COLUMBIA, S.C. – On Wednesday, Governor Henry McMaster issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency in South Carolina.
Governor McMaster, along with the S.C. Emergency Management Division, is urging South Carolinians to prepare for the possibility of Hurricane Irma impacting the state.
According to the press release from the governor’s office, the executive order enables all state agencies to coordinate resources in preparation for Hurricane Irma, which is currently a category five hurricane.Forecasters believe Irma could affect the east coast in the coming days.
“The state of emergency allows one of the best, most experienced emergency response teams in the entire world to begin organizing response efforts,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “South Carolina is fortunate to have time to allow us to prepare for Hurricane Irma’s potential landfall, and it is important that families and individuals in vulnerable areas use that time to review safety plans in case they are needed.”People in potentially vulnerable areas are encouraged to review their safety plans, become familiar with evacuation zones in coastal counties and locate the nearest hurricane evacuation routes.
Members of the state’s Emergency Response Team will begin reviewing plans and notifying response staff should they be needed.
“It’s too soon to rule out any possibilities,” SCEMD Director Kim Stenson said “Hurricane Irma is a dangerous storm and its projected path could put South Carolina in harm’s way. Fortunately, people in South Carolina have time. While we hope we never see a hurricane head our way, we all need prepare for the possible effects.”
The Emergency Management Division has increased operational readiness to Condition 4. OPCON 4 is the next highest response level above normal, day-to-day activities, and emergency managers make initial preparations for the possibility of any hazardous situations.
In a press conference held in Columbia at 2 p.m. Wednesday, officials said the path of the storm is still uncertain and any possible evacuations are a few days away.
Governor McMaster plans to seek a federal emergency declaration later Wednesday.
Adjutant General Robert Livingston says National Guardsmen have not yet been activated, but those helping with the recovery from Hurricane Harvey are heading back to South Carolina.
