Beaufort County Banding Together After Hurricane Helene
As the winds die down and the floodwaters recede, the residents of Beaufort County are coming together like never before in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The cleanup and recovery efforts are in full swing, with local officials and emergency teams working diligently to restore normalcy after the storm brought significant disruptions to the community.
A Message of Gratitude
County Administrator Michael Moore expressed heartfelt thanks to the community. “I want to thank our residents for the resilience and compassion that we’ve seen through this storm. It’s truly inspiring to witness neighbors helping one another, clearing debris, sharing resources, and offering support to those without power,” said Moore. “We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to our emergency responders, utility workers, and public works crews who have worked tirelessly during this event.”
As the situation gradually improves in Beaufort County, their attention is turning towards areas further southeast, which have been more severely affected by the hurricane. Various community groups have started to organize donation drives, showcasing the unique community spirit that Beaufort County is known for.
Reporting Damage
In an effort to assess the impact of the storm accurately, the Beaufort County Assessor’s Office has set up a web form for property owners to report any damage. This resource is available for both residential and commercial property owners. With just a few clicks, homeowners can easily report the state of their homes, helping officials gather necessary data for state and federal assistance. If you find yourself in need of assistance or want to report damage, you can use the form or call 843-255-2400 to talk to helpful staff members ready to assist.
Power Restoration and Assistance on Daufuskie Island
Power restoration efforts are underway, especially on Daufuskie Island, where Beaufort County is collaborating with Dominion Energy. The return of power may take several days, but officials are making every effort to expedite the process. “We are coordinating with Dominion on equipment staging and access to ensure a quick recovery,” said a local representative.
Meanwhile, a water distribution center has been set up at the First Union African Baptist Church with operating hours throughout the day, providing essential resources to those in need. For ferry riders heading back to Daufuskie Island, there’s good news! The county has arranged additional luggage allowances for those transporting supplies, enhancing capacity for cleanup and restocking efforts.
From October 2 through October 6, residents can take advantage of this special allowance, which equates to 200 pounds of groceries and supplies per trip. If you are planning a large supply run, just let Lowcountry Ferry know when booking!
Storm Debris Disposal and Cleanup Assistance
Beaufort County is also proactively addressing debris cleanup by conducting a single pass to collect storm-generated vegetative debris on public rights-of-way. Residents are encouraged to move any debris to the front of their properties as a designated storm debris collection site at Francis Jones Park has been established for those not on county roads.
To support the cleanup further, the county is coordinating with SCDOT to boost debris removal efforts. In the meantime, County Convenience Centers are open for regular business hours where residents can drop off vegetative storm debris. Just a friendly reminder: these centers are designed for residential trash and debris only!
Local Resources for Community Support
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division has established a toll-free Hurricane Helene hotline, making assistance readily available to residents. For further assistance, the United Way of the Lowcountry has activated their 2-1-1 HELPLINE, providing information and referrals for non-emergency assistance.
If residents need help with the cleanup process, they can reach out to Crisis Cleanup at 844-965-1386 for potential volunteer assistance. Services provided by volunteers may include mucking out, tree clearing, and debris removal, completely free of charge.
Organizations such as HELP of Beaufort are also stepping in to provide essential services, offering clothing assistance, family support, mobile meals, and financial aid as a recognized FEMA disaster relief pantry within the area.
Stay Informed and Prepared
For those wanting to stay updated on news and recovery efforts from Beaufort County Government, signing up for updates is easy! Additionally, downloading the Everbridge app will ensure you receive the latest alerts related to public safety.
As the hurricane season continues until November 30, it is a great reminder for all of us to stay prepared. Know your zone, have a hurricane guide handy, and make sure you have a plan in place for your family.
Beaufort County remains unwavering in its commitment to recovery, highlighting once again the strength and resilience of its community. Together, we will rise from the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene and continue to support one another.
