This Update on Tropical Storm Isaias was last updated August 3, 2020, at 11 a.m. Find the latest information at the National Hurricane Center.

Citizens are advised to stay off the roads during the storm and its aftermath to allow first responders and clean-up crews to evaluate the roads for safety. Do NOT venture out if you don’t have to do so.

How Do I Prepare?

Prepare your yard for the impending storm.

• Tie down, secure, or store indoors any items around your patio, yard, or porch, such as patio furniture, grills, flags, garbage cans, hanging baskets, lawn equipment, tools, lawn decorations, bicycles, and other items.
• Empty and secure other items that could fill with standing water to reduce the breeding grounds available for mosquitoes.
• Trim low hanging or broken limbs.
• Check and secure rain gutters and downspouts. Clear any debris to reduce the risk of water damage to your home.

Stock up on essentials. CASH is essential, as electronic payments such as debit cards and credit cards may not be available. Nonperishable food, water (1 gallon per person for 3 days), two-week supply of medications, pet supplies, fuel, tools, first aid kit, batteries, flashlights, trash bags, disposable utensils, mosquito spray, and more. Find more information at Ready.gov: https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit.

Get pets ready. Make sure your pet’s tags have your current contact information should they get separated from you during the storm. Consider bringing animals indoors during the storm. Inspect and repair fencing and kennels to contain your animals.

Plan to stay put. During the height of the storm, emergency responders may not be able to reach you. Stay inside until the storm clears.

S.C. Emergency Management Division: http://www.scemd.org/planandprepare/disasters/hurricanes

Hour-by-Hour Plans: https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes

More tips from the National Fire Protection Association: http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/safety-in-the-home/emergency-preparedness/natural-disasters/hurricanes

Who Do I Call During & After the Storm?

• Water and sewer issues? Call the after-hours number at 843-758-1127.
• Streets blocked by trees? Report to 911.
• Downed power lines or outages? Call 1-800-769-3766 for Duke Energy customers, or call 1-800-693-0190 for Pee Dee Electric customers.
• Issues with natural gas lines? Call 1-888-333-4465.
• For all other emergencies (medical, fire, and police), please call 911.

After the Storm

• Stay put until all clear to allow emergency vehicles full access and works crews time to open blocked streets and remove downed power lines.
• Beware of debris from broken glass, construction materials, and trees.
• Stay out of standing water. Electric lines and other debris could be hidden beneath the surface.
• Do not use generators indoors or outside near windows, vents, or air intakes. Keep a full fire extinguisher nearby.
• Report downed lines or gas leaks.
• Take reasonable steps to protect your property from further damage, including boarding windows or covering roof damage with tarps.
• Document damages with photos or video and keep a list of damaged or lost items.
• Report any losses to insurance companies as soon as possible.

Shelters

The American Red Cross shelter information can be found by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

If you have time to pack, remember to bring these items with you.

• Bedding
• Clothing
• Medications
• Your child’s stuffed animal,
• Blanket or other “lovey”
• Your emergency kit
• Any special dietary needs

In these Red Cross shelters, please do not bring pets, alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or weapons.

Sanitation Information

• Debris collection will be prioritized to clear roads and bridges before returning to regular routes based on damage assessments following the storm.

Where Can I Learn More?

Updates and information will be sent to radio, newspaper, and TV media partners in the area as well as posted on the City website, www.CityofDarlingtoncom, and on the City Facebook page, www.facebook.com/DarlingtonSC.