This evening, Mayor Tecklenburg held a briefing on the city of Charleston’s preparations for Hurricane Irma and the potential local impact. The full briefing can be viewed at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/CityCharleston/videos/10154699117116962/.
Charleston City Council met telephonically today at 5:30 p.m. and unanimously declared the city as operating under a state of emergency. The city is currently operating at OPCON 4 and the Emergency Management Department remains in close communication with Charleston County and other local agencies about the storm’s potential impact and continues to receive frequent updates from the National Weather Service.
Today, crews began preparing city buildings for potential impact and worked with contractors to secure all private construction sites within the city.
In addition, city public service workers continued working to clear drains and improve system flow in advance of the storm.
City staff also went door-to-door throughout the area notifying vulnerable populations about the storm’s potential impact. This effort included outreach to homeless individuals as well as those in the city’s public housing.
Residents are encouraged to make preparations for the storm’s potential impact in Charleston by gathering emergency supplies, becoming familiar with evacuations routes, and coordinating with family members.
Over 20,000 sandbags were distributed to residents throughout the day today from four pick-up locations throughout the city. Supplies are being replenished and distribution of the final 8,000 bags will take place tomorrow.
Beginning Friday, September 8 at 5 p.m., all city parking garages, excluding the Gaillard Center garage, will be free for residents to park their cars throughout the duration of the storm.
The city of Charleston Recreation Department has canceled all athletic activities scheduled for Friday night, September 8 through Sunday, September 10. All public meetings scheduled throughout the city on Monday, September 11 and Tuesday September 12 have been canceled.
The city’s emergency management team has already begun preparation for recovery, which will commence immediately after the storm passes through the area.
A citizen information line has been established at 843-973-7219 and will be staffed throughout the day tomorrow to answer citizens’ questions regarding storm preparations. Additional information can be found at www.charleston-sc.gov/hurricane-information.
