FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) – The Florence County Emergency Management Department has officially rolled out a new emergency alert system ahead of Hurricane Florence’s arrival.
Through “Ever Bridge,” residents can sign up online to receive texts, calls or emails from the county. The county will send out notifications during and after the storm to alert residents of any big changes (such as road or school closures) or catastrophes (such as flooding) that may occur.
“Anything that majorly is going to happen over the next couple of days with the storm. We’re going to be able to push that information out via text, email, or telephone call. So we’re actually looking forward to seeing how that plays a factor with this new software that we have here in Florence County,” said Public Information Officer Levi James.
James says the EMD is stressing the importance of communication with the community, among themselves, and with other first responders and local hospitals. He says the department has already completed its hurricane preparedness to-do list, which includes testing emergency radio systems, topping off generators, and making sure all agencies have working equipment.
“Make sure they have the necessary resources on hand. Making sure they have enough resources. If they need additional resources, we can make those requests through the state to get additional resources here to Florence. Also making sure that if we were to activate our EOC, making sure everybody is ready and not just sitting around not being prepared,” he said.
He also encouraged residents to start preparing now instead of waiting last minute.
“Get the necessary things that your family may need if the storm hits as early as Thursday. Make sure you have food, water, medical supplies, anything that you know that’s a necessity for your family. We need you to go ahead and plan for it and get those things done,” he said.
The Florence County EMD also held a briefing on Monday afternoon to review its responsibilities during and after the storm. They went over evacuations plans, damage assessment and recovery efforts.
Florence County will open up shelters at five local schools (Timmonsville Education Center, Wilson High, South Florence High, Lake City High and Hannah-Pamplico Middle-Elementary School) during evacuations. In total, they will have room to house 5,000 evacuees, with the highest capacity at the Timmonsville Education Center. The county also has the capability of operating two special medical needs shelters, which will be run by the American Red Cross and DHEC.
