Full Notification

As of this morning, forecasts indicate an increased likelihood of Tropical Storm Florence impacting the South Carolina Coast. The 11 a.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center indicates the storm was located 835 miles southeast of Bermuda with winds of 65 miles per hour moving west at 7 miles per hour. It storm is expected to re-strengthen to a hurricane tonight. The long-term track and potential impacts are still uncertain, however the storm is forecast to stay on the westward track over the next few days. Swells from Tropical Storm Florence are expected to arrive in Beaufort County this weekend. Swells can result in dangerous surf and rip currents, so we urge beach-goers and boaters to be mindful of these conditions and exercise caution. We also encourage everyone to monitor the storm through the National Hurricane Center https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ . 
 
We encourage our residents and visitors to have an emergency plan in place and begin making preparations for their families, homes and businesses. Know where you will go in the event of an evacuation and know your evacuation route. Check emergency supply kits to make sure they are stocked and the following necessary items are included:
 
• Non-perishable food – at least a 3-day supply per person
• Drinking water - two gallons per person per day for at least 3 days, for drinking and sanitation
• Flashlights with extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Weather radio with extra batteries
• Non-electric can opener
• Necessary medications and prescriptions
• Needed supplies for any children 
• Needed supplies for any pets
• Important documents (insurance policies, property deeds, photo ID, tax records, bank information, etc.)
• Toiletries and other personal hygiene/sanitation items
• Cash
• Cell phone and chargers

The Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Division produced an informative video detailing the importance of early preparedness and how to stay connected with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office for reliable and up-to-date information. You can view the hurricane preparedness video on our YouTube Channel at https://youtu.be/ASk5S47awUw .

 

As Tropical Strom Florence approaches, we will use several platforms to ensure our residents and guests are able to obtain up-to-date official information. We primarily communicate with the public via e-mail and text through our NIXLE alert and advisory system, which links to social media site Facebook. NIXLE is also the platform we will use to coordinate between governmental and public utility entities in advance of a message being released to the public. We ask you to please sign up for NIXLE https://local.nixle.com/accounts/login/  to receive up-to-date information from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

Should there be significant storm impact, photographs and videos taken by deputy sheriffs, other first responders and public information staff will be posted for you to view on DropEvent and YouTube. The link to access our DropEvent photograph folders https://www.dropevent.com/gallery/BeaufortCountySO  and videos on our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuYi6DuzHAh2kKQ7OnumCgg will be sent via e-mail and text through NIXLE and also posted on the following sites: 

In addition, we have added an alert link (Emergencies/Natural Disasters) to our website http://www.bcso.net/ , where those who have not subscribed to NIXLE can access the same reliable information. The alert link (Emergencies/Natural Disasters) is located at the top left of our website.

In the event of an emergency or natural disaster, please look to your state, county and local government officials, along with trusted print, radio and television media as your sources of information and instruction. We urge you to avoid information spread through social media, unless disseminated by one of the trusted sources.

Thank you for your partnership and continued commitment to the safety of our community.