Governor McMaster Declares State of Emergency for South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster today issued Executive Order 2023-29, declaring a State of Emergency in preparation for the potential effects from Hurricane Idalia, and asks South Carolinians to monitor local forecasts and to begin taking proper precautions.

The governor's order directs the South Carolina Emergency Management Division to coordinate with all relevant state agencies and to be prepared to respond to any requests for state assistance from local officials and county emergency management leaders.

"Although South Carolina may avoid the worst of Hurricane Idalia's impacts, this State of Emergency is issued out of an abundance of caution to ensure that we have the necessary resources in place to respond to flooding events and are able to respond quickly if the forecast worsens," said Governor Henry McMaster. "Now is the time for South Carolinians to begin making proper preparations, and everyone should begin actively monitoring official sources for the most up-to-date information – especially those along our coast and in low-lying areas." 

Hurricane Idalia is expected to cross Florida and potentially bring tropical storm conditions to South Carolina, according to forecasters with the National Hurricane Center. People in South Carolina should expect high winds, heavy rain, flash flooding, flooding due to storm surge, and isolated tornadoes potentially beginning Wednesday afternoon and lasting into Thursday morning or afternoon. Everyone in the state should be personally prepared for the effects of Idalia, such as flooding, property damage, and power outages.

Residents should take the time to double-check their personal emergency plans for this and future storms, including: 

• Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do in an emergency.
• Storm surge flooding can be compounded by heavy rainfall. If you’re in a low-lying area or area normally prone to flooding, make sure your emergency plan includes flood precautions.
• Know where to go if conditions become too unsafe to remain in your home.
• Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away. 
• Create your emergency plan by visiting scemd.org or downloading the SC Emergency Manager mobile app: http://onelink.to/dn92rx.
• Have an emergency kit with items such as bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights with extra batteries, and chargers for your mobile devices. Refer to the preparedness checklists at Hurricane.SC. 
• Bring pets inside and include items for your pets in your emergency kit.
• Prepare your home or business by securing any items you have outdoors and taking them indoors.
• The probability of power outages is increased due to tropical storm-force winds. 
• Frequently monitor weather conditions and be aware that tornadoes are likely to spawn during a hurricane or tropical storm.
• If you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately in a house or small building. If there is no basement, go to an interior room on the lowest level. Get under a sturdy table and cover your head. Stay there until the danger has passed.
• If in a vehicle or mobile home, get out immediately and go to a more secure structure. If there is no shelter, lie flat in the nearest ditch and cover your head. Do not attempt to outdrive a tornado.

-###-

The Executive Order here.

Attorney General Alan Wilson announces state’s price gouging law in effect

(COLUMBIA, SC) –South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced today that the state’s law against price gouging is now in effect since Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency.

“With the possibility that Hurricane Idalia could hit South Carolina after making landfall in Florida, we all need to be prepared. We can expect normal price increases, and those are not considered price gouging under our law. But we may see businesses and individuals looking to unfairly take advantage of the situation through price gouging of food, gasoline, lodging, and other commodities as defined by the statute. By our law, that’s a criminal violation and an unfair trade practice,” Wilson said.

The price gouging law (SC §39-5-145) is a general prohibition of unconscionable prices during times of disaster. It is in effect until the state of emergency expires or is terminated. Price gougers can be charged for excessive pricing, a misdemeanor offense punishable by a $1,000 fine and/or 30 days in jail.

Normal fluctuations in price are to be expected and are not price gouging, but if you feel like you are the victim of price gouging there are certain steps you can take to help our office investigate. Please do the following:

1. Note the time, place, address, and name of the gas station or business.
2. Note the price you paid.
3. Note any prices nearby and get the same information on those stations or businesses.
4. Take pictures that identify the business, along with the price.
5. Provide your name and contact information.

Our office will need that information to conduct a thorough investigation. Please email any examples and documentation to pricegouging@scag.gov. You can also give us that information on our website at www.scag.gov. If you don’t have access to email or our website, you may call 803-737-3953 and leave a message if you have witnessed a likely violation. Please include the details we need to be able to investigate.

SCETV keeps viewers and listeners informed and prepared as Hurricane Idalia approaches South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. – As Hurricane Idalia approaches South Carolina, South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) will provide trusted resources to keep South Carolinians informed, prepared and safe.  SCETV actively monitors severe weather situations, providing updates to help the public stay informed with its statewide, multiplatform coverage. Through the South Carolina Emergency Information Network (SCEIN), a partnership with WUFT in Gainesville, FL, SCETV provides updates to the public across its broadcast television and radio network, on social media and on the scetv.org website. In addition to the WUFT partnership, SCETV works collaboratively with the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) and the Governor's Office to livestream Governor McMaster’s press conferences and updates as they happen. SCETV will also provide South Carolinians with the latest information on government office closings. Visit SCETV's dedicated weather page at scetv.org/weather or receive updates through SCETV’s Facebook, Twitter or YouTube channel. For hurricane guides and to learn more about hurricane evacuation zones and their vulnerability to storm surge on South Carolina’s coast, visit the SCEMD website. SCETV is committed to providing timely and accurate information with the safety of South Carolina communities as our top priority.

QUOTES "We understand the importance of staying connected and informed, especially during severe weather events like Hurricane Idalia. Our team is working diligently to provide the latest information, forecasts and safety tips to ensure that our state is well-prepared and can make informed decisions." –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell "As Hurricane Idalia approaches, we urge everyone to start preparations early and stay informed through trusted sources like SCETV. We are here to support our community and provide the resources needed to ensure the safety and well-being of all." –Director of SC Public Radio Sean Birch