South Carolina Emergency Management Division Advises Public on Cautionary Measures as Hurricane Helene Approaches

South Carolina Emergency Management Division Urges Caution During Helene

Hey there, Columbia, South Carolina! As Hurricane Helene approaches, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) is spreading a pretty important message that you’ll want to pay attention to. It’s all about calling for help when you really need it, and knowing when to hold off on those phone calls to 911.

Don’t Call 911 Unless It’s an Emergency

First things first: if you find yourself facing any issues during the storm, please do not call 911 unless it’s an emergency. This means situations that are life-threatening or pose immediate danger. According to the SCEMD’s announcement, calling to report storm damage to your property or to let them know about a power outage won’t get you very far.

“911 operators can’t do anything about it,” the post on X (formerly Twitter) mentioned, “and will be pretty busy trying to get help to people in danger.” This is a friendly reminder that while your concerns are valid, the 911 lines are there to help those in urgent trouble, and your non-emergency reports could end up clogging the lines when they’re most needed.

A Clear Path for Help

If you do find yourself in a life-threatening situation such as a medical emergency or if there’s an ongoing crime, then you should absolutely reach out to 911. The key here is to reserve those calls for moments where human lives are on the line. But what about all the other issues that might come up? The SCEMD has got you covered on that front too!

For everything else, like reporting minor property damage or outages that don’t put anyone at risk, the division suggests a different number: call 803-737-8500. This line is meant for non-emergency situations where you can seek assistance without tying up emergency resources.

Keeping You Informed

As we cozy up and prepare for Helene’s impact, it’s important to stay informed and connected. Stay tuned into local updates and keep your lines of communication open with friends and family. The SCEMD is making sure that folks in Columbia and surrounding areas can navigate this storm with the right tools and resources at their disposal.

Staying prepared isn’t just about what number to call; it’s about knowing what to do beforehand, too. Make sure you have your emergency kit ready, your phones charged, and a plan in place for what to do if the power goes out or if you need to evacuate.

In the Midst of the Storm

As Helene kicks up winds and rain, remember that we’re all in this together. Check on your neighbors, especially those who might need a hand or might not have friends or family nearby. Share resources where you can, whether it’s with food, supplies, or simply a comforting conversation. Sometimes just knowing someone else is looking out for you can make a world of difference.

Keep yourselves safe, Columbia! We’ll weather this storm as a community and come out stronger on the other side. Remember, for anything that might be life-threatening, pick up that phone and call 911. For everything else, there’s always that other number waiting to assist you. Stay alert and stay safe!