Gov. Nikki Haley, state agencies continue recovery operations, debris removal

As state agencies move into recovery operations, the governor and agency directors are focused on the debris removal process and conducting damage assessments.

Due to the extensive nature of the winter storm, efficient debris removal operations and planning are critical. Debris removal is a meticulous process in which all materials are accounted for and disposed of safely in accordance with local, state and federal waste disposal laws.

Gov. Haley is encouraging South Carolinians to continue helping their neighbors and communities with debris removal from private property. Many local volunteer groups are assisting with this effort and citizens interested in volunteering should visit the United Way Association of South Carolina’s website:  http://getconnected.uwasc.org/drm/.

In addition, joint preliminary damage assessments will begin this week as county, state, and federal officials assess and document damage incurred during the winter storm.

Gov. Haley and administration officials remain committed to supporting county and local governments with any requests beyond their capacity to handle alone. To date, the state has responded to 67 requests for resources from counties.

State Agency Response Roundup:

National Guard: Has returned to normal operations.

Department of Transportation: Assisting with debris removal.

Department of Public Safety: Has returned to normal operations.

American Red Cross (supported by DSS): With more than 38,000 homes without power as of 12:00 PM, the governor and administration officials, the American Red Cross, and the Salvation Army are committed to keeping shelters open for those in need until utilities can achieve full restoration. Four general population shelters remain open, sheltering a total of 37 occupants and DHEC 2 special medical needs shelters open, sheltering a total of 4 occupants.

Emergency Management Division: The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) has responded to 67 resource requests over the course of the incident. These resource requests include generators, debris removal, transportation assistance, energy restoration, National Guard support, and drinking water.

Power Outages:

As of 12:00 PM, there were more than 38,000 outages statewide, down from a high of 346,000 on Thursday, February 16.

Notes to South Carolinians:

• Patience is encouraged for multi-day outages as utility crews work to restore power.
• Affected South Carolinians should continue to report outages to their utility companies even if they experience more than one outage, which can be a common experience during mass outages.
• Citizens are encouraged not to stop on the roadside to talk to crews working to restore power, whether in neighborhoods or on the side of a highway. Utility crews need to focus on getting the power restored and fallen power lines are dangerous work zones.
• As homes are without power, it’s important that citizens use natural light and flashlights rather than fires or candles and use generators with extreme caution.

If customers lose power, they are encouraged to call their utilities:

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Nikki Gaskins Campbell

A lifelong Berkeley County resident, Nikki Gaskins Campbell is an Emmy-nominated journalist with more than 20 years of experience covering news. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a degree in broadcast journalism.

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