Horry County has a re-entry process and debris removal guide for after a
hurricane or other disaster strikes.
Below is a detailed break-down of the county’s re-entry process, from the
county’s Emergency Management Department disaster guide:
The
Horry County Hurricane Re-Entry process is designed to promote and facilitate
the timely re-entry of its residents.
Re-Entry will only be allowed after public officials determine that a certain
level of safety has been achieved. Keep in mind that there may be isolated areas
within the County which may remain closed for safety precautions.
Residents (Owners/Tenants) and Business (Essential Personnel)
Residents and business owners will be allowed Immediate access Into the area
once It is DEEMED SAFE. Law enforcement officers may establish checkpoints
during re-entry. Returning residents, essential employees and business owners
will be required to show proper identification, Including driver's license,
company ID cards, or documents showing ownership/rental of business.
If
your business is in an evacuation zone you can start planning now for the
re-entry of essential employees by reviewing the Horry County Re-Entry Plan at
emd.horrycounty.org.
In cases where an address on a driver's license does not correspond to the area
being entered, other documents such as utility bills, mortgage deeds, property
tax documents, and car registrations will be accepted at established
checkpoints.
Remember, re-entry could be a slow process and people are asked to remain
patient and to use caution when returning to the area.
Debris Removal
Horry County does not provide daily curbside pickup, however, after a major
debris generating hurricane, the County may consider curbside pickup of
residential debris. Should curbside pickup be initiated, the above graphic
illustrates the proper way in which to sort debris.
After a hurricane. residents can remove storm related debris themselves by
taking it to any of the Horry County Solid Waste Authority's Recycling
Convenience Centers.
Residents who live within the limits of an incorporated municipality (such as
Myrtle Beach, should contact their local Public Works Department for debris
removal procedures.
For
recycling center locations or more Information, please contact the Horry County
Solid Waste Authority at 843-347-1651 or their website at
www.solidwasteauthority.com
Safety after a hurricane
Below are tips for staying safe after turning home, from the Horry County EMD:
Do
not touch fallen or low-hanging electrical wires:
-
Avoid puddles
with wires in or near them
-
Do not touch
trees, cars or other objects in contact with power lines
-
Be especially
cautious in the dark
Avoid flooded areas:
-
Low lying
areas, canals, ditches and streams
-
Do not attempt
to drive in flooded areas - the depth of the water and the condition of the
road is not always obvious
-
Moving water is
especially dangerous
-
Be especially
cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers
-
Do not operate
charcoal grills, propane camping stoves or generators indoors
-
Do not confront
looters and persons with guns and other weapons – call the appropriate
authorities
-
If you discover
bodies - do not touch or move them - call the appropriate authorities
-
Wash your hands
often using clean water and soap
-
Check your home
More tips from the Horry County EMD on what to do when you return home:
-
Look for cracks
in roof, foundation, walls, etc.
-
Check for loose
or slippery boards
-
Thoroughly
check for broken gas lines before turning on gas service
-
Thoroughly
check for broken or exposed electrical wiring before switching on electrical
service
-
Check with
professional heating/AC company before switching on central air
conditioning.
-
Flood water
(especially salt water) is corrosive to the compressor/heat pump (outside
unit).
-
Contact your
home owners insurance agent - take pictures for insurance purposes
-
Throw out moldy
items that are porous (rotten wood, carpet padding, fabric furniture, etc)
Water safety
This information comes from the Horry County EMD:
Drinking water:
-
Boil and purify
water thoroughly if you suspect it may be contaminated
-
Check with
local authorities before using tap water
-
Use bottled
water if possible
Help after a hurricane
These tips also from the Horry County EMD:
-
Emotional
recovery (physical and emotional) is very important:
-
Shock, fear and
disbelief are frequent emotions right after a disaster
-
Anger,
moodiness, and depression are normal reactions in the days, weeks and months
after a disaster
-
Children are
especially vulnerable to emotional reactions
-
Seek assistance
from family, friends and professionals
-
Contact
professional contractors for repairing homes – check references (not
everyone offering repair services is qualified or licensed)
Check with local authorities (and radio & TV stations) for disaster recovery
assistance services:
More details on the Re-Entry Procedures
Once the Governor rescinds
the mandatory evacuation order; the Emergency Management Director will activate
the Re-Entry Plan. Re-entry will be conducted in phases beginning with allowing
those with Level I access into the impacted areas to restore essential services
and infrastructure. Municipalities may enforce their own identification
procedures at jurisdictional access checkpoints if they deem it necessary.
Level I Access
All public officials and personnel having key roles in life safety and the
restoration of critical services after a disaster will be allowed to enter the
impacted area. All Level I personnel will be required to present and wear in
full view an authorized employee identification badge. No personal vehicles will
be allowed to enter impacted areas during Level I access, except governmental
personnel reporting for official business.
Level II Access
This allows for re-entry of critical support groups, relief workers, State
certified (SLED) security officers, healthcare personnel, business
owners/essential staff, insurance adjusters and any other person(s) authorized
by the jurisdiction to provide services or reduce economic loss. All Level II
personnel will be required to present and wear an authorized employee
identification badge at the checkpoints.
Level III Access
Residents and business operators shall have access to areas that have been
deemed safe by the authority having jurisdiction. When possible, every effort
should be made to safely assist these persons to their property if access is
limited. All residents and business operators must show proper identification
and documentation to enter an impacted area. Residents with special needs shall
be assisted back into their dwellings once sufficient support services are
available to sustain and assist their recovery efforts.
Re-Entry For Residents &
Property Owners
Residents should have proper identification to gain admittance. This
identification may include a valid government issued photo identification card
showing the location of their property. For out of state property owners with
residential or commercial properties within the affected area(s) they must show
a valid government issued photo identification card and current documentation to
verify the need for re-entry. This documentation can be a utility bill, deed,
property tax bill, etc.
Re-Entry for Business Owners &
Essential Employees
Business owners/operators will need proper identification to gain admittance to
impacted areas such as a current business license, company photo ID card, lease
documents or other official documents showing the location of the property and a
valid government issued ID card.
Essential staff/employees will also need proper identification such as a valid
business or government issued ID card and an essential employee authorization
letter on official company letterhead provided by the business. This letter
should include a request for admittance, the employees' name and be signed by
the business owner/operator.
