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DHEC Surveys Coastal Residents to Help Prepare for Next Major Storm

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DHEC

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an above-normal hurricane season with 11 to 17 named storms. Five to nine of those STORMS could potentially become hurricanes. During Hurricane Matthew in 2016, less than 200 people used the state’s special medial-needs shelters. Officials with the state’s department of health and environmental control, (DHEC) are now working to learn more about the medical needs of coastal residents to better help them prepare for the next major storm.

Special medial-needs shelters (SMNS) offer limited support for people with special medical needs and their adult caregivers. The Shelters are for people with medical conditions that are not severe enough to require hospitalization but do require care not available at American Red Cross shelters. One family member or adult caregiver must accompany each person who seeks safety in a Special Medical Needs Shelter.

Deputy Director of the DHEC Office of Public Health Preparedness Jamie Blair said with nine shelters opened during Hurricane Matthew and 117 people housed in those shelters, the agency is working to learn more about the emergency and medical needs of residents along the coast.

"The goal of this survey is to determine just how well-prepared people are for emergencies and to provide information to develop or enhance their individual emergency plans," said Blair. "By knowing on the front end if residents in an area may require special attention we are more aptly prepared to serve."

LISTEN: Jamie Blair explains why its best to have an emergency plan for up to 72 hours.

The survey was conducted by telephone, online and also included a door-to-door outreach component. The confidential information gathered may help the agency better communicate with the public about the shelters.

“It will let us know and work with our communication staff if we need to do more outreach and more public education on our shelters and with the state emergency management department.”

Blair added  if information from the surveys reveals transportation issues, DHEC will work with local municipalities to see if there is a plan in place to deal with that need.

For more information about how to prepare for emergencies, please visit:

www.scdhec.gov/HomeAndEnvironment/DisasterPreparedness/

www.scemd.org/planandprepare/preparedness