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

Tropical Storm Hermine

Mount Pleasant, SC – The Town of Mount Pleasant is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Hermine as The National Hurricane Center has extended the tropical storm warning to include Charleston County. 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

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. Keep the following in mind:

If you have to be on the roadways tomorrow, drive with extra caution. If you encounter water on the roadway, look for an alternate route.

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

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

 

 

South Carolina Emergency Management Division Press Release

The SCEMD just put out this press release regarding Subtropical Storm Ana:

SCEMD Monitors Subtropical Storm Ana

 

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Friday, May 8, 2015, 11:15 a.m.) – The first named storm of 2015 has formed and will affect South Carolina this weekend.  The National Hurricane Center has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for portions of the South Carolina coast. Forecasters expect Subtropical Storm Ana to produce heavy rain, gusty wind and rough surf. The S.C. Emergency Management Division, county emergency managers and state agencies are monitoring the latest forecasts and planning as necessary. 

 

“We were fortunate to be able to discuss the storm with the Director of the National Hurricane Center in person during his Hurricane Hunter stop at Myrtle Beach on Wednesday,” SCEMD Director Kim Stenson said, “We’ve also met with the county emergency managers and the state agencies who are a part of our Hurricane Task Force. We’re prepared to respond to any requests for state assistance.”

 

SCEMD will increase its state of operational readiness to Condition 4 at noon today. OpCon4 is the second lowest of five operational conditions. Personnel representing key state response agencies were notified to review plans and procedures and are on call if needed.

 

SCEMD urges everyone to review emergency plans and use caution as conditions warrant:

·         Monitor local media and NOAA Weather Radio for the most current weather conditions.

·         Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards and local emergency officials.

·         Know the meaning of and obey warnings represented by colored beach flags.

·         Be aware of potential flash flooding. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move to higher ground. Do not wait to be told to move.

·         If time allows, prepare your home for a flood by moving essential items to an upper floor, bring in outdoor furniture, disconnect electrical appliances and be prepared to turn off the gas, electricity and water.

·         Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.

·         Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.

 

Resources:

·         Visit www.scemd.org for updates and preparation information.

·         All SCEMD social feeds are here: www.tinyurl.com/SocialSCEMD.

·         Real-time travel information from SCDOT: http://www.scdot.org/getting/travelAdvisories.aspx.

·         The National Hurricane Center: www.hurricanes.gov.

 

The 2015 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially begins June 1 and lasts until November 30.