Horry and Georgetown Counties have moved to OPCON 2 in preparation of Hurricane Florence as of noon on Monday.
OPCON 2 means a disaster or emergency is imminent. County officials are in continual discussions with South Carolina Emergency Management, coastal communities including local municipalities, the Governor’s office and will continue to monitor the situation closely.
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.
Should mandatory evacuation order be issued by the Governor, it is important that residents are familiar with the evacuation zones as follows:
- Zone A: All areas east of U.S. Business 17 (Kings Hwy), up to intersection with U.S. 17 (Kings Hwy) and then all areas east of US 17 (Kings Hwy) to the Northern county line.
- Zone B: All areas south of Hwy 707 and Longwood Drive, including all areas in Longwood Plantation (Blackmoor) to the Waccamaw River and all areas east of U.S. 17 Bypass (Mark Garner Hwy) to U.S. 17 (North Kings Hwy) and all areas east of U.S. 17 (North Kings Hwy) to the northern county line.
- Zone C: All areas between Hwy 701 and Hwy 544, south of Brown’s Chapel Avenue and Hwy 814, plus all areas east of Highway 31 (Carolina Bays Parkway) to Highway 90 and all areas east of Highway 90 to U.S. 17 to the northern county line. Mobile homes, campers and those in floodprone areas are asked to evacuate for all storms.
- Horry County evacuates for storm surge and not for wind.
Prior to any evacuation orders, it is important that residents are familiar with the evacuation route that they will take:
- North Myrtle Beach and northward: Evacuees from north of Briarcliffe Acres will take SC 9 north to I-95 and beyond.
- Briarcliffe Acres south to Myrtle Beach 10th Avenue North: Evacuees in Briarcliffe Acres south to 10th Avenue North will take SC 22 (Conway Bypass) to US 501 to Marion. In Marion, they may then take US 76 to Florence to access I-95 southbound or they may stay on US 501 to SC 38 to access I-95 northbound.
- Myrtle Beach, from 10th Avenue North south to the Myrtle Beach International Airport: Evacuees from the Myrtle Beach area south of 10th Avenue North and north of the Myrtle Beach International Airport will take US 501 to Conway. They may then take US 378 to Columbia or continue on US 501 to Marion. In Marion they may then take US 76 to Florence to access I-95 southbound or they may stay on US 501 to SC 38 to access I-95 northbound.
- Myrtle Beach International Airport southward through Surfside Beach: Evacuees from the Myrtle Beach International Airport south through Surfside Beach will take SC 544 to US 501 to Conway. They may then take US 378 to Columbia or continue on US 501 to Marion. In Marion they may then take US 76 to Florence to access I-95 southbound or they may stay on US 501 to SC 38 to access I-95 northbound.
- Garden City Beach south to Winyah Bay: Evacuees from Garden City Beach south to Winyah Bay will take US 17 south through Georgetown. They will then take US 521 to SC 261 to US 378 to Columbia. Alternatively, they may take US 17 south to US 701 in Georgetown to SC 51 to US 378 at Kingsburg.
- Residents that reside in Evacuation Zone C should utilize the closest available evacuation route to safely evacuate the area.
When evacuating, it is important to take a road map. Motorists should be aware that law enforcement and the South Carolina National Guard may be posted along evacuation routes to provide assistance. Evacuation routes and maps are available on Horry County’s office website.
Whether required to evacuate or not, at this time citizens should:
- Have all necessary medications (prescription and over the counter).
- Have a supply of nonperishable food and water for each family member including pets.
- Survey property to mitigate the potential of flooding such as making sure storm drains and gutters are clear of debris.
- Have family hurricane plans in place; including items that may be needed like water, batteries, flashlights, etc.
- Anticipate potential power outages that could extend for several days.
Additional hurricane information can be found on Horry County’s website and Horry County Emergency Management’s Facebook or Twitter. This link contains information on how to prepare for an emergency, evacuation routes and maps, re-entry information, shelters, etc.
Horry County Operating Condition (OPCON) levels are:
- 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.
Georgetown County has also moved to OPCON, county officials say. The county’s Emergency Operations Center was fully activated at 7 a.m. on Monday and has moved to 24-hour operations.
Georgetown County officials are advising residents to begin preparing their homes for a major hurricane and themselves for the possibility of evacuation. Recommended actions include:
- Know where you and your family (including pets) will go in the event of an evacuation, and know your evacuation route. Remember that pets are not allowed in official evacuation shelters and plan accordingly for your animals.
- Have an emergency supply kit ready. It should include at least three days of drinking water (2 gallons per person per day), non-perishable food, a flashlight with extra batteries; a portable battery-operated radio, first aid kit, non-electric can opener, essential medicines, cash and credit cards.
- Protect your home by covering windows with permanent shutters, plywood panels or other shielding materials. Bring in lawn furniture and other loose objects, such as garbage cans and planters, which may become hazards during high winds. Georgetown County plans to announce a sandbag distribution point to assist residents in their preparations.
- Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
- Be sure trees and shrubs near your home are well-trimmed.
- Clear clogged rain gutters and down spouts.
- Fuel up and service family vehicles.
- Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes, such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub or other large containers with water.
Georgetown County officials also encourage residents to download the free S.C. Emergency Manager app for iPhones and android devices.
The City of Conway has also moved to OPCON 2 and the city’s Emergency Operations Center is now fully activated.
City officials are encouraging residents to begin preparing their homes for a major hurricane, which includes :
- Have an emergency supply kit ready. It should include at least three days of drinking water (2 gallons per person per day), non-perishable food, a flashlight with extra batteries, a portable battery-operated radio, first aid kit, non-electric can opener, essential medicines, cash, and credit cards.
- Protect your home by covering windows with permanent shutters, plywood panels or other shielding materials. Bring in lawn furniture and other loose objects, such as garbage cans and planters, which may become hazards during high winds.
- Be sure to tie down any propane tanks you may have in your yard or at your business
- Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
- Be sure trees and shrubs near your home are well-trimmed.
- Clear clogged rain gutters and down spouts.
- Fuel up and service family vehicles.
- Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes, such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub or other large containers with water.