South Carolina Department of Environmental Services

South Carolina may start feeling the effects of Hurricane Milton by Wednesday, including gusty winds south and east of I-20 and rain along the coast. There are increasing concerns about significant coastal flooding. Everyone should monitor the storm via local news media and follow updates from the National Hurricane Center, especially people in low-lying areas along the South Carolina coast. #Milton #SouthCarolina #SCWX #SCTweets

From murky waters to clear paths... Tips on how to clean up following flooding: -Wear goggles, gloves, and sturdy shoes. -Keep children and pets out of the affected area until clean-up is complete. -Remove and discard items that cannot be washed or disinfected. -Most common household cleaning supplies can be used. Follow the directions listed on the label. -Help the drying process by using fans and dehumidifiers. Visit des.sc.gov/mold or call the SCDES mold hotline for general information and resources about how to address indoor mold caused by floodwaters: 888-815-3509 or local: 803-898-9387. #Flooding #Mold #SouthCarolina #Sctweets #scwx

After disasters, it’s more important than ever to get reliable updates. Follow @SCEMD, local emergency offices, and official channels for accurate information. Always double-check before sharing to avoid spreading misinformation. FEMA Rumor Response page: https://lnkd.in/eJ62j332 #Helene #ScTweets #SCWx #SouthCarolina 📷: SCEMD

NEWS RELEASE: Additional South Carolina Counties Eligible for FEMA Assistance Homeowners and renters in Edgefield, Laurens and Union counties who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene are now eligible to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs. Previously, Aiken, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Lexington, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Saluda and Spartanburg counties were authorized for assistance to households. The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. To view an accessible video on how to apply visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube. The deadline for applications is Nov. 29, 2024. What You’ll Need When You Apply A current phone number where you can be contacted. Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying. Your Social Security number. A general list of damage and losses. Banking information if you choose direct deposit. If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name. If you have homeowners, renters or flood insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance. For the latest information about South Carolina’s recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4829. #Helene #HurricaneHelene #SouthCarolina #SCtweets #SCWX

South Carolina residents with questions about Hurricane #Helene can call the state’s toll-free hotline for assistance. Operators with the Public Information Phone System are ready to help. 📞 Hurricane Helene Info Line: 1-866-246-0133

Reminder: Private Well Hotline: 1-888-761-5989 Was your private well flooded during Hurricane #Helene? If surface water entered your well, your water might be contaminated. To be safe, boil your water vigorously for at least one minute before drinking, cooking, or using it. To confirm your well water's safety, test it for coliform bacteria. First, disinfect your well and wait 7-10 days before collecting a sample. Detailed disinfection instructions are available on our website. Before starting, check your well for any exposed or damaged wiring and consult a professional if needed. If your well wasn't flooded, the water quality should remain unchanged. Regular testing for coliform bacteria is recommended for all private wells. For more information, visit: https://lnkd.in/eTn-vEQi

More deaths occur due to flooding than any other storm-related hazard. 6-inches of fast-moving flood water can sweep you off your feet. 12-inches of rushing water can carry away a small car, while 2 feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles. If you encounter a barricade, take a different route! They are there to keep you safe. #FloodSafety #StaySafe #Helene #HurricaneHelene

SCDES's Dam Safety Team continues to perform post-storm assessments around the state, with no major issues observed or reported as of this morning. While concerns about the overtopping of dams have greatly diminished, there is a concern for debris accumulations in spillways as runoff from rainfall washes limbs and debris into reservoirs. SCDES has advised dam owners to continue monitoring water levels and to ensure their spillways are clear and free of debris. Our Dam Safety Team remains accessible to dam and reservoir owners around the state 24/7.

DPH has worked to get a supply of medical oxygen tanks into South Carolina for those in need in certain counties. These tanks have been given to county emergency management divisions who will determine the best distribution plan for those in need. If you live in one of the following counties and are dependent on oxygen, you can contact your county’s emergency management division for more information: –Cherokee: (864) 649-8301 –Edgefield: (803) 637-2123 –Greenville: (864) 467-2680 –Oconee: (864) 638-4200 –Pickens: (864) 898-5945 –Saluda: (864) 445-2529 –Spartanburg: (864) 595-5365 Individuals with oxygen concentrators who do not have access to the power needed to use their concentrators at home may be eligible for a medical needs shelter. To find out if you are eligible for a medical needs shelter, call the DPH Care Line at 1-855-472-3432.

S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) remains in communication with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) and Upstate county officials about Lake Lure Dam, which had overtopped due to impacts from Hurricane Helene. NCDEQ Dam Safety does not believe the dam is at imminent risk of failure. Lake Lure Dam, located on the Broad River in western North Carolina, was overtopped by floodwaters from Hurricane Helene. NCDEQ's Dam Safety team alerted SCDES of the situation, as part of our longstanding partnership with our neighboring state. NCDEQ shared the emergency action plan (EAP) for this dam with us, and we shared it with the S.C. Emergency Management Division (SCEMD). An EAP is a written document that identifies actions dam owners should take when a dam is at risk of failure. It identifies the areas that can be affected by the loss of the dam and specifies pre-planned actions to be followed to minimize property damage, potential loss of infrastructure and water resource, and potential loss of life because of failure or mis-operation of a dam During a coordinated call with NCDEQ's Dam Safety program; SCEMD; Chester, Cherokee and York county officials; and other state agencies about Lake Lure Dam, it was confirmed that: - NCDEQ Dam Safety does not believe the dam is at imminent risk of failure. Engineers continue to evaluate the dam, and as of this evening, the water is beginning to recede. - The inundation map included in the EAP shows failure of Lake Lure Dam essentially has no impact on the level of the Broad River in South Carolina when the river is flooded as it is now. - The dam's owners appropriately enacted their EAP and precautionary evacuations in North Carolina were ordered. - We will continue to coordinate with NCDEQ, Upstate county officials, and fellow state agencies about the dam.