Status Update on Laurens County Recovery from Hurricane Helene

As of October 6, Laurens County continues its recovery efforts from the impacts of Hurricane Helene, with various aspects of community infrastructure returning to stability. County Administrator Thomas Higgs provided insights into the current conditions and ongoing efforts.

Laurens County employs a color-coded status system to assess the impact of Hurricane Helene across different sectors:

• Red: Indicates critical conditions with significant impact requiring immediate attention.
• Yellow: Signifies moderate impacts, suggesting caution and ongoing management.
• Green: Reflects stable conditions where systems are functioning normally.

Using this system, the current statuses are as follows:

• Safety and Security: Condition Yellow remains in place, indicating a moderate impact on community safety. Reports indicate isolated homes are still accessible only by foot, prompting urgent checks by authorities.
• Food, Hydration, and Shelter: This area has transitioned to Green, signaling that food and hydration resources are being coordinated effectively. Indications are that the American Red Cross will be providing additional support at the Cross Hill Fire Department and another location in Clinton and information will be forthcoming when available.
• Health and Medical Services: All facilities are open and serving patients, maintaining a Green status.
• Water Systems: Utility providers have remained stable, and this sector is also rated Green.
• Energy: Energy status is currently Yellow, with approximately 30% of residents still without power. However, the influx of energy teams provides hope for a quicker restoration.
• Communications: Connectivity remains Green overall, although some areas are experiencing spotty cellular coverage.
• Transportation: Rated Yellow due to ongoing debris issues, most roads are passable, but caution is advised.
• Hazardous Materials and Economy: Both sectors are Green, with businesses operational and being monitored for any concerns.

Transitioning Phases

Higgs noted that Laurens County is moving into a post-incident phase of recovery, preparing for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance. “We are working diligently with state agencies to implement a debris management plan and to facilitate the arrival of FEMA teams. Their expertise will be crucial as we navigate the next steps in our recovery process,” said Higgs.

The Incident Management Team completed their mission and returned Charleston, leaving behind a robust framework for continued recovery efforts, including the establishment of a Disaster Assistance Center to address public inquiries and coordinate volunteer efforts.

Future Plans

The county is in the process of setting up a donation management site and is encouraging direct contributions to local churches and organizations. “We’re looking at every possible avenue to ensure that our community receives the support it needs during this recovery period,” added Higgs.

For homeowners needing repairs, the county will expedite permit processes and waive associated fees, ensuring that structural damages and improvements can be addressed quickly.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteerism is expected to play a significant role in the coming weeks, with announcements regarding opportunities to help forthcoming.

The Disaster Assistance Center will provide updates on services, including the distribution of Point of Distribution (POD) centers, which will operate from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on October 7 at two locations: Waterloo Elementary School and the old Bell Street School in Clinton.

As Laurens County continues to recover, the support from volunteers, the National Guard, and emergency services remains invaluable. “Their dedication, often at the expense of their own families, deserves our deepest gratitude,” said Higgs. “Many of them will leave here to go to another area needing relief from Helene or Hurricane Milton which has yet to hit land.”

For more information and updates, residents are encouraged to stay tuned to local announcements including social media for changing information and daily updates.