09/30/2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 29, 2024
Greenville County Emergency Management Urges Caution and Community Support Following Helene
Greenville, SC – In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the Greenville County Emergency Management continues to recover from widespread power outages, downed trees, washed out roads, and storm debris. As recovery efforts are underway, GCEM urges all residents to prioritize safety, assist neighbors in need, and take proper precautions when using generators and cleaning up storm damage.
⚠️Emergency County Resources⚠️
-Greenville County residents should be aware of following resources currently available:
Residents with critical needs for assistance can call 864-467-3428 between 7AM and 7PM. Call 911 for emergencies only.
-Hillcrest High School in Simpsonville is operating as a shelter for residents without medical needs.
-A Medical Needs Shelter is open at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena for those who have electricity depended medical needs and their caregivers. Call SCDPH Medical Needs Line at 1-855-472-3432 if you are unsure whether you require a Medical Needs Shelter.
-We encourage residents to report damage to your property through the SC Emergency Manager App, which can be found on the Apple App Store or Google Play.
⚠️Power Outages and Generator Safety⚠️
While many in Greenville County are still without power, we understand that some residents are using portable generators to restore electricity to their homes. We urge everyone to practice generator safety to prevent dangerous situations:
-Never operate generators indoors or in enclosed spaces such as garages or sheds – carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious threat.
-Keep generators at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and vents.
-Make sure to use proper extension cords and avoid overloading the generator.
-Ensure your home is equipped with working carbon monoxide detectors.
-Residents are encouraged to report power outages to the local electricity provider in their area. Do not approach downed power lines.
Cleanup:
1. Take Pictures/Document Damage: Before starting cleanup, take pictures of any damage for insurance claims, then contact your insurance company and save all related receipts.
2. Protective Gear: Wear sturdy shoes, gloves, eyewear, and a helmet when dealing with debris.
3. Private Well Owners: Contact the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services’ Private Well Hotline at 1-888-761-5989 for information about steps to take to test their well water or disinfect their well. A private well that’s been flooded can result in unsafe drinking water that could make you sick.
4. Consult Waste Management: Contact local authorities about how to properly dispose of trash and debris. Residents can request voluntary agency assistance with debris removal, tarping of roof, etc., by registering their need with Crisis Cleanup. Call 1-844-965-1386.
Residents can also use the Damage Assessment tool in the SC Emergency Manager app to report property damage to authorities. Download the app on the App Store and on Google Play.
South Carolina residents with questions about Helene can now reach out to the state’s toll-free hotline. Operators from the State's Public Information Phone System are available 24/7 to provide assistance for as long as necessary. To speak with an operator, call 1-866-246-0133.
We thank the community for your resilience and cooperation during this challenging time.
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