Hurricane Dorian Update: 9/5/19

September 5, 2019

4:16 AM

Last update: 9/5/19 at 12:10 am

Hurricane Dorian is back to being a Category 3 storm, it’s about the size of South Carolina, and it’s starting to thrash our coast. At this point, it’s time to remain inside and prep for power outages, flooding, and other issues.

Here’s some information you may need during and after the storm:

Pay attention to local media and the National Weather service for the most accurate forecast updates
- Be careful when looking for info on social media
  - Check dates/times on social media posts as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram tend to post ‘popular’ posts in your feed that are many hours old.
In Charleston, you can connect to 9-1-1 by calling, texting, or going online. You’re asked to “CALL if you can, TEXT if you can’t, CONNECT if you must at 911HelpMe.com”
- Only use 9-1-1 for actual emergencies
- Charleston County Consolidated Dispatch (for non-emergency concerns): 843-743-7200
Helpful Phone Numbers
- Red Cross: 1-800-RED CROSS
- Dominion Energy: 1-888-333-4465 (for outages)
  - You can also report online at DominionEnergySC.com/outage or via text
Remember – “Turn around, don’t drown!” Don’t drive through flood waters!
- SCEMD: “Most Hurricane deaths are the result of drownings. Don’t gamble with your life by walking or driving through flood waters.”
If winds are strong enough, bridge travel may be discouraged. You can learn about Charleston County’s High Wind Bridge Procedure here

PHONE NUMBERS/WEBSITES

Stay up-to-date on the latest news and information through these official channels:
- SCEMD
  - Web: https://www.scemd.org
  - Twitter: https://twitter.com/SCEMD
  - Hotline: 1-866-246-0133
  - Sign Up for CodeRED Emergency Alerts
- Charleston County Government
  - Web: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/
  - Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChasCountyGov
  - Information line: 843-746-3900
    - For assistance in Spanish, call (843) 746-3909
  - You can sign up for the Charleston County Citizen Alert Notification System here
  - You can read the city’s latest update here
- City of Charleston
  - Web: http://www.charleston-sc.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx
  - Twitter: https://twitter.com/CityCharleston
  - Charleston Citizens Services Desk: 843-724-7311
  - City of Charleston Real Time Road Closures
  - You can read the city’s latest update here
- Berkeley County Government
  - Web: https://www.berkeleycountysc.gov
  - Twitter: https://twitter.com/BerkeleySCGov
  - Click here for the latest news provided by Berkeley County
    - Berkeley County Encourages Evacuations along French Quarter Creek
- Dorchester County Government
  - Web: https://www.dorchestercountysc.gov
  - Twitter: https://twitter.com/DorchesterSCGov
  - Call Center: 843-832-0393 or 843-563-0393
  - Click here for the latest news provided by Dorchester County
    - Dorchester County Encourages Residents in Low-Lying Areas to Evacuate
- Folly Beach
  - Citizen Information Line can be reached through 8 pm Monday at 843-588-7006
  - The island now has restricted access
  - Folly Beach has limited access to the islandFolly Beach curfew begins at midnight and lifts at 6 am Thursday morning
- City of North Charleston
  - Help Line: 843-740-5883 or 843-740-5887

TIPS

While you have power, keep phones/computers on chargers and keep battery backups charged as well
Take screen shots of important info/phone numbers in case you lose power and access to the internet
Don’t use your phone’s “do not disturb” function, so you’ll get all emergency alerts

Further Info

CARTA has suspended all services
TriCounty Link has suspended operations
The Charleston International Airport has ceased operations