FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) – Even though Florence County is not an evacuation region, officials in the county are urging some neighbors to give thought to their living situation.

Residents in mobile homes, those with special medical needs and those in areas that are prone to flooding with heavy rains, are encouraged to move either to a shelter location or make other arrangements with family and friends.

Just so you are in a safe environment until Hurricane Florence passes. Residents are reminded that once strong winds start (usually once winds reach 45 miles per hour), emergency vehicles cannot travel and thus there will be no emergency response available for medical or other calls, until the winds die down.

Please be prepared to stay indoors for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to wander around, on foot or in a vehicle, during or right after the hurricane event. If you do, and then have an issue, you could easily be placing your life in jeopardy as well as the lives of the public safety personnel responding. The following locations are being utilized as shelters and open to the Florence County Residents & Visitors:

  • South Florence High School, 3200 South Irby Street, Florence, SC
  • Lake City High School, 652 North Matthews Road, Lake City, SC
  • Wilson High School, 1411 East Old Marion Highway, Florence, SC
  • Timmonsville High School, 304 Kemper Street Timmonsville, SC
  • Hannah-Pamplico Elementary/Middle School, 2131 South Pamplico Hwy, Pamplico SC