Public news and announcements are brought to you by the Horry County Public Information Office.
On October 4, 2018 in Emergencies
Conway, South Carolina – Horry County will move to Operating Condition (OPCON) 4 as of 4 p.m. this afternoon. OPCON 4 means that flooding still poses a threat to Horry County, however, the area rivers and waterways continue to recede and the situation is becoming more stabilized. Horry County Emergency Management is transitioning into recovery efforts to assist those in our community who currently have immediate and future needs.
The Horry County Emergency Operations Center and the Phone Bank will close as of 5 p.m. today. Citizens may still call Horry County Emergency Management at (843) 915-5150 during normal business hours.
Residents affected by Hurricane Florence and the subsequent flooding can apply to FEMA for assistance by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov. Alternatively, citizens may call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362. Individuals with a speech disability or hearing loss may use TTY by calling 1-800-462-7585. Individuals utilizing a 711 or video relay service (VRS) may call 1-800-621-3362. The FEMA National Processing Service Center is available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
Additional flooding information can be found on Horry County’s official website and on Horry County Emergency Management's Facebook page and Twitter feed.
On October 9, 2016 in Emergencies
Date: October 9, 2016
Time: 12 p.m.
Hurricane Matthew Update:
Horry County Emergency Management can be reached at 843-915-5150 and can also be followed on Facebook and Twitter.
On October 4, 2016 in County News, Emergencies, General, Public Safety
Date: October 4, 2016 Time: 12 p.m. Conway, South Carolina – Horry County has moved to OPCON 3 (Level 3 Operating Condition) in preparation of Hurricane Matthew. OPCON 3 means the storm poses a significant threat to Horry County. County officials are in continual discussions with South Carolina Emergency Management, coastal communities including local municipalities, the Governor’s office and will continue to monitor the situation closely. The Horry County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is NOT fully activated at this time however it is prepared to fully activate if the Governor issues a mandatory evacuation order. Should mandatory evacuation order be issued, it is important that residents are familiar with the evacuation zones as follows:
Prior to any evacuation orders, it is important that residents are familiar with the evacuation route that they will take:
Residents that live in Evacuation Zone C should utilize the closest available evacuation route to safely evacuate the area. When evacuating, it is important to take a road map. Motorists should be aware that law enforcement and the South Carolina National Guard may be posted along evacuation routes to provide assistance. Evacuation routes and maps are available on Horry County’s office website. Whether required to evacuate or not, citizens should:
If an evacuation order is given, 16-area schools will be opened as American Red Cross Shelters. Shelters should be considered as a place of last resort to ride out the storm, shelters may be crowded, they do not accept pets and not designed for comfort. When going to a shelter, citizens will need to take their own supplies such as batteries, bedding, identification, toiletries, clothing, etc…Shelters do not accept guns, alcohol or animals. To easily locate a shelter, download the American Red Cross’ Shelter Finder application on the Apple iTunes Store or Google Play. Additional hurricane information can be found on Horry County’s website. This link contains information on how to prepare for an emergency, evacuation routes and maps, re-entry information, shelters, etc.
On October 4, 2015 in General
Conway, South Carolina – Horry County has resumed to Operating Condition (OPCON) 1 due to potential flooding issues. OPCON 1 means a disaster or emergency situation is in effect and poses a significant threat to Horry County. Horry County will activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at noon today.
Due to potential flooding issues throughout the county, a shelter is open at the Risen Christ Lutheran Church, located at 10595 North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach, just south of Barefoot Landing.
The biggest threats to our area continue to be flash floods and dangerous maritime conditions. All low lying areas, areas prone to flooding, and communities along the Waccamaw River should use extra caution and prepare for potential flooding. The combination of increasing wave action and water runoff may lead to beach erosion and rip currents will also become elevated beginning this afternoon.
Citizens are highly encouraged to stay off the roads if at all possible. The dangers of driving and driving at night poses a higher risk as the hazards become harder to recognize. Please drive with extreme caution!
Citizens should stay tuned to local media for updates. It is also a good time to review family emergency plans, including items that may be needed such as water, batteries, flashlights, etch. Additional flooding information can be found on Horry County’s official website at http://www.horrycounty.org or to review FEMA flood maps at http://www.horrycounty.org/OnlineServices/FEMAFloodMaps.
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Flood Safety Tips
During a flood, water levels and the rate the water is flowing can quickly change. Remain aware and monitor your local media outlets. Avoid flood waters at all costs!
Stay Informed
Monitor local your local media outlets (including NOAA Weather Radio), internet, and social media for information and updates.
Get to Higher Ground
Get out of areas subject to flooding and get to higher ground. Move personal belongings that may flood.
Obey Warning and Road Closure Signs
Do not drive into flooded roadways or around a barricade; Turn around! Water may be deeper than it appears and can hide many hazards (i.e. ditches, sharp objects and debris, washed out roads, electrical wires, etc.). A vehicle caught in swiftly moving water can be swept away in a matter of seconds. Twelve-inches of water can float a car or small SUV and 18-inches of water can carry away large vehicles.
Drive with Caution
Flooding will make driving difficult as run-off collects across intersection and low spots. In addition, some small creeks and ditches may quickly get out of their banks and sill across the roadway. The dangers of driving at night poses a higher risk as the hazards become harder to recognize. Please drive with extreme caution!
Avoid Flood Waters
Do not walk through flood waters. It only takes six-inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. Watch out for your pets and bring them inside.
Practice Electrical Safety
Don’t go into any room if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping or popping noises – get out!
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