Georgetown and Horry County governments have moved to Operating Condition (OPCON) 3 as Emergency Management Division staff continue to monitor and prepare for Hurricane Matthew. Emergency Operations Centers for both counties will be partially activated.
OPCON 3 indicates a disaster or emergency situation is likely or imminent. Hurricane Matthew’s track shifted to the west yesterday and early this morning, placing the South Carolina coast well within the five-day forecast cone. Matthew may move by our coast as a strong to possibly major hurricane, with the closest approach during Saturday, according to the National Weather Service’s 7:30 a.m. assessment. “Some uncertainty remains, but overall there is general agreement within the models bringing Matthew to, or near, the Carolina coast at the end of the week,” the assessment states.
The county’s Emergency Management Division, in conjunction with S.C. Emergency Management and the National Weather Service, will continue to monitor the storm closely and update the public on the threat for our area, residents and visitors.
Members of the public are strongly encouraged to immediately begin reviewing or making emergency plans for their families and businesses, and reviewing those plans with all family members and/or employees. Review evacuation routes, determine where you will go if an evacuation is ordered and check emergency supply kits to make sure necessary items are included. Make sure you include pets in your evacuation plans and pack items they will need as well. It’s also a good idea to gather important documents, such as home insurance information and ID to reenter the area after a storm if evacuation is required.
Emergency supply kits should contain:
• Non-perishable food
• Drinking water (two gallons per person per day)
• Flashlights with extra batteries and bulbs
• First aid kit
• Non-electrical can opener
• Necessary medications and prescriptions
• Needed supplies for any children
• Needed supplies for any pets
• Important documents (insurance policies, photo ID, tax records, bank information, etc.)
• Toiletries and other personal hygiene items
• Cash and credit cards
• Weather radio with extra batteries
If evacuation becomes necessary, residents should take the following items with them:
• Water—one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply)
- Food—non-perishable, easy to prepare items (3-day supply)
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Emergency blanket
• Map(s) of the area
• Other essential items that could not be replaced if they were destroyed
For other planning resources, visit www.gtcounty.org or www.scemd.orgInformation above is from a submitted press release.