Team South Carolina Supporting Recovery Efforts

Columbia, S.C. – Team South Carolina continues its response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene's impacts. State and local agencies are working closely together to restore power and ensure resources reach communities across the state.

Utility crews are working around the clock to bring electricity back to affected areas, while emergency management teams are coordinating food, water, and shelter support for those in need.

The state remains focused on assisting impacted residents, clearing debris, and helping rebuild infrastructure. 

South Carolina's state agencies and local partners report the following as of 2:00 p.m. today:

• The South Carolina Emergency Management Division remains at OPCON 1 and has responded to 534 logistical requests. The requests range from shelter assistance to debris removal.

• Thousands of line workers are working around the clock to make power repairs. As of 2:00 pm 745,593 outages were reported.

• The South Carolina Department of Transportation continues to focus on cleanup efforts throughout the state. Crews are working around the clock to clear roadways and get South Carolina back to normal.
• 10 general population shelters are currently in operation. View shelter information here.
• Decisions to open shelters are made at the local level.

• The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has been in contact with 212 health care facilities to check on their power/electricity status and assist with any needs. DPH Care Line has received a total of 1,015 calls.

• The South Carolina National Guard has 600 service members on state active duty. Support to counties has included SCHART missions to NC. On Sept. 29, 2024, the HART team rescued 30 individuals and 1 infant from the Lake Lure/Chimney Rock area. Also available; Aviation support for damage assessment, debris clearing, water pallet delivery, communications, traffic control assistance, transportation, POD, damage assessment (ground), vehicle recovery, general purpose troops for support, and security (non-armed) general purpose troops. Soldiers have completed missions in Lexington, Columbia, Oconee, Anderson, Greenville, Richland, Edgefield, Saluda, York, Pickens, Cherokee, McCormick, Aiken, Spartanburg, Laurens, and Greenwood counties.

• Road safety remains a priority, South Carolina Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol Troopers and State Transport Police Officers have responded to 4,423 incidents. 

• The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services can confirm post-storm assessments for the condition of 104 dams and there are no significant issues reported or observed.

• The South Carolina Department of Commerce encourages businesses with any unmet needs or questions to contact the ESF 24 desk (803-737-8524 or esf24@emd.sc.gov) for assistance and information on resources. 

• South Carolina's price gouging law is in effect. Price fluctuations are to be expected, but if you see a price you think is gouging, report it on the South Carolina Attorney General’s website https://www.scag.gov/price-gouging/ or by calling 803-737-3953. The agency will need the name and address of the business along with pictures of the business, price and your contact information.  
  
  
• The South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) is working with federal partners on the process and pathway to issue replacement of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for those impacted by Hurricane Helene and the resulting loss of power. Once more information is available, it will be released by DSS via official messages.

Those interested in volunteering are reminded not to enter impacted areas unless specifically requested. South Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (SCVOAD) have systems to manage support if needed. Before heading to a disaster zone, keep these things in mind:

• Help your local community first.
• First responders are focused on life-saving efforts and cannot support unplanned volunteers.
• Always connect with a recognized organization and confirm they've been asked to respond.
• Wait until it's safe to travel and opportunities are available.
• Ensure you have an assignment and proper safety gear for your role.
• Check with your employer to arrange time off if needed.

Volunteers will be needed for months and even years after the disaster, especially in the long-term recovery phase. Explore all volunteer and donation opportunities through the South Carolina Emergency Management Division at https://www.scemd.org/recover/volunteer-and-donate/. 

South Carolina residents with questions about the storm can now call the state’s toll-free hotline. Operators with the State’s Public Information Phone System are available 24/7 and will remain on hand for as long as needed to provide assistance.

Hurricane Helene Information Line: 1-866-246-0133.

Residents can also use the Damage Assessment tool in the SC Emergency Manager app to report property damage to authorities. Download the app on the App Store and on Google Play: http://onelink.to/dn92rx.