Hurricane Matthew Update for Residents

  
The South Carolina Forestry Commission has issued a burning ban for all South Carolina counties that will be in effect until further notice.
Citizens can visit Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce for an up to date listing of businesses that are currently open.
All Horry County Government offices and courts remain closed Monday, October 10, 2016. All essential personnel will continue to report for duty. Circuit Court jurors for this week have been excused.  All Common Pleas & General Sessions Jury trials for this week are postponed.
The number of evacuees in shelters have diminished (468 as of last night to just 31 as of noon this today). The only shelter still accepting evacuees is, Beach Church located at 557 George Bishop Parkway, Myrtle Beach.
The S.C. Dept. of Health and Environmental Control is waiving testing fee for private wells. Residents with questions about private wells should call 803-898-4312.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources will be conducting boat patrols on flooded waterways.
The Horry County Solid Waste Authority offices and recycling centers that were safely able are open today. Residents of unincorporated Horry County should utilize the recycling center closest to them to dispose of storm debris. If your yard/tree debris is larger than six inches in diameter and four feet in length, you must bring the debris to the landfill located at 1886 Highway 90.  If you live within the limits of an incorporated municipality, you should contact municipal officials regarding their debris cleanup procedures.
159+ roads closed and/or impassable
Properties along the Waccamaw River & Intracoastal Waterway are asked to monitor river levels closely as they are rising fast. The rivers are currently at major flood stage and could continue to rise. Flooding will be similar to the October 2015 floods. Residents in these areas should prepare now if they plan on evacuating their property. For information or assistance, citizens in the City of Conway can call 843-488-7664 and Horry County residents should call 843-915-5150.  

City Of NMB Post-Hurricane Building Permit Application Fees

The City of North Myrtle Beach Planning & Development Department will be accepting building permit applications as follows:

  1. Now through Noon, Thursday October 13:  Permit applications will be accepted for storm damage repair ONLY.  Permit fees will be waived for all repairs.
  2. Starting at Noon, October 13:  All permit applications will be accepted and processed.  No fees will be charged for storm-related repairs, but fees WILL apply for all other permits.

The City of North Myrtle Beach is now open to everyone


City of North Myrtle Beach Oct. 10, 10:00 AM

The city of North Myrtle Beach is now open to everyone.

Yet, please take the following aspects into consideration as you move through the area:

  • Electricity is still off in some areas but is improving quickly. Santee Cooper is working hard to get everyone back on line.
  • Visitors with accommodations reservations should first check with their accommodations destinations to make sure they are open to serve you.
  • In areas where electricity is still off, Waste Water Treat Plant lift stations are not functioning or are on generators. It would be appropriate for EVERYONE to flush less often than usual to take the stress off those substations.
  • Whether or not a business is open depends on where electricity is available. 

Post Hurricane Re-Entry Procedures, Debris Removal & Safety Tips


HORRY COUNTY, SC

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:
  • Professional and volunteer agencies
  • Financial
  • Grants
  • Loans
  • Legal
  • Temporary housing
  • Job loss

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. 

Hurricane Matthew Update - October 8, 3 PM


City of North Myrtle Beach - Oct. 8 2016, 2 PM

Based on the 2PM National Weather Service update, the Eye of the hurricane came over the Grand Strand around 2PM, with the center of rotation near Forestbrook.

The majority of the heaviest rain bands went to the west of us, although there is a possibility some of those bands could circulate back around as the Eye passes by this afternoon and early evening....

We made it through hightide and are waiting to see if Storm Surge levels slowly recede as the tide goes out. There will be another high tide in the very early morning of October 9 and we will see what transpires with that Tidal Surge. It should be a less intrusive experience, given the change in wind direction and the progress of the storm.

Winds should begin to taper off for us as the Eye passes but we need to be aware that the winds could push eastward on the backside of the storm and a few gale or storm force winds are still possible.

Roads to Cherry Grove are still impassable.

Several other streets are also still under water, also due to Tidal Surge.

The accompanying photo was taken by Harold Worley from the 12th floor of the Ocean Drive Resort. That is ocean water visiting the Horseshoe and part of Main Street via the Tidal Surge. The photo was taken about two hours before high tide

Post Hurricane Email Scam and Tornado Reported in North Myrtle Beach

SC Governor's Office, Saturday, October 8th 2016, 10:28 am EDT
Watch the video of the SC Governor Nikki Haley's update on Hurricane response here:http://www.wmbfnews.com/clip/12796986/raw-gov-nikki-haley-on-matthew

Gov. Haley warns of cyber threat in power outage emails


State officials have learned of a cyber security threat involving emails about power outages. Gov. Nikki Haley said the issue, which she called a "cyber situation," apparently began overnight.
"People will start receiving emails and they will tell you they have updates on outages and if you want to know the update on outages, click here," she said. "Once you click there, they get into your computer."
Haley reminded residents if they do not the person sending an email, they should delete the email and not click any link.


Patrick Dowling, Public Information Officer, City of North Myrtle Beach, 8:22 a.m.


Tornado Touch Down in NMB

A tornado that started out as an offshore water spout touched down in North Myrtle Beach between 18th Ave N and Ocean Blvd.

Preliminary: One house may have lost its roof, one with some damage to the roof, a couple of others some minor siding loss, and possibly a couple of light poles down. Some info coming in that it then lifted up and touched down again around 11th N but I have no public safety confirmation of that. No injuries reported as of yet.

The latest on Hurricane Matthew - 10/7/16, Friday 6:15 p.m.

Ed Piotrowski, WPDE, Friday 6:15 p.m. 

Matthew is weaker, but still a powerful hurricane. Thanks to increasing wind shear and dry air, steady weakening will occur tonight through Saturday and at it's closest point, Matthew will be a category 1 hurricane. At this point, any small shifts in the track really doesn't matter. Matthew will be close and everyone will get impacts.

Flooding rain and strong winds will cause serious impacts late Friday night through Saturday night so be prepared!

Hurricane Matthew location at 6:15 PM
Hurricane Matthew will weaken to strength 1
The severe weather will be gone by Sunday afternoon and the sun will shine again
Expected impacts as assessed at 6:15 PM