Public news and announcements are brought to you by the Horry County Public Information Office.
On September 20, 2018 in Emergencies
To support residents that need to evacuate, the American Red Cross has opened six evacuation shelters in preparation for potential flooding and necessary evacuations. These are the current open shelters:
Loris Elementary School
Horry Georgetown Tech - Grand Strand Campus
City of Conway Parks and Recreation
Whitmore Park Middle School
Ocean Drive Elementary School
North Myrtle Beach High School
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.
People who need to evacuate, but are worried about their animals can contact the Horry County Animal Care Center (HCACC) at 843-915-5930. The HCACC is assisting animals that need to be cared for during the evacuations. Please do not leave your animals at home if you evacuate.
The Horry County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated at this time and the Phone Bank is operational (843-915-5150) to assist residents and visitors with questions.
On September 9, 2018 in Emergencies
Horry County Council has declared a localized state of emergency to adopt emergency ordinances to meet public emergencies affecting life, health, safety or the property of the people in our area. The declaration will remain in effect for sixty (60) days unless sooner terminated by resolution by County Council.
On September 8, 2017 in Emergencies
Date: 8 September 2017
Time: 4 p.m.
Conway, South Carolina – Even though Hurricane Irma’s track has shifted, Horry County Government will closely monitor the storm over the weekend and is in continuous conversations with the National Weather Service and state officials. Horry County remains at OPCON 4 which means that Hurricane Irma still poses a potential threat to Horry County. The Horry County Emergency Operations Center is NOT open at this time.
With its current track, Horry County can expect to see up to five inches of rain, minor coastal flooding and rough surf with possible rip currents. There is also an elevated chance of tornadoes late Sunday into early Monday morning. Low lying and flood prone areas could be in jeopardy of seeing some level of overflow.
In anticipation of possible effects on Horry County from the tropical system, the National Weather Service has issued warnings of high rip current risk along Horry County’s beaches. This means that the surf is dangerous to all levels of swimmers. All beach goers are urged to heed the advice of lifeguards. Additional safety tips include:
Additional swimming safety information can be found on the National Weather Service website.
Residents of Horry County should plan to have all hurricane preparation completed by midday Saturday in the event that this tropical system’s track changes. Citizens should stay tuned to local media or the National Hurricane Center for the most up to date hurricane location information.
Additional hurricane information can be found on Horry County’s website.
Horry County Emergency Management Facebook
Horry County Emergency Management Twitter
Time: 7:30 a.m.
Conway, South Carolina – Horry County remains at Operating Condition 4 (OPCON) this morning however, county staff will continue conversations with state officials. OPCON 4 means that Hurricane Irma still poses a potential threat to Horry County.
Hurricane Irma’s track is still uncertain however citizens should continue to monitor this dangerous system. Citizens should be finishing up preparations today and tomorrow should the storm change track. The following are steps to take to prepare:
Additional hurricane information can be found on Horry County’s website at www.horrycounty.org.
Horry County Operating Condition (OPCON) Levels
OPCON 5: Normal day to day operations
OPCON 4: Storm poses possible threat: The possibility of an emergency or disaster situation that may require activation of the Emergency Operation Center (EOC).
OPCON 3: Storm poses significant threat: A disaster or emergency situation is likely. Most likely the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) has been or will be activated (either partially or fully based on the severity of the event).
OPCON 2: Evacuation order imminent: A disaster or emergency situation is imminent or in effect.
OPCON 1: Evacuation order issued: A major disaster or emergency is in effect. This is the highest state of emergency situation and the Emergency Operations Center is fully activated. This also applies to post disaster operations.
On March 28, 2017 in Emergencies, Public Safety
Conway, South Carolina – The Horry County Emergency Management Department will enhance its Know Your Zone campaign initiative by adding evacuation zone signs throughout respective areas of the County.
The signs will be added to existing Horry County street signs in evacuation zone areas, located within unincorporated areas of Horry County.
The signs indicate evacuation zones A, B and C by color with red representing Zone A, the color yellow representing Zone B and the color orange representing Zone C. The indicators measure approximately 9 inches by 9 inches.
The multi-year project will involve distribution of the evacuation zone signs in phases. The first phase will focus on transition sections between evacuation zone areas.
Following Hurricane Matthew, Horry County residents requested clarification of evacuation zone areas. The fixed signage will indicate evacuation zone areas for citizens who reside and work in the respective sections.
Evacuation Zone A: All areas east of U.S. Business 17 (Kings Highway), up to U.S. 17 intersection and all areas east of U.S. 17 to the Northern county line.
Evacuation Zone B: All areas south of Highway 707 and Longwood Drive, including all areas in Longwood Plantation (Blackmoor) to the Waccamaw River and all areas between Highway 17 and Highway 17 Business.
Evacuation Zone C: All areas between Highway 701 and Highway 544, south of Browns Chapel Avenue and Highway 814, plus all areas east of Highway 31 (Carolina Bays Parkway) to Highway 90 and all areas east of Highway 90 to the county line.
Know Your Zone is a public education campaign to inform the citizens and visitors of Horry County of the hurricane evacuation zones and the vulnerability to storm surge.
The Know Your Zone campaign was developed as a result of the information contained in the South Carolina Hurricane Evacuation Study (HES) for the Northern Conglomerate that was released by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in 2012. The campaign also reflects the National Hurricane Center’s (NHC) decision to separate the association of storm surge inundation from the category of storm.
For information on evacuation, reentry, storm preparation and more, visit Horry County Emergency Management online.
For more information on the Know Your Zone campaign initiative, click HERE.
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