Laurens County Mobilizes Unified Recovery Efforts Following Devastation from Hurricane Helene
October 2, 2024
Laurens County continues to make significant strides in its storm recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene, which impacted the area on Friday. Laurens County Emergency Management remains at OPCON 1, with full emergency operations in effect.
“Our city and county employees are working side by side, along with state and federal resources that are starting to arrive in Laurens County. This is truly a one team, one fight battle. I’ve never seen such comradery as I’m seeing right now. All of these people are leaving their families, homes, and pitching in to help their neighbors. What we’re seeing is the absolute best of humanity.” – County Administrator Thomas Higgs
Damage Assessments:
Property damage assessments are ongoing throughout the county. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), state and county officials will be on the ground today to conduct evaluations of the damage.
Power and Utilities:
Currently, it is estimated that 63 percent of homes remain without power as power crews work around the clock to restore services. We urge residents to remain patient as utility companies prioritize heavily impacted areas.
National Guard and POD Sites:
The South Carolina National Guard is actively assisting Laurens County, supporting Points of Distribution (POD). The POD has essential supplies like water, MREs, and tarps. There is 1 POD site that opened today that will continue running for days to come.
The POD opened at 10AM and remains open until 7PM, located at 105 Bolt Drive in Laurens.
Another POD is planned for the Clinton area tentatively beginning tomorrow at 600 Peachtree Street, opening at 10AM.
Shelter Information:
An emergency shelter is available at The Ridge, located at 301 Exchange Drive, Laurens. View shelter information here: https://www.scemd.org/stay-informed/emergency-shelters/
Critical Infrastructure Status:
•Power: Restoration efforts are ongoing with an estimated 63 % of homes still without electricity.
•Fuel: Availability is improving, but we continue to monitor the situation.
•Commerce: Businesses are slowly reopening as power returns.
•Communications: Internet and mobile services remain
operational, though degraded due to power outages.
•Transportation: Most primary roads are open, but many secondary roads are still being cleared. Information about road conditions can be found on www.scdot.org.
•Report storm damage: Residents can report property damage to authorities here: https://berkeleyco.readyop.com/fs/4cyt/2707e52a
•Help requests: Residents can email requests for help to [email protected]
Laurens County residents with questions about the storm can now call the Laurens County Information Phone Lines:
864-681-2176
864-681-2177
864-681-2178
Kevin Uldrick, Director of Laurens County EMS
“The storm was catastrophic and much worse than anticipated. Throughout the storm and now in the recovery phase, EMS has experienced a 30% – 40% increase in call volume and our crews have worked tirelessly to provide care to the community. EMS has been assisting citizens that need oxygen or other critical, life-sustaining medical equipment to the medical needs shelters and assisting in locating resources for them. All first response agencies have come together to meet the needs of the community.”
Heath Copeland, Laurens Police Chief Statement:
“I would like to personally thank each and every member of the Laurens City Police Department. Officers have run chainsaws, cleared houses, and kept traffic from interfering with utility workers. I urge everyone to be patient with your First Responders as we continue working to restore our community.”
Don Reynolds, Laurens County Sheriff Statement:
“Our deputies have been working around the clock since this terrible storm, from cutting down trees and clearing roadways, to transporting people to the emergency shelter, to delivering items and helping seniors — all while maintaining law and order. This has been a tough few days, but we are persevering and standing with our citizens.”
Greg Lindley, Director of Fire Services Statement:
“Since early Friday morning, all county fire departments have been working non-stop to help with clearing roadways, handling emergency calls, and any other needs that they can assist with. In my 35 years of experience, I have never seen this type of weather event cause this much damage. To see people helping each other and citizens helping emergency services has been awesome and overwhelming.”
Please continuing to follow the Laurens County Emergency Management Facebook page for further updates.
