North Myrtle Beach announces storm preparations

By Matt Robertson
SCNOW.COM Content Coordinator/Producer
Published: September 4, 2008

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH – The City of North Myrtle Beach has been busy making preparations for a possible hurricane landfall. In addition, North Myrtle Beach’s emergency operations center will open tomorrow afternoon and will be staffed accordingly until the storm passes.

“Although each storm poses its own specific threats, we have a knowledgeable and skilled team that has a great deal of experience dealing with tropical systems,” said North Myrtle Beach Mayor Marilyn Hatley. “Our staff has been hard at work all week and I’m confident we are prepared and ready for the impending storm.”

Although Tropical Storm Hanna has not strengthened significantly over the last 24 hours, City departments have been following the City’s hurricane plan. City crews have removed beach chairs, beach umbrellas, beach boxes and portable sanitation stations from the beach. Streets and drainage personnel have been clearing ditches and drains in case of high levels of rain. Other City teams are on standby in the event debris cleanup and building damage assessments are necessary after the storm.

North Myrtle Beach City Hall will remain open tomorrow during regular business hours (8 a.m.-5 p.m.), unless severe weather threatens before the end of the work day. Although no decisions have been made at this time, City Hall may open on Saturday for emergency building permits if needed. Also, even though lifeguard stands have been removed from the beach, Beach Patrol officers will continue to monitor the beach and surf until weather conditions prohibit them from being on the beach.

Residents and visitors who intend to evacuate are encouraged to leave well before the storm reaches the North Myrtle Beach area. Residents who evacuate should take proof of property ownership and other important papers with them. Those who remain in the City should consider the following:

• Put all loose objects inside including lawn furniture, trash containers, bicycles, plants, etc. Much of the damage and injuries from high-wind storms is a result of flying debris.
• If planning to cover your windows, use plywood or storm shutters. Taping glass is not effective.
• Gather important papers, including insurance information and emergency contact numbers, and put them in waterproof containers.
• In case of power outages, be sure to have fresh water, canned food, a manual can opener, batteries, flashlights and a battery-powered radio on hand.
• Do not venture out during the storm and avoid driving until the storm passes.

For more information or for nonemergency calls concerning Tropical Storm Hanna, please call (843) 280-5511.