NEWS RELEASE #14 – TOWN OF JAMES ISLAND RETURNS TO OPCON 5
The Town of James Island has returned to OPCON 5 and remains open for regular business today, Wednesday, October 12th.
Recovery from Hurricane Matthew continues. Residents may reach Town staff by calling the Town Hall phone number 843-795-4141. For emergencies, call 911.
The JIPSD has cleared all major roads and most neighborhood roads on James Island.
Burn Ban Lifted
The Governor has lifted the ban on outside burning. Even so, please do not burn hurricane debris. It will be picked up soon and we frequently receive complaints about smoke. Be careful with any fires.
Power
Crews are on James Island today working hard to restore service as fast as they can. There remain approximately 2,200 customers without service in all of Charleston County and SCE&G anticipates that everyone will again have power by 11:45 PM on Thursday, October 13th. Please continue to be patient.
Downed Power lines: SCE&G- 1-888-333-4465 Gas Leaks: SCE&G -1-899-815-0083
Power outages can happen in an instant. Below are some helpful resources and tips to help keep you and your family safe.
Do not connect a portable generator to a home's electrical system. Always use caution when operating a portable generator and be sure it is properly grounded before use. Improper use can injure electrical utility workers as a result of "feedback" to the electrical distribution systems. Connect equipment directly to the outlets on the generator. Only use approved and properly sized power cords.
Operate generators outside, away from flammable objects and do not run in unvented spaces without windows or cross-ventilation. Odorless and colorless carbon monoxide gas from gas-fueled heaters and generators can build up; resulting in injury or death.
Turn off or disconnect any appliances, equipment or electronics you were using when the power went out. When power comes back on, surges or spikes can damage equipment.
Check the temperature of your food. Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures above 40ð F (4ð C) for 2 hours or more, or any food with an unusual odor, color or texture.
Hurricane Debris
The PSD and the City of Charleston both began picking up regular garbage Monday, October 10th and will continue their regular schedule for the rest of this week. Please put household garbage in the usual tan rolling bins and place on the street on the normal day.
Charleston County has activated the debris removal contractors. They were scheduled to arrive on James Island today. Please make sure all the storm debris is on the side of the road, away from downed power lines or power poles. Debris removal contractors WILL NOT remove storm debris off of private property, so again please make sure to get your debris to the side of the road. Do not block the roads with your debris.
Please remember the majority of accidents and injuries occur after a storm. Make sure to use extreme caution when operating power tools, etc.
There is currently a CYBER scam, asking you to "click here" for more information on your power outage. Do not open this email. Go to SCE&G's website at https://www.sceg.com/outages-emerg…/power-outages/outage-map
Other important information: 2016 Charleston County Hurricane Guide: http://bit.ly/Hurricaneguide2016 Charleston
County Citizen Alert System: Charleston County residents should register for the Charleston County Citizen Alert System, a free program that allows the public to receive voicemail, text message, and email notifications about emergency situations. Register online at https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085611698#login
High Wind and Bridge Policy:
www.charlestoncounty.org/…/fi…/bridgeprocedureshighwinds.pdf
Definition of OPCON levels:
www.charlestoncounty.org/depa…/emergencymanagement.opcon.php
The Charleston County Emergency Management Department developed and maintains an Emergency Operations Plan and Re-Entry Plan for the entire County. Please visit their website at
www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/emergency-management for more information and links to those documents.
Here are some important numbers or websites you need to know.
Downed Trees: Call 911
Non-emergency Public Safety concerns: Consolidated Dispatch – (843) 743-7200.
Here are other important links with helpful information:
South Carolina Emergency Management Division: http://www.scemd.org/
FEMA website for Citizen Preparedness: http://www.ready.gov/FEMA:https://www.fema.gov/
National Weather Service Charleston Office: http://www.weather.gov/chs/
Pet Friendly Hotels: http://www.pet-friendly-hotels.net/