Friday, September 21, 2018

Hurricane Florence Relief Efforts



We just filled the truck and it only took about half of what our community donated! We hope to get the rest of the supplies loaded this afternoon. Thank you to the Moncks Corner Police Department for driving down to collect these items!

Because of the response, we are going to extend the drive until Sept. 27 (Thursday) at 4:00pm. These supplies will head up the east coast to help those in need! You can drop supplies in the lobby of police headquarters located at 100 Ann Edwards Lane (Town Hall).

We are looking for:
✔️Bottled water
✔️Non-perishable food
✔️Personal hygiene items
✔️Cleaning supplies

Monday, September 17, 2018

Hurricane Florence Relief Effort



We are participating in a Hurricane Florence relief effort! The supplies collected will be sent to the areas across South Carolina most affected by Hurricane Florence.

You can drop off your donations in our headquarters lobby located at 100 Ann Edwards Lane, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464. Our lobby is open 24hrs.

We are collecting:

*Bottled water
*Non-perishable food items
*Cleaning supplies
*Personal hygiene items

See the full press release below from Serve and Connect:



Serve and Connect and Local Law Enforcement Implementing Community Drive

Supplies are being collected for those across our state who were affected by Hurricane Florence

Columbia, SC: Serve and Connect, the SC Law Enforcement Officers Association and the SC Police Chiefs Association will coordinate a multi-location disaster relief drop off with participating Midlands police departments. The supplies collected will be sent to the areas across South Carolina most affected by Hurricane Florence.

The drop-off locations will receive items including: bottled water, non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items.

"Serve & Connect is honored to work with state and local law enforcement and Harvest Hope Food Bank to provide support to our neighbors in the Pee Dee,” Kassy Alia, Serve and Connect President and CEO, said. “We are committed to connecting cops and community and that is what this response is about - neighbor helping neighbor in a time of need."

"The outpouring of support that South Carolina felt during the flood in 2015, Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and Hurricane Irma in 2017 was amazing,” Ryan Alphin, Executive Director of the SC Law Enforcement Officers Association and SC Police Chiefs Association, said. “As needs arise, we will continue to support our fellow South Carolinians in any way possible, especially those in the Pee Dee that will be deeply impacted by flood waters in the coming days."

Saturday, September 15, 2018

Town Returns to Normal Operations

By Martine Wolfe-Miller, Communications Manager 

MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (September 15, 2018) – As evacuation orders for Charleston County are lifted in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie is declaring the Town of Mount Pleasant open for business. 
“We are thankful that our town was spared the brutal impacts of this storm and we grieve for the losses and damage in other areas,” said Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie. “Today, Mount Pleasant will transition back to normal operations. We are doing everything we can to support our local economy by letting our community know that we are open for business. We ask businesses to tag us on social media or email us at open4biz@tompsc.comto let us know when they are open. We will share that information back to the community on our Spotlight section at www.tompsc.com.”

The Town of Mount Pleasant Administrative Offices will open on Monday, Sept. 17. Waste management personnel will also resume garbage and yard debris collection. Yard debris collection will begin on Monday but will not move to Tuesday’s route until Monday route’s yard debris is collected. The same applies to Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday routes.  
Businesses are urged to keep their sandbags for the duration of the 2018 hurricane season, which extends to November 30. They should consider sandbags part of their emergency kit and keep them out of direct sun. The Public Services Department staff does not pick up sandbags. 
For more information about Mount Pleasant, visit us online at www.tompsc.com, visit us on Facebook and stay tuned for updates on NextDoor.

Garbage and Debris Schedule

Town Announces Garbage and Yard Debris Collection Schedule

By Martine Wolfe-Miller, Communications Manager

MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (September 15, 2018) – The Town of Mount Pleasant Public Services Department will resume normal schedule of its garbage collection on Monday, Sept. 17. Public Services Director Jody Peele added that trash and yard debris will be collected starting Monday but issued a caveat.
“Our staff have moved swiftly to resume operations after the storm, but we may be delayed in collecting trash and yard debris routes,” he added. “We will begin yard debris collection on Monday, but we will not move on to Tuesday’s route until all of Monday route’s yard debris is collected. The same applies to Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday routes. We will stay on one day’s route until that route is completed. Thank you for your patience as we resume operations.”
Stormwater Manager Hillary Repik urged residents to keep their sandbags for the duration of the 2018 hurricane season, which extends to November 30. “Make your sandbags part of your emergency kit and keep them out of direct sun,” she said. “The Public Services Department staff does not pick up sandbags.”
For more information about Mount Pleasant waste management activities, visit us online at www.tompsc.com, visit us on Facebook and stay tuned for updates on NextDoor.

Friday, September 14, 2018

What to Expect

You can expect these warnings during storms that produce high winds. Please tune into our social media and local news media as we will let you know if any of these conditions occur.


Live Stream



You can view a live stream of Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park at  https://youtu.be/z3YKZUH_8xQ

Hurricane Florence September 14, 2018 5am Update


Thursday, September 13, 2018

Steer Clear of Flooded Roads


Never drive through flooded roads - almost half of flood deaths happen in vehicles.
6 inches of water is enough to cause you to lose control of your vehicle
If you encounter flood waters on a roadway, Turn Around, Don't Drown.

Florence by the Numbers



By Martine Wolfe-Miller, Communications Manager

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. September 13, 2018) –
 The Town of Mount Pleasant continues to track 
Hurricane Florence as Mount Pleasant first responders and staff prepare for the storm's impact on the 
community.
“We moved to OPCON 1 this morning and our Emergency Operations Center will be operational until 
further notice,” said Emergency Manager Amanda Knight. “This means that a disaster or emergency 
is in effect and that our emergency response operations are on-going. We are at the highest state of 
emergency operations.”
“Mitigation of the storm is our highest priority and we have implemented or deployed the following 
assets,” added Knight.
  • 345 essential personnel assigned to the event.
  • 3 self-serving sandbag stations
  • 1,500 pre-filled sandbags provided free of charge to residents
  • 7,000 bags and 176 tons of sand provided free of charge for residents
  • 2 drones pre-checked for damage assessment and/or search and rescue
  • 246.7% increase in Facebook/Twitter posts sent
  • 622.9% increase in Facebook/Twitter messages received
  • 245.6% increase in Facebook/Twitter impressions
  • 55 traffic signals pre-checked
  • 3 high water response vehicles
  • 26 chainsaws, 3 pole saws
  • 43 Public Service vehicles
  • 6 heavy equipment (loaders/backhoes)
  • 13 heavy-duty pumps
  • 16 industrial generators
  • 40 paramedics
  • 5 fire engines
  • 3 fire ladders
  • 2 fire squads
  • 3 battalions
  • 2 independent IT back-up systems
  • 20 emergency laptops
  • 3 schools for staging personnel and equipment
  • 1,035 meals prepared and delivered to employees
The path of Hurricane Florence is uncertain, according to NHC forecasters, but the Town of Mount Pleasant remains one community prepared for the storm. Residents should continue to monitor local media, and official, verified social media accounts from the Town of Mount Pleasant. Call (843) 884-8517 to reach our Citizen Hotline for emergency information.

3 Fast Flood Facts


Heavy rain can bring dangerous flash flooding.
6 inches of moving water can knock a person down.
2 feet of moving water can sweep a vehicle away.
Whether you're walking or driving, stay clear of floodwater. Share these facts with friends so they're safe too.

Hurricane Florence September 13, 2018 5pm Update


Tips From SCE&G


SCE&G provided these preparation tips!

  • SCE&G is prepared to deploy additional storm responders from around the southeast if Hurricane Florence brings the expected heavy winds and rains that will down power lines.  Nearly 2,900 personnel, including linemen and damage assessors, have been staged and are ready to respond quickly to power outages should they occur.
 
  • Stay away from downed power lines – storms can cause tree limbs and entire trees to break and fall, sometimes taking power lines and even meter boxes down with them.  Always assume any downed power line you see is live and stay away. To report a downed line, call 888-333-4465.
 
  • It is not necessary to turn off your natural gas service at the meter during a hurricane.  Natural gas is distributed through underground lines that should operate uninterrupted throughout the storm.  However, if you believe flooding could cause the pilot light of a natural gas appliance to be extinguished, you can turn off the appliance’s supply valve.  If you do turn off the appliance’s supply valve, or if your appliance becomes flooded, do not try to relight the pilot light yourself; instead, contact a qualified contractor to inspect the appliance before using it.
 
 
 

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Hurricane Florence Update - September 12, 2018 5pm



What to do Before You Evacuate



From the South Carolina Emergency Management Division on what to do before you evacuate:
  • Know where you will go. 
  • Make arrangements for pets. 
  • Turn off gas, electricity, and water. 
  • Stay tuned to your local television and radio stations for emergency information. 
  • Charge your cell phone and mobile devices. (Have an extra charger for your phone, etc.)



Hurricane Florence September 12, 2018 5am Update




Make sure you complete your preparations soon! Follow all of our social media channels for information: www.twitter.com/mountpleasantpd www.facebook.com/mountpleasantpd www.youtube.com/mtpleasantpd www.nextdoor.com Also, download our free smartphone app for iOS and Android: iOS - https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/town-mt-pleasant-police-department/id702959880?ls=1&mt=8 Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.netgalaxystudios.tomppd

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Hurricane Florence September 11, 2018 5pm Update





Town of Mount Pleasant Update for Hurricane Florence


By Martine Wolfe-Miller, Communications Manager 
MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (September 11, 2018) – At today’s Town of Mount Pleasant Emergency Operations Center staff briefing, Mayor Will Haynie received an update from Town Administrator Eric DeMoura and Emergency Manager Amanda Knight on the potential impacts of Hurricane Florence on the community.
More than 30 emergency responders attended the briefing, including operations, planning, command, logistic and finance chiefs who reported on latest efforts to prevent and mitigate the aftermath of the storm. View the photo gallery on Facebook here.
“According to the National Hurricane Center, Florence will approach the coast of North Carolina or South Carolina in the hurricane watch area Thursday and Friday,” said Mayor Haynie. “We are not simply focusing on the forecast track of this very dangerous category 4 hurricane but looking at the cone of uncertainty. We know that the impacts will extend across our state and the most important thing our residents should do during a major hurricane is to heed the governor’s words and evacuate.”
“I am keenly aware of today’s date, September 11, and of the cost that many public servants make on behalf of our communities daily,” added Mayor Haynie. “Thank you to all of our public servants for keeping Mount Pleasant ready and protected during this hurricane event.”
Latest Town emergency preparations updates include:
Closures and Cancellations
  • All Town of Mount Pleasant administrative offices will be closed Tuesday, Sept. 11 through Friday, Sept. 14. View the Calendar at www.tompsc.com.
  • The Municipal Court will not be in session Sept. 11-14. All court appearances will be rescheduled, and notifications will be mailed. Payments prior to court date may be made here: https://paycourt.tompsc.com/Dashboard/
  • Trash and garbage pickup will be postponed on Wednesday, Sept. 12 and Thursday, Sept. 13. Check the Alert Center for updates at www.tompsc.com/alertcenter.aspx
  • The Sept. 11 Town Council Meeting has been postponed. View the Calendar at www.tompsc.com
  • The Sept. 11 Mount Pleasant Farmers Market is cancelled. View the calendar at www.tompsc.com
  • All meetings scheduled between Sept. 11-14 have been postponed. View the Calendar at www.tompsc.com
  • All Recreation activities are postponed. Stay tuned at www.rainedout.com 
Evacuation Routes 
  • Charleston County is Evacuation Zone C
  • Evacuees leaving Mount Pleasant will take I-526 or US 17 south to I-26.
  • Those leaving Sullivan's Island will use SC 703 to I-526 Business to access I-526, then I-26.
  • Evacuees from the Isle of Palms will use the Isle of Palms connector (SC 517) to go to US 17, where the right lane will turn north on US 17, then proceed to SC 41, to SC 402, then to US 52 to SC 375, then to US 521, to SC 261 to US 378 to Columbia.
  • Evacuees using the left lanes of the Isle of Palms connector will turn left to go to I-526 and then on to I-26.
  • Evacuees on I-526 approaching I-26 from East Cooper will be directed to the normal lanes of I-26 if in the right lane of I-526. Those in the left lane of I-526 will be directed into the reversed lanes of I-26.
Sandbag Locations 

The Town of Mount Pleasant Public Service deployed 1,500 pre-filled bags and manned self-serve stations with 4,500 bags and nine truck loads. All sandbags locations exhausted their supplies.
For more information about Mount Pleasant’s emergency preparedness, and to implement your own emergency plan, follow us at:
ConnectMP (Android Mobile App)
ConnectMP (iPhone Mobile App)

Sandbag Locations

September 11, 2018 11:25 a.m.

All Mount Pleasant locations are now out of sand.

Troopers Begin Process to Reverse I-26



Troopers have begun the process of closing I-26 eastbound beginning at I-77 moving east toward Charleston in anticipation of 12pm evacuation/lane reversal.

Monday, September 10, 2018

Lane Reversal Video


This video was produced by the South Carolina Department of Transportation and explains the lane reversal set for September 11, 2018..

Hurricane Florence Update from National Hurricane Center

September 10, 2018 
5:00 p.m. Update




Hurricane Florence Update



MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (September 10, 2018) – Following South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster’s conference today calling for a mandatory coastal evacuation and the reversal I-26 from Charleston to Columbia; Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie called on all citizens to remain alert and be prepared to evacuate.
“Do not focus on the forecast track of this Category 4 hurricane but look at its cone of uncertainty. The impacts will extend across our state as Florence is expected to make landfall on the Carolinas Coast on Thursday. The most important thing you can do during a major hurricane event is to secure your property and follow evacuation instructions.”
The Mount Pleasant Police Department issued the following evacuation route and lane reversal information:
Evacuation Routes 
  • Charleston County is in Evacuation Zone C
  • Evacuees leaving Mount Pleasant will take I-526 or US 17 south to I-26.
  • Those leaving Sullivan's Island will use SC 703 to I-526 Business to access I-526, then I-26.
  • Evacuees from the Isle of Palms will use the Isle of Palms connector (SC 517) to go to US 17, where the right lane will turn north on US 17, then proceed to SC 41, to SC 402, then to US 52 to SC 375, then to US 521, to SC 261 to US 378 to Columbia.
  • Evacuees using the left lanes of the Isle of Palms connector will turn left to go to I-526 and then on to I-26.
  • Evacuees on I-526 approaching I-26 from East Cooper will be directed to the normal lanes of I-26 if in the right lane of I-526. Those in the left lane of I-526 will be directed into the reversed lanes of I-26.
Lane Reversal 
  • At 8:00 a.m. on September 11, there will be no traffic allowed eastbound on I-26 from Columbia to I-526. This will allow roadways to prepare for the lane reversal. Lane reversal is scheduled to start at noon.
Closures and Cancellations
  • All Town of Mount Pleasant administrative offices will be closed Tuesday, Sept. 11 through Friday, Sept. 14. View the Calendar at www.tompsc.com.
  • The Municipal Court will not be in session Sept. 11-14. All court appearances will be rescheduled, and notifications will be mailed. Payments prior to court date may be made here: https://paycourt.tompsc.com/Dashboard/
  • Trash and garbage pickup will be postponed on Wednesday, Sept. 12 and Thursday, Sept. 13. Check the Alert Center for updates at www.tompsc.com/alertcenter.aspx
  • The Sept. 11 Town Council Meeting has been postponed. View the Calendar at www.tompsc.com
  • The Sept. 11 Mount Pleasant Farmers Market is cancelled. View the calendar at www.tompsc.com
  • All meetings scheduled between Sept. 11-14 have been postponed. View the Calendar at www.tompsc.com
  • All Recreation activities are postponed. Stay tuned at www.rainedout.com
Sandbag Locations 
There will be a limit of 10 self-serve bags per household while supplies last. The self-serve stations are on a first come/first serve basis. The sandbags are free of charge and you may want to bring your shovel.
  • Memorial Waterfront Park – 99 Harry Hallman Blvd.
  • R.L. Jones Recreational Complex – 391 Egypt Rd.
  • Park West Recreation Complex – 1251 Park West Blvd., overflow parking
For more information about Mount Pleasant’s emergency preparedness, follow us at:

Town Moves to OPCON 3, Releases Sandbag Locations



By Martine Wolfe-Miller, Mount Pleasant Communications Manager 
MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (September 10, 2018) - The Town of Mount Pleasant has moved to OPCON 3 in anticipation of effects from Hurricane Florence and is prepared to mitigate the impacts of the storm. OPCON 3 indicates that a disaster or emergency situation is likely or imminent. The Town has partially activated its Emergency Operations Center at the Mount Pleasant Town Hall.
Florence is expected to intensify into a major hurricane today. Although most forecast models place the eye of the storm making landfall in southern North Carolina, there are some models that place landfall closer to Charleston. 
To help mitigate the impacts of Hurricane Florence, the Town of Mount Pleasant will deliver sandbags to various locations across the town beginning at 12 noon today. Sandbags will be available on a first come/first serve basis. There will be 500 pre-filled bags at each location and a self-serve station. There will be a limit of 10 bags (filled or self-serve) per household. Once they are gone, the Town will not have additional sandbags for distribution. The sandbags are free of charge.
The sandbag locations include:
  • Park West Recreational Complex, 1251 Park West Blvd.
  • R.L. Jones Recreation Complex, 391 Egypt Rd
  • Memorial Waterfront Park, 99 Harry M. Hallman Jr Blvd, overflow parking area
While state, county and local officials are getting ready to mitigate the impacts of Hurricane Florence; residents are urged to prepare for the arrival of the storm by taking measures to protect their life and property. Know your evacuation routes and evacuate when directed.  
Updates will be provided regarding trash collection schedule, court dates, and rescheduled meetings through the Town website and other media outlets. For more information about Mount Pleasant’s emergency preparedness, and to implement your own emergency plan, follow us at:
ConnectMP (Android Mobile App)
ConnectMP (iPhone Mobile App)

Huricane Florence September 10, 2018 5AM Update





This is the Sept. 10, 2018 5:00 a.m. update. Please continue to monitor updates and make sure you are following us on all of our social media platforms:
www.twitter.com/mountpleasantpd
www.mppdnews.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/mountpleasantpd
www.instagram.com/mountpleasantpolice
https://www.youtube.com/c/MtPleasantPD


Download our free smartphone app for iOS and Android. We send out emergency alerts straight to your phone:
iOS - https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/town-mt-pleasant-police-department/id702959880?ls=1&mt=8
Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.netgalaxystudios.tomppd



Friday, September 7, 2018

Request for Identification



The Mount Pleasant Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in identifying a man suspected of stealing a 2009 Subaru Legacy from 1305 Long Grove Drive. The male pictured above was seen getting into the victim's vehicle and driving away at approximately 9:14 p.m on
September 1, 2018.


Anyone with information about this subject is asked to contact Captain Martin at 843-884-4176 or Bmartin@tompsc.com. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry at 843-554-1111 or www.5541111.com. Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry offers rewards of up to $1,000.00 for information that leads to an arrest.

Featured Post

Golf Cart Laws

To help keep everyone safe, the Mount Pleasant Police Department would like to remind everyone of the South Carolina laws governing golf...