The following
information provides answers to some key questions that City employees have
received and responded to over the past 24 hours.
Is
there an evacuation underway?
Governor Haley
issued an evacuation order effective October 6 at 12:00 Noon for Zone “A” in
Horry County. Zone “A” in North Myrtle Beach encompasses all areas east of U.S. 17 Business (Kings Highway), up to intersection
with U.S. 17 (Kings Highway) and then all areas east of U.S. 17 (Kings Highway)
to the northern county line.
What
happens if I don’t evacuate?
If you are in Zone
“A”, the Governor’s evacuation order affects you and we strongly urge you to
follow it. While we will not go door to door forcing evacuations, by not
evacuating you may place yourself in real danger. If the community experiences
very high winds and/or severe flooding of roadways, it could be that we may not
be able to get to you should you suddenly find yourself in an emergency
situation.
What
if I need assistance evacuating?
City residents can contact our Emergency
Operations Center Public Phone Line at 843-281-3705 and we will get you in
contact with the appropriate agency to help you out.
Will
I be able to still get into North Myrtle Beach with the evacuation in effect?
The evacuation route for North Myrtle
Beach is Highway 17 North to SC Highway 9 to I-95. You will see law enforcement
personnel along Highway 17 at certain points monitoring the traffic flow. There
are no plans to restrict the direction of travel for anyone or restrict
personnel from entering the city. Our law enforcement presence will be obvious
and alert to persons entering the city. We are there to direct evacuees along
the correct evacuation route, and to assist the public as a whole. We will also
patrol all areas of the city prior to, during and following the storm.
What
is the Post-Hurricane Re-Entry Procedure for North Myrtle Beach?
·
Before
anyone is allowed to re-enter North Myrtle Beach, officials will first assess
the community for damage. If areas are unsafe, re-entry to them will not be
allowed until they have been made safe again. Whenever possible, the City will
allow re-entry to areas of the City that are safe and have not been damaged.
Our consistent goal is always to work to get property owners and business
owners back into the community so that we can all contribute to recovery and a
resumption of our normal way of life.
·
When
reentering the city of North Myrtle Beach after a hurricane, property owners,
renters and business owners should be prepared to show either their driver’s
license, a copy of a recent water bill or property tax bill, a rental
agreement, or other form of identity that proves residency or property
ownership within the city.
·
Owners
of businesses with employees who do not reside within the city limits but are
essential to recovery of a business should provide those employees with a
letter written on company letterhead identifying them as being essential to the
recovery of the business. When identifying an employee, please use their name
as it is shown on their driver’s license so that authorities can match the two
for verification.
·
The
City of North Myrtle Beach does not require filing residency or business
information prior to a storm.
During
the Storm
·
Police
and Fire/Rescue personnel may have to come off the road temporarily when
sustained high winds and/or severe flooding present a clear danger to them.
·
Moveable
swing bridges in the coastal areas will be locked down for use by vehicle
traffic only as soon as sustained winds reach 25 mph. No openings will be made
for nautical traffic until the winds subside.
·
Drivers
of motor vehicles are encouraged to use extreme caution when sustained winds
reach speeds of 30 mph on high rise bridges. On some high rise bridges,
sustained winds or wind gusts of 40 mph and more can be extremely unsafe for
travel. It is always law enforcement’s prerogative to temporarily bar travel
over bridges when conditions are considered to be too dangerous.
·
If
it is indicated that a severe storm surge may accompany the hurricane, and it
has the real capacity to damage water lines, the City retains the option to
shut down water service to properties where that infrastructure is threatened.
This would be done only as a last resort or preventive measure to preserve
infrastructure and to ensure that adequate pressure can be maintained
throughout the City’s water system. (To address a rumor that has made the
rounds over the past 24 hours: The City would not shut off water supply as a
punitive measure toward those who elect to ignore the Governor’s evacuation
order.)
·
Santee
Cooper could elect to shut off power in selected locations, depending on storm
impact.
Is it
okay for people to drive around town during the hurricane?
·
Don’t.
Roads may be flooded, wind-driven debris may be flying through the air, trees
may fall on to roads, live electrical wires may come down. You place yourself
in real danger when you drive around during a hurricane, and you place an
extra, completely unnecessary burden on law enforcement personnel, who have
many other real issues and emergencies on which to focus.
Does
the City have sandbags available for the public to use?
·
The
City does not have sandbags available for the public to use
What
are a few of the easier things I can do around my house before the storm hits?
·
Secure
your trash can in advance of the storm.
·
Secure
outdoor furniture and other unsecured objects. If the wind is strong enough,
these things can become “missiles” that can cause damage to property or people.
·
Make
sure your pets are sheltered.
How will the City provide information to
the public before, during and after the hurricane?
We post information
using these resources:
www.NMB.us (See “Press Releases” on the home
page)
Nixle
Alerts via Phone and Email
During
the storm, what numbers should I call for Emergencies and Non-Emergencies?
§
Call
9-1-1 for emergencies.
§
Call
843-281-3705 for non-emergencies.
