S.C. hurricane plan ready, agencies say
By Zane Wilson
The Sun News
COLUMBIA - State officials say they have adapted some plans to the lessons of Katrina and are as ready as they can be if a hurricane strikes the coast.
The hurricane season opens June 1 and runs through Nov. 30, but last year's season was so active that a hurricane formed late in December and was still alive Jan. 1.
The outlook is for an equally active season this year with a higher probability of a hurricane striking the East Coast, and less for one to hit the Gulf Coast, a state weather expert warned.
Gov. Mark Sanford met Wednesday with top officials of agencies that will be involved in hurricane response, trying to gauge whether everything is in place or when it will be.
"This is a chance, one last time, to get together to compare notes and walk through our plan," Sanford said.
He said "it is vital" that the state be prepared, but just as vital that individuals make their own plans for evacuation and for providing for themselves in case of shortages of food and water.
The main thing people need to remember is to evacuate early if a storm is approaching, Sanford said.
Should a massive evacuation have to occur in the height of tourist season, supplies and equipment are pre-staged or ready to arrive quickly, said Department of Transportation Director Betty Mabry.
U.S. 501 is one of a handful of roads from the coast that will have lane reversal, meaning westbound traffic will use all lanes.
Informational signs, portable toilets and drinking water are ready for use along the evacuation routes if needed, she said.
"We've trained quite often," Mabry said.
The agency is also prepared to clear roads quickly after the storm passes, she said.
State Emergency Management Director Ron Osborne said it is critical that roads be cleared enough so that emergency response teams can enter to assess damage and needs.
Sanford asked about security for the evacuated areas if there is a massive evacuation.
State Law Enforcement Division Chief Robert Stewart said 200 agents will stay in evacuated areas to provide security, and that some wildlife officers also will help.
While there are fewer shelters than in past years, the ones that are left have more capacity, Osborne said. The shelters are being moved farther back from the coast, out of possible areas of harm.
Horry and Georgetown counties recently learned they will have fewer shelters.
But officials say shelters should be considered a last resort. People should try to make their own arrangements, such as staying with friends or relatives or renting a hotel room, before planning to go to a shelter.
The National Guard is in better shape to respond if needed than it has been for the past few years, said Adjutant Gen. Stan Spears.
That is because fewer guard members are serving in Iraq, and they have brought back their equipment that would also be needed, he said.
If the National Guard is overwhelmed, the state can get assistance from the regular army if Sanford asks for it, he said.
"Governor, I think we're OK," Spears said. "There's not one area that I'm concerned with."
But Earl Hunter, director of the state Department of Health and Environmental Control, said authorities are still trying to make sure there is enough transportation to move all nursing home and hospital patients out of harm's way.
The Sun News
COLUMBIA - State officials say they have adapted some plans to the lessons of Katrina and are as ready as they can be if a hurricane strikes the coast.
The hurricane season opens June 1 and runs through Nov. 30, but last year's season was so active that a hurricane formed late in December and was still alive Jan. 1.
The outlook is for an equally active season this year with a higher probability of a hurricane striking the East Coast, and less for one to hit the Gulf Coast, a state weather expert warned.
Gov. Mark Sanford met Wednesday with top officials of agencies that will be involved in hurricane response, trying to gauge whether everything is in place or when it will be.
"This is a chance, one last time, to get together to compare notes and walk through our plan," Sanford said.
He said "it is vital" that the state be prepared, but just as vital that individuals make their own plans for evacuation and for providing for themselves in case of shortages of food and water.
The main thing people need to remember is to evacuate early if a storm is approaching, Sanford said.
Should a massive evacuation have to occur in the height of tourist season, supplies and equipment are pre-staged or ready to arrive quickly, said Department of Transportation Director Betty Mabry.
U.S. 501 is one of a handful of roads from the coast that will have lane reversal, meaning westbound traffic will use all lanes.
Informational signs, portable toilets and drinking water are ready for use along the evacuation routes if needed, she said.
"We've trained quite often," Mabry said.
The agency is also prepared to clear roads quickly after the storm passes, she said.
State Emergency Management Director Ron Osborne said it is critical that roads be cleared enough so that emergency response teams can enter to assess damage and needs.
Sanford asked about security for the evacuated areas if there is a massive evacuation.
State Law Enforcement Division Chief Robert Stewart said 200 agents will stay in evacuated areas to provide security, and that some wildlife officers also will help.
While there are fewer shelters than in past years, the ones that are left have more capacity, Osborne said. The shelters are being moved farther back from the coast, out of possible areas of harm.
Horry and Georgetown counties recently learned they will have fewer shelters.
But officials say shelters should be considered a last resort. People should try to make their own arrangements, such as staying with friends or relatives or renting a hotel room, before planning to go to a shelter.
The National Guard is in better shape to respond if needed than it has been for the past few years, said Adjutant Gen. Stan Spears.
That is because fewer guard members are serving in Iraq, and they have brought back their equipment that would also be needed, he said.
If the National Guard is overwhelmed, the state can get assistance from the regular army if Sanford asks for it, he said.
"Governor, I think we're OK," Spears said. "There's not one area that I'm concerned with."
But Earl Hunter, director of the state Department of Health and Environmental Control, said authorities are still trying to make sure there is enough transportation to move all nursing home and hospital patients out of harm's way.
posted by SCGOP at 1:34 PM
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