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 coastal areas in and around Horry and Georgetown, South Carolina.
Residents and visitors in certain parts of Horry and Georgetown Counties should begin evacuating no later than 12:00 PM TODAY, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6.
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:
Northern South Carolina Coast
Georgetown County Zone A
Areas East of Highway 17 to the Atlantic Ocean from the South Santee River and North to the Horry County line, including Sandy Island; areas East of Dawhoo Lake and South of Walker Road and Powell Road to the South Santee River; all low-lying areas along the Waccamaw River, Great Pee Dee River, Black River, and Sampit River South of Highway 521 (17A), including Maryville; and all mobile home residents in the County.
Horry County Zone A
All areas east of U.S. Business 17 (Kings Highway), up to intersection with U.S. 17 (Kings Highway) and then all areas east of US 17 (Kings Highway) to the northern county line.
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.