Monday, September 16, 2019

6 Apps Parents Should Know About


Here are 6 apps every parent of a teen should know! Make sure to talk to your kids about internet safety!

Friday, September 6, 2019

MPPS Issues Hurricane Debris Collection Tips


Navigating Traffic Lights



Good Morning! We hope everyone is doing well after #Dorian! As you travel today, please know that power is still out in areas so traffic lights are down as well. Please use caution out there and follow these rules for traffic lights that are out!

Thursday, September 5, 2019

Mount Pleasant Town Hall Returns to Normal Business Hours on September 6, 2019



Mount Pleasant Town Hall Returns to Normal Business Hours Tomorrow, Sept. 6

By Martine Wolfe-Miller, Mount Pleasant Communications Manager 
MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (Sept. 5, 2019) – As impacts of Hurricane Dorian decrease and the storm moves north, the Town of Mount Pleasant Town Hall Administrative Offices will open on Friday, Sept. 6 during normal operating hours.
“We are thankful that our town was spared the brutal impacts of this storm and we grieve for the losses and the damage done in the Bahamas,” said Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie.
Town staff will begin damage assessment today, Sept. 5. Waste management personnel will resume garbage and trash collection routes on Monday, Sept. 9.
Yard debris collection will begin on Monday, Sept. 9 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.
Outdoor athletic activities will be canceled until fields are returned to playable condition. Recreation facilities will remain closed during the damage assessment period, which could last until the earlier part of next week. The Recreation Department will open indoor facilities as soon as possible. For more information, visit www.rainedout.com.
Residents and businesses are urged to keep their sandbags for the duration of the 2019 hurricane season, which extends to Nov. 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.

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

CARTA Service





CARTA Suspends Hurricane Evacuation Peninsula Circulator at 6 pm Today

HURRICANE DORIAN UPDATE 3
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (Sept. 4, 2019, 4 p.m.) – CARTA will suspend all operations, including the Hurricane Evacuation Peninsula Circulator, at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 4, as previously planned, in anticipation of hazardous weather conditions.


    Dominion Energy Provides Contact Information, Safety Tips


      MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (Sept. 4, 2019) - Dorian could bring heavy rain and flooding as well as severe wind, which could cause significant outages for Lowcountry customers. Approximately 2,000 employees and contract crew members, including linemen and damage assessors, are ready to respond quickly and safely to power outages, should they occur.

      REPORTING OUTAGES

      The quickest and most efficient way for customers in South Carolina to notify Dominion Energy of a power outage is to report it online at
      www.DominionEnergySC.com, using a mobile device. 

      RESTORATION PROCESS

      After the storm passes and it is safe to do so, our crews will begin assessing damage and restoring power with the following priority:

      - Facilities critical to public health and safety, such as hospitals, fire and police departments, and water treatment systems.
      - Crews then work to return service to the largest number of residential and business customers in the shortest amount of time.
      - Once major repairs are completed, individual homes and smaller groups of customers are restored.

      CUSTOMERS CAN PREPARE

      Here are ways customers can prepare for possible power outages caused by Hurricane Dorian:

      - Set up an online account to easily report and track power outages from any mobile device.
      - Bookmark our website on your mobile device to quickly report outages
      - If you have a generator, be sure it is fueled, tested and properly connected.
      - Follow the manufacturer's instructions and always operate out of doors with good ventilation.
      - When the storm hits, please beware of downed power lines. Very high winds and rain can cause trees and branches to fall, which may bring down power lines. Stay at least 30 feet away and make sure your family, pets, and neighbors
      also avoid the downed wire. Please report downed power lines at the following numbers and stay on the line to speak with an agent so we can help make the area safe.
      - South Carolina customers can report downed lines at 1-888-333-4465.

      If your home or business is at risk of flooding to the point where the water could extinguish the pilot lights in any of your natural gas appliances, you can
      turn off the appliance at the supply valve.
      - The valve should be within six (6) feet of each natural gas appliance.
      - These valves typically turn in one direction and require only one-quarter of a turn to completely close the valve.
      - If you do turn off your appliances supply valve, do not try to relight your pilot. Instead, contact a qualified contractor to inspect before using.

      Hurricane Dorian Impacts


      By Martine Wolfe-Miller, Mount Pleasant Communications Manager

      MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (Sept. 4, 2019) – Mount Pleasant Emergency Operations Center advises residents and businesses to exercise caution as rain and storm surge impacts from Hurricane Dorian are expected to continue to increase in intensity between now and through Thursday, Sept. 5. There is still time to heed Governor Henry McMaster’s evacuation order and move to a safe location if you are in a flood-prone area. 

      Emergency responders are carefully monitoring wind speeds and making decisions to maintain readiness and capability to respond to emergency situations.

      PUBLIC SAFETY MESSAGES 

      Shelter-in-Place during the storm and do not underestimate the force and power of water -  Turn Around Don't Drown® 

      Mount Pleasant Emergency Info Line is (843) 884-8517

      Mount Pleasant Waterworks Business Offices will be closed until September 9. MPW Emergency Operations Center has been activated.

      Emergency calls to 9-1-1 should be reserved to save a life, report a crime or report a fire:

      Call 9-1-1 to save a life, stop a crime or report a fire.

      DO NOT call 9-1-1 if you have water in your home unless your life is in danger.

      DO NOT call 9-1-1 to report that your power is out, report the outage to your utility company

      For outage, restoration updates visit Dominion Energy website at https://www.DominionEnergySC.com or Dominion Energy SC Customer Service: 1-800-251-7234
      Downed/Sparking Lines: 1-888-333-4465
      Power Outage: 1-888-333-4465
      Gas Leaks: 1-800-815-0083
      Sign up ahead of the storm for mobile outage reporting at https://www.DominionEnergySC.com/outages-emergencies/power-outages/text-message-reporting
      Dominion Energy Outage Map: https://www.DominionEnergySC.com/outages-emergencies/power-outages/outage-map




      Lane Reversal

      LAST UPDATE: I-26 Lane Reversal Ends at 2:00 PM Today

      ***LATEST UPDATE: The Lane reversal ends at 2 PM today***

      By Martine Wolfe-Miller, Mount Pleasant Communications Manager

      MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (Sept. 4, 2019) – The lane reversal ordered by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster as a result of Hurricane Dorian will stop at noon today, Wednesday, Sept.4, according to South Carolina Department of Transportation officials. View their communication here.

      I-26 Lane Reversal



      Sept. 4, 2019: The I-26 lane reversal will end today at noon!

      A Message from the Chief


      Mount Pleasant, S.C. - The police department has been actively preparing for Hurricane Dorian since we became aware of the storm. As of 7:45 a.m. today, the police department has moved to 12-hour shifts as our community prepares to feel the effects of Hurricane Dorian. Our officers will be housed in Mount Pleasant throughout the storm and will be ready to respond. Extra staffing and increased presence will be seen on the roadways, in the subdivisions, and around businesses. If you have not evacuated, there is still time and our officers will be in place to assist. Keep in mind that the reversal will end at noon today. Those of you who do evacuate, our agency will ensure your homes and businesses are safe. If you decide to stay, we will be in place to assist you. We have special response vehicles staffed and strategically placed throughout town that will allow us to help those in dire need during an emergency situation.

      After Hurricane Dorian leaves our area, please resist the urge to go out and travel the roadways. During this time, first responders will be handling issues and town officials will be out assessing the damage. Please continue to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor for information on Hurricane Dorian. Please be smart during this storm and stay safe!

      Bridges and Wind Speed



      Is the Ravenel Bridge open? This is the question we get many times during a storm. Attached are the warnings that are given when wind speeds reach 30mph and 40mph sustained.
      Please don't venture out onto the roads once Hurricane Dorian arrives!

      Tuesday, September 3, 2019

      National Weather Service Charleston Issues Dorian Overview DORIAN Update # 009: NWS Sept. 3 Update


      Town Makes Second Sand Delivery


      Town Makes Second Sand Delivery at Designated Locations Across Town

      By Martine Wolfe-Miller, Mount Pleasant Communications Manager

      MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (Sept. 3, 2019) – The Town of Mount Pleasant will deliver another 20 tons of sand at Memorial Waterfront Park, Park West Recreation Complex and the Jones Center beginning at 11:15 a.m. today. 

      It will be a self-serve station, with free sandbags available for filling. Bring your own shovel. We will not have personnel at the locations to help you fill your sandbags. Please bring someone who can physically help you fill, lift and carry your bags. 

      Sandbags will be available on a first come/first serve basis. There will be a limit of 10 self-serve bags per household. Once they are gone, the Town will not have additional sandbags for distribution. 
      • 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:
      • Municipal Facebook
      • Police Facebook
      • Blogspot
      • Police Twitter
      • Sign Up to the Alert Center
      • ConnectMP (Android Mobile App)
      • ConnectMP (iPhone Mobile App)

      Town Increases Readiness Level



      Town Increases Readiness Level to OPCON 1

      By Martine Wolfe-Miller, Mount Pleasant Communications Manager

      MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (Sept. 3, 2019) – The Town of Mount Pleasant moved to OPCON 1 this morning at its Emergency Operations Center dayshift briefing. OPCON 1 signifies the highest state of emergency operations. The following closures and cancellations are effective as a result of Hurricane Dorian. 
      Closures and Cancellations
      • All Town of Mount Pleasant Administrative Offices will be closed today until further notice. View the Calendar at www.tompsc.com.
      • The Committees of Council have been canceled and will be rescheduled. Stay informed at www.tompsc.com/alertcenter.aspx
      • The Municipal Court will not be in session today. 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/
      • Monday trash and garbage route will be collected today. However, if you are not able to return your rollcart to a secure location, we advise you to keep the rollcart and loose debris stored and secured until next week’s collection. Check the Alert Center for schedule updates at www.tompsc.com/alertcenter.aspx
      • The Mount Pleasant Farmers Market is canceled today. View the calendar at www.tompsc.com
      • All meetings scheduled for Sept. 3 have been postponed. View the Calendar at www.tompsc.com
      • All Recreation activities for Sept. 3 are postponed. Stay tuned at www.rainedout.com


      For more information about Mount Pleasant’s emergency preparedness, follow us at:
      • Municipal Facebook
      • Police Facebook
      • Blogspot
      • Police Twitter
      • Sign Up to the Alert Center
      • ConnectMP (Android Mobile App)
      • ConnectMP (iPhone Mobile App)

      Portside Ferry Wharf Parking Deck




      Portside Ferry Wharf Parking Deck Open Free of Charge

      By Martine Wolfe-Miller, Mount Pleasant Communications Manager

      MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (Sept. 3, 2019) - Beginning at 2 p.m. today, the Portside Ferry Wharf Parking Deck located at the foot of the Ravenel Bridge, 75 Port City Landing, will be available for free parking to residents during the storm and until Sunday, September 7 at 2 pm.

        Monday, September 2, 2019

        Transportation to Shelters

        If an evacuation is ordered and you do not have transportation, buses will be provided to take you from the following pick-up points to the nearest available shelter. In the event of an emergency, pay attention to local media for possible pick-up location changes.

        Buses run from 8 am until 6 pm. There is not a set time for each stop. The buses will begin at the first stop and continue until full. They will drop off riders at the shelter and come back to resume pickups.

        Mount Pleasant #1 
        (Arthur Ravenel Bridge to the Isle of Palms Connector)

        MP-101: Bus stop at Frontage Road and Lansing Drive (Trader Joe’s).
        MP-102: Bus stop at Ben Sawyer Blvd. and New Parrish Way.
        MP-103: Bus stop at Johnnie Dodds Blvd. & Queensborough Shopping.
        MP-104: Bus stop at Moultrie Middle School – 645 Coleman Blvd.
        MP-105: Bus stop at Market Center Blvd. and Palmetto Grande Drive.
        MP-106: Bus stop at Coleman Blvd. and Harborgate Drive.

        Mount Pleasant #2 
        (North of the Isle of Palms Connector)

        MP-201: Bus stop at Hwy. 17 and Hwy. 41.
        MP-202: Bus stop at Six Mile Road and Tea Planter Road.
        MP-203: Bus stop at Hwy. 17 and Hamlin Road.
        MP-204: Belle Hall Elementary School – 385 Egypt Road.
        MP-205: Lucy Garrett Beckham High School – 1560 Mathis Ferry Road.
        MP-206: Harris Teeter – 2035 Hwy. 41.
        MP-207: Whitesides Elementary School – 1565 Rifle Range Road.

        Charleston County Shelter Information Update


        Charleston County Shelter Information Update

        MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (Sept. 2, 2019) - Citizens should make final preparations for the arrival of weather impacts from Hurricane Dorian. Hurricane shelters opened at noon, Monday, September 2. Shelters are used as a last resort and citizens need to bring necessary personal items with them. Transportation pickup points can be found in Charleston County’s Hurricane Guide at charlestoncounty.org. Buses will run from the hurricane pickup points to shelters from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day weather permitting.

        The following shelters are open:

        · Coastal Pre-Release Center (pet-friendly shelter) – 3765 Leeds Avenue, North Charleston 29405

        · Military Magnet Academy - 2950 Carner Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405

        · R.B. Stall High School - 3625 Ashley Phosphate Rd, North Charleston, SC 29418

        · Jerry Zucker Middle School - 6401 Dorchester Rd, North Charleston, SC 29418

        Please note these County closings and information:

        · The Charleston County Committee and Council meeting scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 5 has been canceled and will be rescheduled.

        · All Charleston County Government offices will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, September 3 until further notice. That includes the Judicial Complex Downtown. Jurors are excused for the remainder of the week.

        · All Charleston County Public Library branches will be closed until further notice. The book drops will be closed during branch closures and we ask patrons to not leave items outside the book drop. All fines that would be incurred during the closure period will be waived. Please check www.ccpl.org and follow the library on Facebook and Twitter for updates. 

        · DAODAS Charleston Center information: All clinical services will be closed for the duration of the week. Outpatient services will resume Monday morning September 9. The Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) will resume normal clinic hours Saturday morning, weather permitting. For further updates please call the Charleston Center helpline at (843) 722-0100. 

        · Tentative Bond Court Schedule: Tuesday, September 3 – 10 a.m. only; Wednesday, September 3 – 10 a.m. only; Thursday, September 5 – Schedule will be determined on Wednesday

        · Charleston County Recycling: Curbside recycling services will be suspended until further notice. The Bees Ferry Landfill and convenience centers closed until further notice. 

        · The Charleston County Marriage License Division will be available to accommodate citizens during the inclement weather office closure. If you need to pick up a marriage license or to fill out an application, please email or call/text:

        o Judge Irv Condon

        irvcondon@charlestoncounty.org

        843.817.2039

        · Charleston County High Wind Bridge Procedure: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/emergency-management/files/BridgeProceduresHighWinds.pdf 

        Starting at Noon on Monday, September 2 Charleston County downtown garages at Cumberland and at King and Queen Street were available for free parking to citizens who live in flood-prone areas. The garages will be open until further notice. 

        Reentry information can be found here: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/emergency-management/files/re-entry-plan.pdf

        Town Update on Hurricane Dorian


        Town Announces Severe Weather Closures, Cancellations

        By Martine Wolfe-Miller, Mount Pleasant Communications Manager 

        MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (Sept. 2, 2019) – The Town of Mount Pleasant has announced the following closures and cancellations as a result of Hurricane Dorian. 

        CLOSURES and CANCELLATIONS 
        • All Town of Mount Pleasant Administrative Offices will be closed Tuesday, Sept. 3 until further notice. View the Calendar at www.tompsc.com.
        • The Committees of Council have been cancelled and will be rescheduled. Stay informed at www.tompsc.com/alertcenter.aspx
        • The Municipal Court will not be in session on Sept. 3. 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/
        • Monday trash and garbage route will be collected tomorrow, Tuesday, Sept. 3. However, if you are not going to be there to bring your rollcart back to a secure location, we advise you to keep the rollcart and loose debris stored and secured until next week’s collection. Check the Alert Center for schedule updates at www.tompsc.com/alertcenter.aspx
        • The Sept. 3 Mount Pleasant Farmers Market is cancelled. View the calendar at www.tompsc.com
        • All meetings scheduled for Sept. 3 have been postponed. View the Calendar at www.tompsc.com
        • All Recreation activities for Sept. 3 are postponed. Stay tuned at www.rainedout.com

        SANDBAG LOCATIONS

        Beginning today at noon, sandbags will be available on a first come/first serve basis. There will be approximately 325 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 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 

        CARTA Information



        TriCounty Link to Suspend Operations Beginning Sept. 2

        NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (Sept. 1, 2019) –  Due to the forthcoming mandatory evacuation order related to Hurricane Dorian,  TriCounty Link, the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester region’s rural public transit agency, will suspend operations beginning Sept. 2.

        Charleston Area Regional Transportation (CARTA)
         service will be monitored beginning Monday morning.
        TriCounty Link service will resume when safe and as directed by state and local leaders.
        Questions regarding the program should be directed to TriCounty Link marketing and communications manager Michelle Emerson, who can be reached at  memerson@bcdcog.com or (843) 529-0333.

        Sunday, September 1, 2019



        Town Completes Preparedness Measures, Issues Sandbag Locations

        By Martine Wolfe-Miller, Mount Pleasant Communications Manager

        MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (Sept. 1, 2019) – South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, today, issued a mandatory coastal evacuation order and reversal I-26 from Charleston to Columbia to mitigate impacts of Hurricane Dorian. The evacuation order and lane reversal will be effective at noon tomorrow, Sept. 2.

        Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie called on all citizens to remain alert and be prepared to evacuate. “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:

        EAST COOPER EVACUATION ROUTES

        o Evacuees leaving Mount Pleasant will take I-526 or US 17 south to I-26.
        o Those leaving Sullivan's Island will use SC 703 to I-526 Business to access I-526, then I-26.
        o 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.
        o 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.
        o 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. 
        o Those in the left lane of I-526 will be directed into the reversed lanes of I-26.

        SANDBAG LOCATIONS

        Beginning at noon on Sept. 2, sandbags will be available on a first-come/first-serve basis at three locations. There will be approximately 325 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 and you may want to bring your shovel.

        o Memorial Waterfront Park – 99 Harry Hallman Blvd.
        o R.L. Jones Recreational Complex – 391 Egypt Rd.
        o Park West Recreation Complex – 1251 Park West Blvd., overflow parking

        For more information about Mount Pleasant’s emergency preparedness, follow us on social media.

        Hurricane Dorian Update Sept. 1, 2019



        Hurricane Dorian Update Sept. 1, 2019 5:00 p.m.

        Smartphone Application



        Make sure you have our smartphone app downloaded! We send emergency notifications straight to your phone! You can also keep up with our social feeds all in one place! Search Mount Pleasant Police in your app store! Free for iOS and Android! 

        Apple - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/town-mt-pleasant-police-department/id702959880?ls=1

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

        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...