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Hurricane Season

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1. Who has the authority to issue an evacuation order?

In South Carolina, only the governor can issue a mandatory evacuation order. Your local county and municipal officials are following the Governor’s directive and may enact local measures to support and augment an evacuation order as needed for public safety.  

2. What local agency leads during hurricane season?

The Beaufort County Emergency Management Division, under the direction of the Beaufort County Sheriff, is the lead emergency management agency for all of Beaufort County. They have a direct link to the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, and during emergencies they coordinate all response activities countywide through the Beaufort County Emergency Operations Center. The County Emergency Operations Center is staffed by critical support functions and representatives from all municipalities and military bases in the county as well as representatives from the Beaufort County School District. 

Following the Governor’s lifting of an evacuation order, a policy group made up of senior representatives in the Emergency Operations Center provide input to the Beaufort County Emergency Manager regarding re-entry procedures.  

The Town of Bluffton follows the directives of Beaufort County Emergency Management during a hurricane or critical incident. The Town of Bluffton activates its own Emergency Operations Center, within the Bluffton Police Department, and its representatives are available to assist you with information during a storm event.  

3. What if I need a shelter during a storm?

There are NO shelters available in Beaufort County during a hurricane. Beaufort County, also known as the Lowcountry, is comprised of low-lying land surrounded by marshes, rivers and other bodies of water. There are no shelters in Beaufort County due to its flat land and being flood prone.  

The Red Cross has opened some shelters in Jasper County during storm events. Please call the local Red Cross for further information.  

If a storm event is not a hurricane, Red Cross may open a shelter in Beaufort County, however, variables of each, unique storm dictate that decision. There may also be times when shelters are available in the county following a storm, especially if there are areas of the county which have become temporarily uninhabitable.  Shelter information, when available, will be included in the town’s updates to social media. Additionally, a list of shelters will be available on https://scemd.org/stay-informed/emergency-shelters/ 

4. What if I need transportation to a shelter?

If you need transportation to a shelter prior to a storm, please call Palmetto Breeze, the Lowcountry’s public transportation system at 843.757.5782. Please plan ahead; its buses cease operation once the storm and/or high winds begin.

5. My neighborhood floods during major storms. What are ways to prevent flooding?

The Town of Bluffton has jurisdiction over pollutants in Town neighborhoods, not flooding. Flooding is an issue which your Property Owners Association (POA) must address. If you don’t live in a neighborhood with a Property Owners Association (POA), contact the agency which maintains your streets. In most circumstances, flooding is a result of the neighborhood’s infrastructure or clogged ditches adjacent to streets. 

However, there are tasks which residents and POAs can do to reduce the possibility of flooding. For one, please educate your neighbors to NEVER blow or put lawn debris and/or garbage of any kind in the storm drains. Pipes, ditches and storm drains are a part of the stormwater infrastructure and each one needs to be inspected and possibly cleaned out before Hurricane season. Any obstruction can cause a domino effect of flooding and that could result in damage to your house, your street or your property. Every resident is encouraged to help in this effort and ensure any ditch, pipe or drain near his or her property is clear of any obstruction.

Town employees routinely inspect and clean out stormwater ditches which reside on Town or other public property.  However, numerous stormwater ditches are located on private property or in the jurisdiction of state or county roads. To ensure stormwater is able to flow unimpeded through the town’s infrastructure, all stormwater ditches need to be maintained and regularly cleaned, especially prior to a storm. This ensures a continuous flow of water and prevents clogged areas from flooding. 

If you see a clogged pipe or storm drain in your neighborhood, please notify your POA or the agency which maintains your street. 

If you don’t know which agency is responsible for street maintenance, please view the Road Maintenance Responsibility Map within the Map Gallery on the Town of Bluffton website via: https://www.townofbluffton.sc.gov/686/Map-Gallery.

6. What are the best sources of information during a storm?

During a hurricane, the town’s emergency manager and town employees update the town’s social media accounts frequently to ensure our residents are receiving the most recent, accurate information.  Social media is a wonderful tool, however, especially during a hurricane, it is important to ensure information received is from a credible source. Please be mindful to check if the information you are sharing and/or believing is attributed to a reliable source such as state, county or local government agency.

7. What if Beaufort County is being evacuated but the Savannah area is not?

It is always a good idea to know what is happening regionally since there could be a domino effect on roads and other factors however this situation can also lead to mixed messages. Hurricane Florence in 2018 caused confusion about information sources. Due to the fact the Lowcountry region is within the Savannah media market, many people said they were confused since Beaufort County was being evacuated, but the Savannah, Georgia region was not. In this case, it is best to tune into your local and county government venues versus television stations.  The Savannah area audience is the television station’s primary audience. The Lowcountry audience is secondary. Therefore, local government agencies will have more complete and specific information for your situation.

8. What if I work in Georgia but live in Bluffton?

Hurricane Florence in 2018 presented an unusual situation in which South Carolina was evacuated but Georgia was not.  Many South Carolina residents, who work in Georgia, voiced they felt conflicted between their work obligations and their personal safety. While this situation is rare, it is best to discuss this situation with your employer prior to hurricane season and know your employer’s expectations, plans and parameters if this circumstance arises again.

9. Can I evacuate before an evacuation order?

During a pending storm, early evacuation is encouraged if it is a personally available option. As a former emergency manager said, “When you see a storm brewing, it’s a perfect time to plan a trip to visit friends or family.” If you leave before an official evacuation order, you can travel freely via any route. Once an evacuation order is issued, you may have to take a prescribed route out of town and endure traffic congestion.  If your schedule permits, leaving as soon as you are able can prevent congestion and personal frustration.

10. What happens if I stay in town during a mandatory evacuation order?

Mandatory evacuation orders are issued to save the lives of residents as well as first responders. If you choose to ignore the mandatory evacuation order, be prepared to be self-sufficient during, and for the first 72 hours after, a storm.  High winds during storms prohibit travel of emergency response vehicles and debris following storms may also prevent travel.  In addition, mandatory evacuations also include closure of hospital facilities.  This means medical care is unavailable until after evacuation orders are lifted.

11. What can I do to prepare for a storm?

• The South Carolina Emergency Management Division Hurricane Guide has details about personal plans, zones, emergency shelters and links to other agencies and information. https://scemd.org/stay-informed/publications/hurricane-guide/
• Follow the @TownBlufftonSC and @BlufftonPolice on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
• Use the Beaufort County Hurricane Hotline for updated information.  The phone number is 1-833-254-6400.  There is a specific mailbox for Bluffton updates, and it is available during a hurricane. This phone number is especially useful if you have evacuated.
• Remember the 5 P’s:  People (Pets), Prescriptions, Paper (i.e. Important documents), Personal Needs (i.e. medication, etc.), Priceless Items (i.e. pack your photos albums, etc.) and have a plan for each category.
• Make a paper record of all your contact information for your family and friends in case there is no cell phone service.
• Take photos of your property and home before and after the storm for insurance documentation.
• Secure any loose articles (i.e. outdoor furniture, potted plants or décor items) on your property that has the potential to become airborne and cause damage, or block pipes or ditches.
• Know your evacuations options and pre-plan possible routes and hotels or housing arrangements.
• If you have a pet, know which hotels accept pets during a hurricane.
• Have a supply of at least two weeks’ worth of prescribed medications before you travel.
• Conduct inspections of drainage features around your house and property, including gutters and remove any blockages.
• Turn off irrigation systems.
• Remove items which may hold water to deter mosquito breeding after the storm passes.
• Obtain flood insurance now. Most homeowner insurance policies do not cover flooding.  The federal government administers flood insurance.  More information is available at the National Flood Insurance Program at www.floodsmart.gov.  It is predicted more than 75 % of Beaufort County will have the potential to flood with a Category 1 Hurricane.  Please be mindful you live in the Lowcountry; therefore, the entire region is flat and flood prone.
• Best advice:  Leave PRIOR to an evacuation order.  You can better control your destination and route.  Once an evacuation order is called, SC Highway Patrol Officers and local officers will direct your path of travel which may add to frustration and increase travel time to your intended destination. 
• Remember, if you decide to stay during an evacuation order, emergency services may be suspended due to unsafe weather conditions.  Each resident who stays during an evacuation has to be prepared to address a health or safety situation alone. 
• Please be patient and help your neighbor.  The Town is working around the clock to manage the storm; however, everyone has a role in the community’s safety and recovery.

12. What can my neighborhood or POA do to prepare for a hurricane?

•    The Town emails Property Owners Associations (POA) at the beginning of each hurricane season and prior to a storm to remind property managers of the following:   

• Turn off any well water being pumped into man-made lakes and lagoons. This will allow water levels to decrease therefore, increasing their storage capacity.  
• Shut off any common area irrigation systems. 
• Inspect all storm drains for debris and blockages (i.e. pine needles, leaves, dirt, sediment or trash) and remove this material.
• Inspect all pipe outfalls to ditches or ponds for blockages and remove any obstructions.
• Confirm arrangements for debris/vegetation removal with a landscaping company or contractor.
• Reduce/pump out water levels in lagoons, if possible.

•    Please remember, most stormwater drainage infrastructure is privately owned and maintenance of them are the responsibility of the POA.

•    Trim dead, loose, or overgrown trees and shrubs. Dead or broken limbs may become flying debris during a storm or high winds..

•    Communicate with neighborhood residents to trim dead, loose or overgrown limbs on their property. 

13. How does the Town of Bluffton prepare for a hurricane?

• Coordinates with Beaufort County Emergency Management, Beaufort County School District and other local and regional agencies to refine hurricane procedures, assign specific tasks and participate in hurricane exercises. This is a year-around, continual process.
• Renews contractor agreements for debris removal and stock inventory of equipment and supplies so the Town is ready to activate at any time during the hurricane season.
• Checks all equipment, vehicles and prepares staging areas for equipment needed immediately after the storm.
• Checks all Town-maintained drains, inlets, ditches, roads for any blockage and cleans debris from these areas.
• Trims all dead or loose tree limbs from Town-owned properties and public parks. 
• Emails all local contractors and property owners associations with hurricane preparedness checklists.

14. How do local contractors prepare for a hurricane?

The Town of Bluffton emails local contractors to remind them of the following:

• Take preventative action to ensure all active construction sites are free of equipment, materials and debris.
• All temporary fences and sediment and erosion control devices are properly installed and maintained to avoid dirt leaving site and roadway flooding is prevented.

15. What is the difference between a hurricane/tropical storm watch vs. warning?

A hurricane or tropical storm watch means storm conditions are possible in a specified area. This watch is usually issued 48 hours before storm–force winds are expected in an area.

A hurricane or tropical storm warning means storm conditions are expected in a specified area. This warning is usually issued 36 hours before storm–force winds are expected in an area.

16. What are the categories of storms and what exactly do they mean?

The Saffir-Simpson Scale classifies hurricanes by maximum sustained winds. However, please keep in mind a storm may have stronger wind gusts.

Categories 1 through 5:

• Category 1: 74 to 95 MPH sustained wind speed
• Category 2: 96 to 110 MPH sustained wind speed
• Category 3: 111 to 129 MPH sustained wind speed
• Category 4: 130 to 156 MPH sustained wind speed
• Category 5: Over 157 MPH sustained wind speed

These categories only highlight potential damage and impacts form the wind. This does not address other potential hurricane related impacts, such as storm surge, flooding, and tornadoes.

Please also be mindful to not classify a storm by “just a category X.” There are many variables which can affect the severity of a hurricane such as if it is arrives at high tide.  If a Category 1 arrives at high tide, flooding could be predicted past Highway 170 in the greater Bluffton area. Remember, many factors are in a hurricane equation and each storm and its potential damage is unique. 

17. What do I do if my house loses power?

• Do NOT call 911 for power outages. Contact your service provider.
• Determine if the power outage is isolated to your home, neighborhood, or system wide? Check with neighbors to assess the situation
• To reduce the likelihood of damage, unplug any electrical appliances or electronics to prevent surges or spikes once the power is restored. Ideally, sensitive electronics or devices should be on surge protectors to prevent damage.”
• Turn off the heating and air conditioning system to prevent a surge once the power comes back on.”
• Check your property for damage. Report any fallen power lines. Don’t touch or go near any downed lines.  
• Do not use any electrical outlets, appliances, or circuit breaker boxes that may have been damaged by flooding until they are checked by a qualified professional.”

18. What are the evacuation routes?

For our area, the evacuation route will flow North and West. Lane reversals are possible and should be expected during an evacuation. Evacuation routes can be found at https://www.scemd.org/prepare/know-your-zone/.

Again, if you able to leave early, it is a wise decision to reduce traffic congestion and personal frustration and you will also have freedom to travel the route you choose.  Once, an evacuation is underway, you will most likely have to take the route which the officers are directing you.

19. What is the CARE program and how do I get added to it?

The Citizen Assistance Response Effort, or CARE program, is organized by the Bluffton Police Department and completely run by volunteers. Call the Bluffton Police Department at (843) 706-4550 for more information or email Sgt. DeStasio at jdestasio@townofbluffton.com.

This program is designed to check on those who are elderly, live alone or are disabled and desire a regular call to ensure they are okay.

Volunteers call those who are enrolled in the free program two to three times a week to check on them.

20. What is the Smart911 Program?

With Smart911, you can provide 9-1-1 call takers and first responders critical information you want them to know in any kind of emergency. This information is given to 9-1-1 dispatchers prior to an emergency situation. 

When you call 9-1-1, your Smart911 Safety Profile displays on the 9-1-1 screen and the 9-1-1 call takers can view your addresses, medical information, home information, description of pets and vehicles, and emergency contacts. You can provide as much or as little information as you like.

Smart911 is a national service meaning your Smart911 Safety Profile travels with you and is visible to any participating 9-1-1 center nationwide.

To participate please visit www.smart911.com

21. How do people who only speak Spanish access information regarding hurricanes?

The Bluffton Police Department does have a Hispanic Hotline. That phone number is 843-706-7806. Please leave a message and a Spanish-speaking officer will call you back. Please know this hotline is monitored however, it may take a day or two for an officer to call you back.

Dispatch (9-1-1) has access to interpreters for Spanish and numerous other languages. If it is an emergency, please call 9-1-1.

Additionally, a Spanish-speaking resident can also set their settings for social media as well as the Town’s website to numerous other languages. Therefore, all the information available in English is also available in numerous other languages.  The Town’s website is: https://www.townofbluffton.sc.gov/.  In the bottom, right hand corner of the website’s homepage, you can “Select Language.” 

22. ¿Cómo acceden las personas que solo hablan español a la información sobre huracanes?

El Departamento de Policía de Bluffton tiene una línea directa para hispanos. Ese número de teléfono es 843-706-7806. Deje un mensaje y un oficial de habla hispana le devolverá la llamada. Tenga en cuenta que esta línea directa está supervisada; sin embargo, un oficial puede tardar uno o dos días en devolverle la llamada.

Despacho8 (9-1-1) tiene acceso a intérpretes para español y muchos otros idiomas. Si es una emergencia, llame al 9-1-1.

Además, un residente de habla hispana también puede configurar su configuración para las redes sociales, así como el sitio web de Town, en muchos otros idiomas. Por tanto, toda la información disponible en inglés también está disponible en muchos otros idiomas. El sitio web de la ciudad es: https://www.townofbluffton.sc.gov/. En la esquina inferior derecha de la página de inicio del sitio web, puede "Seleccionar idioma".

23. What is an OPCON level and what do they mean?

South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) operates on a system of Operational Condition Levels, also known as OPCONS. This numerical scale is how SCEMD, the State Emergency Response Team and counties coordinate, prepare and respond to major emergencies.

The levels are designed to simplify the steps agencies take in order to fully activate emergency resources. The three OPCONs and their definitions are compatible with the majority of state and federal emergency management organizations nationwide, making the state’s processes and procedures easier to understand for teams deploying into South Carolina during a disaster.

South Carolina’s OPCONs and their definitions are as follows:

• OPCON ONE - Full Alert
  • A disaster or emergency is imminent or occurring. The State Emergency Operations Center is fully activated. All agency personnel are activated or available for activation.
• OPCON TWO - Enhanced Awareness
  • A disaster or emergency is likely to affect the state. Emergency Operations Plans are implemented. The State Emergency Operations Center is partially activated if necessary.
• OPCON THREE - Normal Daily Operations

Agencies coordinate, plan, train and exercise as warranted. Incidents are monitored by the State Warning Point and local emergency managers.

24. What are all the social media and digital venues to access information for the Town of Bluffton and Bluffton Police Department?

The Town of Bluffton and its police department use various social media platforms to ensure as many people as possible have access to information. Just like people have a social media preference, so do towns and cities. Facebook is the most popular and most frequently used. However, information is distributed on all platforms.

The Town’s social media platforms include:

• Facebook:
  • Town of Bluffton Government
  • Bluffton Police Department
  • Don Ryan Center for Innovation
• Instagram:
  • townofbluffton
  • blufftonpolice
  • donryancenter
• Nextdoor:
  • Town of Bluffton
  • Bluffton Police Department
• Twitter:
  • @TownofBluffton
  • @BlufftonPolice
• YouTube:
  • Town of Bluffton, SC Government
  • Bluffton Police Department
• It is also recommended to sign up for Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Nixle alerts since Beaufort County is the lead agency during weather events such as hurricanes and tropical storms. https://local.nixle.com/register/
• The Town of Bluffton’s website address is www. Townofbluffton.sc.gov.  It has an entire section dedicated to hurricane information and resources. Click on the top bar on homepage labeled, “Prepare for Hurricanes.”
• If you have any additional questions, please contact the Town’s communication team.
  • Debbie Szpanka, director of communications and community outreach for the Town, at (email) dszpanka@townofbluffton.com
  • Tia Bowers, digital communications manager for the Town, at (email) tbowers@townofbluffton.com 
  • For general emergency management questions, please contact Stephen Combs, emergency manager, at (email) scombs@townofbluffton.com