For updates from Beaufort County Emergency Management,
please click on this link:
If Fripp Island is threatened by a Severe Weather or a
Hurricane Alert, known in advance, the Security and Fire Departments will be notified by
Beaufort County Emergency Operations Center (EOC). This notification will come by way of
County computer system and facsimile. The EOC will, if time permits, give emergency agencies
a 48-hour notice. The National Weather Service (NWS) will place any threatened area under a Watch.
When the path of the storm appears headed for our operational area, the NWS will activate a warning.
When Fripp Island is under a Hurricane Watch, a command post is established
at the Fripp Island Fire Station and will be manned 24 hours a day. Computer and radio with
the EOC link this command post.
Things to do in your home:
- Check first aid supplies and supplies of prescription medicines.
- Prepare to store drinking water, sterilize tub or other containers, wipe with bleach,
let dry, and fill.
- Check food supplies, canned goods, can opener (hand operated), non-perishable items, etc.
- Check batteries for radio and flashlights.
- Make and store ice.
- In case of loss of power, conserve refrigeration, do not open unless necessary.
- Other items to have on hand, cash, bleach, plastic bags, plastic utensils, and paper products.
- Tune to one of the following radio stations to stay abreast of what is taking place:
WLOW 107.9; WYKZ (the new River) 98.7; WWVV 106.9; WGCO 98.3
Things to do outside your home:
- Fuel vehicles.
- Secure outdoor furniture and other loose material.
- Board or shutter windows.
- Move valuables to upper floors to prevent water damage.
- Take pictures of property for insurance purposes.
When the storm direction is more clearly defined and potential for landfall is
predicted for the operational area of Beaufort County, the governor will be advised by Emergency
Preparedness personnel. It is the governor's responsibility to call for an evacuation. It may be
a voluntary relocation or a mandatory evacuation. Once the governor makes the decision, EOC will
advise Security and Fire Department personnel on the proper notification procedures. Notification
will initially come by way of radio and local television. Security and Fire Department personnel
will be asked to assess the evacuation process. If there becomes a need to send personnel out in
the streets with the apparatus or door-to-door for notification this will be an order issued by EOC.
EVACUATION:
If an order to evacuate has been issued, do not hesitate, follow the order. Once
the outer edges of the storm approach Fripp Island the weather may become very unpredictable. Security
and Fire Department personnel may not be able to respond to your call for help due to weather conditions.
Depending on the severity of the storm and damage incurred, it may be several days before it's safe to
return. When you return, be self-sustaining, with at least a ten-day supply of food and water.
The Fripp Island Fire Station is established as a Command Center for operations on the Island.
If you need assistance stop by the Fire Station, someone will gladly assist you.
RE-ENTRY/RETURN TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Information about reentry to Beaufort County
can be obtained by calling Beaufort County at
1-(877)-238-2021
or checking their website at
http://www.bcgov.net/Emerg_mgt/situation.asp
Information about Fripp Island can be obtained by calling the numbers
listed here:
Fripp Island POA
1-(843)-838-4155
This numbers will be transferred out of Beaufort County and will be answered by
Fripp Island POA staff who will be stationed in Aiken, South Carolina.
