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.

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.

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.

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. 

Transportation

If an evacuation is ordered and you do not have transportation, buses will be provided to pick you up and take you to an emergency shelter. Below are the pick up points for Mount Pleasant:

Sandbag Update

The Snee Farm locations are out of sandbags. The Six Mile location is out of bags but still has some sand for you to fill your own.


The following locations still awaiting deliveries: Whole Foods, Pearl Street, Royall/Ferry, Old Food Lion/Brookgreen Center

Waste Management and Sandbags

The Waste Management Division will be executing their normal Wednesday route today. It is undetermined if the Thursday route will be run tomorrow pending weather and the impact of lane reversal on the roads.


Sandbags are being delivered this morning to the following locations, they are available on a first come first serve basis.  Please take only what you need because there is a limited supply:

                -Corner of Royall and Ferry Streets

                -Snee Farm (Hwy 17 entrance)

                -Food Lion/Brookgreen Center

                -Bowman at Stuart Engels

                -Pearl Street at Ellen Drive

                -Kincade Drive at Majorie St.

                -Whole Foods

A pile of sand has been delivered to the PSD 6 Mile Facility.  The sand is located by the oil recycle center at the facility.  There are empty sandbags and shovels available for the public to fill up.  Please take only what you need because there is a limited supply.

Hurricane Matthew

 

 

Mount Pleasant, SC – The Town of Mount Pleasant is closely monitoring Hurricane Matthew as The National Hurricane Center has included Charleston County within the forecast cone. Equipment has been staged and personnel are ready to respond if needed. Information about the storm will be updated through the police department's social media channels. The Town of Mount Pleasant encourages everyone to follow the accounts listed below for updated information:

Twitter - @mountpleasantpd
Facebook - www.facebook.com/mountpleasantpd
Nextdoor - www.nextdoor.com
Blog - www.mppdnews.blogspot.com

The Mount Pleasant Police Department also sends updated alerts through their smartphone application. It is free to download for iOS and Android Devices:

iOS- https://appsto.re/us/ieL5P.i
Android- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.netgalaxystudios.tomppd&hl=en

All Town of Mount Pleasant Offices will be closed October 5, 2016 through October 7, 2016. This includes all municipal court sessions and all recreational activities.

In preparation for the storm, make sure you have updated your emergency plan to include all preparations to protect life and property. Keep your cellular telephones charged and on hand. Having a car charger will be helpful if you lose power to your home. Below are a few checklist items to complete now:

·         Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit.

·         Make sure you have basic supplies to include any prescriptions you may need.

·         Bring loose, lightweight objects inside that could become projectiles in high winds.

·         Review your evacuation plan with your family. Make sure you have a full fuel tank.

·         Monitor TV, radio, and the Mount Pleasant Police Department’s social media accounts for updates and emergency instructions.

If you need emergency assistance during the storm, please call 911. The non-emergency number for Charleston County Consolidated dispatch is 843-743-7200.

Emergency Preparedness

Is your emergency supply kit properly stocked? Take the time to make sure you have the necessary items your family will need.

Ravenel Bridge Incident

 

 

 

On September 30, 2016, at approximately 9:44 a.m., an officer from the Mount Pleasant Police Department was approached by a citizen and told that a person may have jumped from the Ravenel Bridge. A Charleston City Fire Department boat responded to the area and did recover a body. Detectives are still investigating. The Coroner’s Office will be responsible for releasing any information regarding the person’s identity.



When to Call 911

 

 

 

Ever wonder whether or not you should call 9-1-1 or the nonemergency line for a problem? You’re not alone. In this video the Mount Pleasant Police Department teams up with the Mount Pleasant Fire Department to give you some quick tips to help you determine which number to call if you need help. For all emergencies dial 9-1-1, and for nonemergency situations, you can call the Charleston County Consolidated Dispatch Center at 843-743-7200. Be Safe!

Start a Discussion with Your Child - Online Predators

 

 

 

Use these discussion starters to get an Internet safety conversation going with your children. The more often you talk to them about online safety, the easier it will get, so don’t get discouraged if they don’t respond immediately!

 

 

• What do you know about online predators?
• Have you ever met anyone online who asked you to meet face-to-face?
• What would/did you do if someone asked to meet you in person?
• Has anyone ever tried talking to you online about inappropriate or sexual things? What did you do?
• How might someone online try to gain your trust?
• Why might someone online want to gain your trust? What are the possible risks of trusting them?
• Why is it important that you come to me if someone makes you feel uncomfortable online?

 

Help Protect Your Children from Online Predators

There is no greater risk to a child’s safety than an online predator who wishes to meet in person. Help teach your children to identify predators’ methods for online enticement.

• Your child should NEVER meet face-to-face with anyone they first met online without your permission and/or attendance.
• Take an interest in your child’s online activities and know with whom he or she is communicating.
• Teach your child to refrain from talking about sex with anyone they meet online.
• Do not hesitate to ask questions, especially if your child is acting suspiciously.
• Teach your child not to reveal personal information.
• Approve all photos and videos before your child posts them online. Make sure they do not reveal identifying information and are not sexually provocative or inappropriate.
• Look for warning signs. If you feel your child is in danger, make a report to www.cybertipline.com and contact your local law-enforcement agency immediately.

Identification Needed

 

 

 

The Mount Pleasant Police Department is requesting the public's help to identify the two suspects pictured above. They were seen at The Tides in the parking garage taking bicycles and fishing equipment on August 8, 2016. 

 



Anyone with information about this suspect is asked to call Pfc. Reynolds 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.



Running Man Challenge

     

We want to sincerely thank the Tapio School of Dance for their work in helping us put this video together! We could not have do this without them!

 

The support we have received from our community has been overwhelming and we want to thank you for all of the cards, hugs, social media comments, and catered lunches! We are truly blessed and honored to serve the citizens of the Town of Mount Pleasant!

 

A big thank you to Marquel Coaxum from the Town of Mount Pleasant Communications Office for helping us film this endeavor and for giving video guidance!