 PM there are 32 shelters open.

Shelters are generally the place of last resort. Individuals and families are encouraged to have emergency plans in place. These plans should include relatives or friends with whom you can stay or locations to which you will travel. In the event that you must use a shelter, be sure to make arrangement for your pets; pets are not allowed in official shelters with the exception of two listed below.

The Department of Social Services is designated as the lead agency for coordinating mass care operations. In particular, DSS works with the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, the Department of Health and Environmental Control and other state agencies and volunteer relief organizations in disaster situations to coordinate the capability to meet basic human needs (shelter, food, bulk distribution of emergency relief supplies, disaster welfare inquiries, and emergency social services).

SCDSS is has placed an additional 60 shelters in stand-by mode, ready to host evacuees if needed.

As of 5:00 p.m. today, October 5, 2016, the following emergency shelters are open for people evacuating Hurricane Matthew:

Aiken County

South Aiken High School

232 East Pine Log Road

Aiken, SC

Allendale County

Allendale Elementary School

4561 Allendale-Fairfax Hwy.

Allendale, SC

Fairfax Elementary School

734 E. 14^th Street

Fairfax, SC

Bamberg County

Bamberg-Ehrnhardt School

267 Red Rider Dr.

Bamberg, SC

Ghents Branch Baptist Church

1974 Ghents Branch Rd.

Denmark, SC

Denmark-Olar High School

197 Viking Circle

Denmark, SC

Barnwell County

Barnwell Elementary School

10524 Marlboro Ave.

Barnwell, SC

Berkeley County

Berkeley Elementary School

715 Hwy 6                   

Monks Corner, SC

Cane Bay High School **PET FRIENDLY**

1624 State Road

Summerville, SC

St. Stephens Elementary School

1053 Russellville Rd.

St. Stephens, SC

Westview Middle School

101 Westview Blvd.

Goose Creek, SC

Westview Primary School

98 Westview Blvd.

Goose Creek, SC

Charleston County

AC Corcoran Elementary School

8585 Vistavia Road

N. Charleston, SC

Burns Elementary School **PET FRIENDLY**

3750 Dorchester Road

Charleston, SC 29405

Ladson Elementary School

3321 Ladson Road

N. Charleston, SC

Midland Park Elementary

2415 Midlands Park Road

N. Charleston, SC

North Charleston High School

1087 East Montague Ave.

N. Charleston, SC

Stall High School

3625 Ashely Phosphate Road

N. Charleston, SC

Colleton County

Colleton County Middle School

1379 Tuskegee Airman Drive

Walterboro, SC

Dorchester County

Dubose Middle School

1005 Dubose School Road

Summerville, SC

Fort Dorchester High School.

8500 Patriot Blvd

North Charleston, SC

Oakbrook Middle School

4704 Old Fort Drive

Ladson, SC

St. George Middle School

600 Minus Street

St. George, SC

Summerville High School

1011 Boone Hill Road

Summerville, SC

Woodland High School

4128 US Highway 78

Dorchester, SC

Jasper County

Ridgeland High School Complex

250 Jaguar Trail

Ridgeland, SC

Lexington County

White Knoll High School

5643 Platt Springs Road

Lexington, SC

Spartanburg County

Spartanburg Expo Center

6655 Pottery Road

Spartanburg, SC 29303

Williamsburg County

CE Murray High School

222 CE Murray Blvd

Greeleyville, SC

Hemingway High School

402 South Main Street

Hemingway, SC

Kingstree Senior High

615 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue

Kingstree, SC

Tupperware Gym

Tupperware Road 258

Hemingway, SC

Visit scemd.org for a complete list of shelters as well as updates.

Trash Collection

The Town plans on executing Thursday's garbage and trash route collection as usual.  This is subject to change pending weather and Public Works' ability to navigate the area as the result of hurricane evacuation.

Shelters

The following Charleston County shelters are now open:

Midland Park Elementary School
Matilda F. Dunston Elementary School
AC Corcoran Elementary
Burns Elementary (able to accept pets)
Ladson Elementary
North Charleston High School
Stall High School

State Press Release

Gov. Nikki Haley Announces Evacuation of Charleston and Beaufort Areas

Traffic Lanes of I-26 Will Be Reversed

COLUMBIA, S.C. - As Hurricane Matthew threatens the southeastern United States, Governor Nikki Haley today ordered an evacuation of coastal areas in and around Charleston and Beaufort, South Carolina  

Residents and visitors in Charleston and Beaufort Counties should begin evacuating no later than 3:00 PM TODAY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5.  Residents and visitors in certain parts of bordering coastal counties – Berkeley, Colleton, Dorchester and Jasper Counties – should begin evacuating no later than 3:00 PM TODAY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5.

To verify whether you are located in an evacuation zone, please visit www.scemd.org and click, “Know your Zone,” to enter your home address.  Evacuation details, by region, are listed below and detailed via an interactive map at that South Carolina Emergency Management Division’s website.

Maps of coastal evacuation routes, including interactive and downloadable maps, and information about highways where lane reversals will be used as a part of the evacuation are available at the South Carolina Department of Transportation’s (SCDOT) website.

Beginning around noon today, South Carolina Department of Public Safety, SCDOT and supporting agencies will begin closing eastbound lanes of I-26, starting in Columbia at I-77 heading towards Charleston.  At approximately 3:00 PM, all lanes on I-26 will be moving westbound from I-526 in Charleston toward I-77 in Columbia.  Travel will only be possible in one direction while the evacuation is in progress. Complete lane reversal information is available here.

The scope of the evacuation may be expanded to include other areas tomorrow, including parts of Horry and Georgetown. South Carolina residents, especially those who live in low-lying areas along the entire coast, should monitor the status of Hurricane Matthew through local news media.

Evacuees should pack the following essential items in case the evacuation period is lengthy: required medications, adequate clothing and essential personal items. Emergency shelter locations will be announced as soon as they are open. 

Individuals and families should plan to board pets with veterinarians, kennels, or other facilities in non-vulnerable areas.  Pets are not allowed in Red Cross shelters.

People who live in the following coastal areas should evacuate immediately:

Central South Carolina Coast

Charleston, Dorchester and Berkeley County Evacuation Zones A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and I

Zone A: West of the Ashley River - Unincorporated areas of Charleston County from the Ashley River to the Colleton County line; Atlantic Ocean to the Dorchester County Line. This includes the Town of Hollywood, Town of Meggett, Town of Ravenel, Town of Folly Beach, Town of Rockville, Town of Kiawah Island, the Town of Seabrook Island, James Island, Johns Island, Wadmalaw, and unincorporated Charleston County.

Zone B: Central Charleston - From the tip of the Peninsula to Ladson Road; from the Ashley River to the Wando River. This includes City of Charleston, City of North Charleston, the Town of Lincolnville, Daniel Island, Thomas Island, and unincorporated Charleston County.

Zone C: East of the Wando River - Unincorporated areas of Charleston County from the Atlantic Ocean to the Berkeley County line; Wando River to the Georgetown County line. This includes the Town of Mt. Pleasant, Town of Isle of Palms, Town of Sullivan's Island, Town of Awendaw, the Town of McClellanville, Dewees Island, Capers Island, and Goat Island.

Zone D: Sand Hills Area - West of Dorchester Road and the Ashley River, 17A to the Colleton County line and all areas bordering Charleston County.

Zone E: Miles Jamison/Oakbrook Area - Miles Jamison Road, between Ladson Road, to Bacons Bridge Road: including the Lakes of Summerville, Newington Plantation, Crestwood Subdivision south to Orangeburg Road, and South Main Mobile Home Park.

Zone F: The Swamp - Any other low-lying areas including the Cypress Swamp area, the Edisto River area and the Twin Lakes Subdivision.

Zone G:

a. Hanahan

1. North of Woods Ave from end of road at east edge of rail yard to its intersection with Remount Rd.
2. North of Remount Rd from its intersection with Woods Ave to its intersection with the railroad tracks just west of Dutton Ave.
3. East of the railroad tracks from their intersection with Remount Rd to crossing over the Goose Creek (just south of Middle Earth Nursery and Infinger Furniture).

b. Goose Creek/Ladson/Summerville

1. Including all homes and businesses northeast of the intersection of Hwy 52 and Camelot Dr, continuing along Ryan Dr and Holly Ave across to Westview Blvd (includes buildings on both sides of Camelot Dr, Ryan Dr and Holly Ave).
2. Crowfield Plantation from Westview Blvd near Holly Ave across I-26 along Ancrum Rd to its intersection with Hwy 78.
3. Northeast of Hwy 78 from its intersection with Ancrum Rd (Ladson Rd) to its intersection with Hwy 17A (Main St) in Summerville.
4. Southeast of Hwy 17A (Main St/S Live Oak Dr) from its intersection with Hwy 78 to its intersection with Cypress Gardens Rd.

c. Whitesville/Pimlico/Cordesville

1. South of Cypress Gardens Rd from its intersection with Hwy 17A (S Live Oak Dr) to its intersection with Pimlico Blvd.
2. South of Pimlico Blvd from its intersection with Cypress Gardens Rd through to its end.
3. The area east of Wappaoolah Plantation and west of the Cooper River, north of Pimlico Blvd and south of Mepkin Abbey.
4. Southeast of the railroad tracks from the Cooper River by Pimlico to its intersection with Hwy 402.

d. Huger/Cainhoy/Wando

1. South of Hwy 402 from its intersection with the railroad tracks near Cordesville to its intersection with Hwy 41 (Hwy 402 becomes Steed Creek Rd).
2. Southwest of Steed Creek Rd from its intersection with Hwy 41 to its intersection with  Halfway Creek Rd. West of Halfway Creek Rd from its intersection with Steed Creek Rd to its intersection with Guerins Bridge Rd.
3. West of Guerins Bridge Rd from its intersection with Halfway Creek Rd to its intersection with Wando River (just after Drew Ln).
4. Northwest of the Wando River from its intersection with Guerins Bridge Rd to its   intersection with Nowell Creek with the addition of Patterson’s Academy.
5. North/northeast of Nowell Creek from its intersection with the Wando River to its   intersection with Rebellion Farms Pl.
6. Northeast of Rebellion Farms Pl from its intersection with Nowell Creek to its intersection of Clements Ferry Rd.
7. Northeast of Yellow House Pl from its intersection with Clements Ferry Rd to the Cooper River (across from the Goose Creek).

Zone I

a. Shulerville, Honey Hill, Jamestown, Alvin, St Stephen

1. East of Halfway Creek Rd from its intersection with Forest Rd 200 (on the Berkeley/ Charleston county line) to its intersection with Slash Rd.
2. East of Slash Rd from its intersection with Halfway Creek Rd to its intersection with Yellow Jacket Rd.
3. North of Yellow Jacket Rd from its intersection with Slash Rd to its intersection with Horse Island Rd.
4. East of Horse Island Rd from its intersection with Yellow Jacket Rd to its intersection with Tiger Corner Rd.
5. Northeast of Tiger Corner Rd from its intersection with Horse Island Rd to its intersection with Hwy 17A.
6. North of Hwy 17A from its intersection with Tiger Corner Rd to its intersection with Greenwood Dr.
7. East of Greenwood Dr (becomes Peaceful Woods Rd) from its intersection with Hwy 17A to its intersection with Schurlknight Rd.
8. Southeast of Schurlknight Rd from its intersection with Peaceful Woods Rd to its intersection with Hwy 45.
9. Northeast of Hwy 45 from its intersection with Schurlknight Rd to its intersection with Belle Isle Rd.
10. East of Belle Isle Rd from its intersection with Hwy 45 to the Santee River.
11. Southwest of the Santee River from Belle Isle Rd to its intersection with the Berkeley/ Charleston county line.
12. Northwest of the Berkeley-Charleston county line from its intersection with the Santee River to its intersection with Halfway Creek Rd.

Southern Coast Evacuation Zones

Colleton County Evacuation Zone A

All areas south of the CSX Railroad, and all mobile homes and other floodplain areas in the County.

Beaufort County Evacuation Zone A

All residents and tourists in Beaufort County are to evacuate.

Jasper County Evacuation Zone A

Zone A - All areas east of I-95 and all mobile homes and other floodplain areas in the county.

For all of the latest information about Hurricane Matthew, visit scemd.org.