PAWLEYS ISLAND, SC (WBTW) – People in Pawleys Island are being asked to sign a waiver that says they accept risks of staying in the area despite orders from the governor to evacuate.
The form also features an area where residents must provide contact information for their next of kin.
Pawleys Island Police Chief Mike Fanning says the forms are not new, but officials have not had to use them because they haven’t had a mandatory evacuation in more than 10 years.
Emergency officials say many people are leaving Pawleys Island, but tomorrow officers will go door to door and ask people to sign the waiver if they plan to stay.
There have been reports of tidal surges on the beach Thursday and officers plan to close the beaches, public accesses and parking lots at 11 p.m.
Fanning says officers are concerned about people coming to the area to surf and watch the storm because the process of monitoring those areas is taxing on officers.
On Friday the causeways will be assessed. If officials see a significant storm surge during high tide, the decision to close roads could be made.
