COLUMBIA, S.C. (Thursday, October 6, 2016) - As Hurricane Matthew continues to threaten the southeastern United States, Governor Nikki Haley today ordered an evacuation of additional coastal areas in Jasper and Colleton, South Carolina.
Residents and visitors in Zone B of Jasper and Colleton Counties should begin evacuating effective immediately TODAY, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6. This evacuation is in addition to the previous evacuation for the areas of Jasper and Colleton Counties in Zone A, which went into effect yesterday, October 5.
To verify whether you are located in an evacuation zone, please visit www.scemd.org and click, “Know your Zone,” to enter your home address. Evacuation details, by region, are listed below and detailed via an interactive map at that South Carolina Emergency Management Division’s website.
Maps of coastal evacuation routes, including interactive and downloadable maps, are available at the South Carolina Department of Transportation’s (SCDOT) website.
The scope of the evacuation may be expanded to include other areas as recommended by local officials. South Carolina residents, especially those who live in low-lying areas along the entire coast, should monitor the status of Hurricane Matthew through local news media.
Evacuees should pack the following essential items in case the evacuation period is lengthy: required medications, adequate clothing and essential personal items. Individuals and families should make plans to stay in hotels, with family, friends or other trusted loved ones living outside evacuation areas.
Emergency shelters have been opened throughout the state for people with nowhere else to stay. The majority of shelters do not allow pets, owners should have a plan to board pets with veterinarians, kennels, or other facilities in non-vulnerable areas. A list of open shelters, including the two pet friendly shelters, is available as part S.C. Emergency Management Division’s Hurricane Matthew online information at: www.scemd.org.
People who live in the following coastal areas should evacuate immediately:
Southern South Carolina Coast
Colleton County Zone B
All areas east of I-95 from the southern county line to Walterboro and all areas south of Alt. US17 from Walterboro to the northern county line plus all mobile homes and other floodplain areas in the County.
Jasper County Zone B
All areas east of I-95 and all areas south of Sand Hills Road (Hwy 119) and Tillman Road (Hwy 336), plus all mobile homes and other floodplain areas in the county.
Today’s announcement expands the areas along the South Carolina coast under the Governor’s evacuation order.
South Carolina’s emergency helpline is now active around the clock. Anyone with questions Hurricane Matthew should call the Public Information Phone System at 1-866-246-0133.
For all of the latest information about Hurricane Matthew, visit scemd.org.
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety includes the Highway Patrol, State Transport Police, Bureau of Protective Services, Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs, Immigration Enforcement Unit and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame. Our mission is to ensure public safety by protecting and serving the people of South Carolina and its visitors.