Dorchester County updates residents on flooding and county conditions
SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) – Dorchester County officials held a press conference to provide critical updates on the current flooding situation and overall conditions throughout the county.
The press conference was scheduled for today, Sunday, August 11, at 4:00 PM, and took place at the Dorchester County Emergency Operations Center, located at 212 Deming Way in Summerville.
SEVERE FLOODING: Edisto and Ashley Rivers reach record-breaking flood levels
Speakers at the event included:
Thomas McNeal, Dorchester County Emergency Management Director
Chairman Todd Friddle, Dorchester County Council
Chief Sam Richardson, Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office
Chief Tres Atkinson, Dorchester County Fire Rescue
Superintendent Jeffrey Beckwith, Dorchester School District Four
Superintendent Dr. Shane Robbins, ATC, Dorchester School District Two
This press conference offers valuable information as Dorchester County continues to monitor and respond to the ongoing flooding event.
Keeping residents informed and alert
“Our Emergency Operations Center has been activated since last Sunday, and we are coordinating efforts across all departments to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents,” said Dorchester County Emergency Management Director Thomas McNeal. “We are closely monitoring the river levels, which are expected to remain high over the next several days.”
Dorchester County response teams have been working 24/7 to keep residents safe and aware of escalating county conditions since Tropical Storm Debby hit their community hard.
“Please know that we are doing everything we can to get things back to normal as quickly as possible,” Dorchester County Council Chairman Todd Friddle stated.
They have been trying to ensure constant communication with residents about flood zones and areas of caution, especially in communities surrounding their rivers with record-breaking flood levels.
Response teams and collaborations
Response teams from multiple counties and even other states have assisted Dorchester County as it navigates this dangerous trying time. Crews have been working nonstop for the past seven days to keep the community safe and get things back to normal.
SEVERE FLOODING: Edisto and Ashley Rivers reach record-breaking flood levels
Dorchester County Fire Rescue Chief Tres Atkinson said, “I want to thank the National Guard, the USAR swift teams from Alabama and Tennessee that have been vital to our response, they have been a great help. We appreciate the school districts for opening up and letting us house those various teams as they come in. Our firefighters have gone above and beyond these past seven days. They put their lives on hold at home, to take care of our community.”
Each speaker at the press conference expressed immense gratitude to those who assisted and supported them and the rest of the county during this crisis.
Important things to note about these floodwaters
During the press conference, Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office Chief Sam Richardson made note of roads, bridges, and neighborhoods with flooding issues, closures, and washouts. He asked the public to check the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office as well as the Dorchester County Government website and social media for their “up-to-the-minute map” before thinking of traveling on roads.
PHOTOS: Flooding threatens cemetery and church in Dorchester County as water levels rise
Chief Richardson also drew attention to adults and children attempting to swim, surf, or play in these dangerous flood areas. “These waters have very stiff currents and are dangerous. It’s unknown if there may have been breaches to the public of private sewers, outhouses, or anything that may have hazmat material in it. You need to be aware of that,” stated Richardson.
The Chief brought up an important aspect of the situation stating, “Many animals and reptiles have been displaced. In 2015, we had an influx of snake calls, and we expect to see the same thing now. We’re talking about poisonous snakes; sometimes rattlesnakes, copperheads, and water moccasins. Please be vigilant about these types of issues.”
It is imperative to be aware of your surroundings and proceed with extreme caution when around dangerous flood areas.
Back to school
Both Dorchester District 2 and Dorchester District 4 have postponed their first day of the new school year.
DD2 Superintendent Dr. Shane Robbins explained, “We want to do our part by keeping the roadways safe so that the emergency workers can do their jobs to get things open and back to normal as soon as possible.”
DD2 delays first day of school to Wednesday, August 13
He asked his district to do three things: be patient, stay informed, and always put safety first.
Dorchester School District 4 Superintendent Jeffrey Beckwith added, “If it does not feel safe, stay at home. Nothing is more important than life. We will be able to support you however we can if just you let us know.”
DD4 postpones first day of school to Wednesday, August 13
Dorchester County will continue to monitor the situation and update its residents through this difficult time.
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