Mayors Blog

Aug 30

Hurricane/Tropical Storm Idalia August 30, 2023

Posted on August 30, 2023 at 11:17 AM by Tia Bowers

August 30, 2023

Dear Neighbors, 

Hurricane/Tropical Storm Idalia is upon us. Thank you for your preparations, taking care of your neighbors around you, and being aware of the changing forecasts and outcomes. It appears our area will be receiving more rain and stronger winds than originally expected. Idalia’s winds are expected to increase after noon today and continue throughout the night. It is likely our area will experience downed trees and blocked roads. Staying home is the best thing you can do.  

If you haven’t already, please do the following: 

  • Check drains, culverts, gutters, and pipes and clean them to allow water to flow. 
  • Charge your phones, computers and know where flashlights are located. Replace batteries or have new batteries ready to use. 
  • If you have a generator, check your gas level, and remind your family of safety precautions. 
  • Get gas, cash, and a refill of Rx, if needed. 
  • Secure or move inside your outside furniture so they don’t become projectiles in the wind. 
  • Prepare your pets.
  • Check on your neighbors who may be new to hurricane season, elderly, or anyone who has mobility issues. 
  • Please stay home and off roads today and tomorrow. 
  • Turn off irrigation systems. 
  • Remove mail and packages from your mailbox and front house area. 
  • Replenish groceries and water for three days.
  • If able, please stay home and off the roads, especially when the weather worsens. First responders will be extremely busy monitoring and clearing roads. You staying home reduces the workload for our first responders. 

NEW INFORMATION TODAY: 

  • Jasper County is opening a shelter today at Ridgeland’s school campus. Please use this shelter if your home is prone to flooding or you are in a high-risk, low-lying area. Its contact phone number is: 843.726.4421. Address:  250 Jaguar Trail, Ridgeland, SC. This is a pet-friendly shelter. 
  • Waste Management (WM) is NOT serving routes today; it is expected to service routes tomorrow; however, WM may be servicing routes later than usual route times. Please be aware of your waste/recycling bins and secure them, and latch them so your waste doesn’t become litter.
  • Currently, all bridges are open. South Carolina Department of Transportation determines when and if any close. Please be mindful of your safety when crossing bridges, causeways, and roads which are over water. Conditions can quickly deteriorate. 

Important Contact Information: 

  • Reserve 9-1-1 calls for emergencies. The non-emergency Dispatch number is 843-524-2777. Call the appropriate agency for your needs. Do not call 9-1-1 for power outages or other non-emergencies 
  • Beaufort - Jasper Water & Sewer Authority 843-987-9200
  • Dominion Energy 888-333-4465 
    • Gas Leaks 800-815-0083
  • Palmetto Electric Cooperative 866-445-5551
  • Palmetto Electric Storm Safety Page: https://www.palmetto.coop/storm-safety 
  • Hargray 877-427-4729
  • Spectrum 855-243-8892

 

Warmly, 

Mayor Lisa Sulka 

Aug 29

HURRICANE/TROPICAL IDALIA

Posted on August 29, 2023 at 3:50 PM by Tia Bowers

Dear neighbors, 

Thank you for preparing for Hurricane/Tropical Storm Idalia. 

Historically, the busiest time storm activity happens in this area in late August through mid-October.  Unfortunately, this storm activity is following its normal pattern and timeline.

As Mayor, I hope to give you information you need to feel informed and keep you safe. Storm preparation is a group activity, and we need you to be mindful and take some actions for the best possible outcome. 

Let me assure you, Town leaders and staff are on regular calls throughout each day to keep our communities as safe as possible. As we say each year, “We may be able to put a person on the moon, however, we cannot predict a hurricane with precision.” Nature has the final word about hurricanes, their path, and timing.  Information is constantly changing – the antidote to a lack of control is to control what you can and be proactive.

This storm is mostly likely to bring standing water, power failures and downed trees. Please do the following: 

  • Check drains, culverts, gutters, and pipes and clean them to allow water to flow. 
  • Charge your phones, computers and know where flashlights are located. Replace batteries or have new batteries ready to use. 
  • If you have a generator, check your gas level, and remind your family of safety precautions. 
  • Get gas, cash, and a refill of Rx, if needed. 
  • Secure or move inside your outside furniture so they don’t become projectiles in the wind. 
  • Prepare your pets.
  • Check on your neighbors who may be new to hurricane season, elderly or anyone who has mobility issues. 
  • Please stay home and off roads Wednesday and Thursday. 
  • Turn off irrigation system. 
  • Replenish groceries and water for three days.

A few administrative details: 

  • Town of Bluffton offices will be closed to public tomorrow (Wednesday) and Thursday.  Staff will be working remotely.  This is aligned with Beaufort County School District’s decision to have school remotely, electricity permitting. 
  • Secure your waste/recycling bins. Currently, Waste Management is planning to service waste/recycling routes Wednesday unless wind and rain is too severe.  Please be mindful of your waste/recycling carts and secure them so trash does not become airborne. 
  • Bluffton Police Department and Public Services employees will be on the road to assist and to further prepare the community and will be ready to clear streets and so forth. 
  • If winds are sustained at 30 mph; first responders may be called back from answering service calls for their own safety. Bridges are especially dangerous in these sustained winds. 
  • Reserve 9-1-1 calls for emergencies.  The non-emergency Dispatch number is 843-524-2777. Call the appropriate agency for your needs.  Do not call 9-1-1 for power outages or other non-emergencies 

Utility Contacts:

  • Beaufort - Jasper Water & Sewer Authority 843-987-9200
  • Dominion Energy 888-333-4465 
    • Gas Leaks 800-815-0083
  • Palmetto Electric Cooperative 866-445-5551
  • Palmetto Electric Storm Safety Page: https://www.palmetto.coop/storm-safety 
  • Hargray 877-427-4729
  • Spectrum 855-243-8892

 

Please keep posted to the Town’s social media platforms and we will be communicating new information as we receive it.  Stay safe, Bluffton! 

 

Warmly, 

 

Mayor Lisa Sulka