News

City of Charleston Continues Recovery Efforts

Published

2 years ago

October 1, 2022

Press Release from the City of Charleston

As recovery efforts remain fully underway, the city of Charleston moved to OPCON-3 at noon today, returning the city to normal operations.

Damage reports: As of 11:30 a.m., 209 damage reports have been submitted through the city’s damage reporting link. To report damage go to https://gis.charleston-sc.gov/report-damage/

Drainage: Pump stations are back to normal operations and crews are working to remove temporary pumps as water has subsided. Stormwater Department employees are working through known flooding areas this weekend and sweeping streets of leaves and debris to stop them from clogging the drainage system.

Traffic signals: Since late yesterday, crews have restored 85 of 97 inoperative traffic signals. Citizens are reminded that any intersection with a full signal outage should be treated as a four-way stop.

Road closures: Since late yesterday, Charleston Police have reopened 55 of 66 closed roads. Charleston Police will reopen roadways as they become safe for motorists to travel. Road closures and reopenings will be updated in real-time here: https://gis.charleston-sc.gov/road-closures-regional/

Trees: A total of 55 downed trees had been reported to the city as of 1 p.m. Saturday. The Urban Forestry and Public Service Departments will continue clearing public spaces, including roads, parks and playgrounds, throughout the recovery period.

Street sweeping: Crews continue street-sweeping efforts, cleaning residual mud off of roadways and sidewalks that flooded, as well as clearing storm drains of debris. Street sweeping efforts will run on a seven-day schedule until cleanup is complete.

Livability: Livability officers are removing debris near storm drains in the central business district and neighborhoods, with a focus on garbage cans that have tipped over and spilled contents onto the ground, returning the contents to the can and then pulling the cans from the curb.

Charleston Police Department Update: Between 4 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. this morning, the Police Department responded to 661 calls for service. From the onset of Hurricane Ian impacts Friday at 8 a.m. through 8 a.m. today, the Police Department responded to a total of 904 calls for service.

The Police Department fielded the most calls during the height of the storm between 1 and 3 p.m., with 52 calls in the 1 p.m. hour and 39 calls in the 2 p.m. hour.

The Police Department urges residents to use caution as there are hidden obstacles and debris that may cause injury or damage to vehicles. Standing water may not be clean or sanitary.

Charleston Fire Department Update: Fire Department members are winding down emergency operations and have begun conducting windshield surveys throughout the city.

Between 4 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. this morning, the Fire Department responded to 91 calls for service. From the onset of Hurricane Ian impacts Friday at 8 a.m. through 8 a.m. today, the Fire Department responded to a total of 208 calls for service.

Four storm-related rescues were performed in two separate incidents. A house in West Ashley was severely damaged by a tree but there were no injuries.

With the loss of power in the area, residents are urged to avoid downed power lines when outside and to utilize flashlights for alternate lighting and avoid the use of candles when inside. Generators, grills and other cooking appliances must be run outdoors – do not bring them into the house or a garage.

RECOVERY RESOURCES AND INFORMATION

Repair permits: Citizens are reminded that nearly all storm damage-related repairs require building permits, which also protect property owners by ensuring that work performed is up to code. For additional information on building permit guidelines and requirements, please visit: https://www.charleston-sc.gov/856/Permit-Center

Business resources: Resources, including a checklist for disaster recovery developed by SCORE of Houston, is available here: https://charleston-sc.gov/2309/Disaster-Preparedness-for-Businesses

City openings: City offices and facilities, including the Angel Oak Tree, Old Slave Mart Museum, Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, the City Gallery, Maritime Center and Recreation Centers will return to normal operations on Monday.

Recreation will reopen the tennis centers and the Municipal Golf Course Sunday. Parks staff continue to assess and address debris removal and damage at the city’s parks. Parkgoers are urged to use caution at city parks as damage is still being assessed.

The Dock Street Theatre will only open this weekend for Saturday’s 7 p.m. MOJA Arts Festival “Evening of Jazz with Momentum and Da’rrell Ravenell.” Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

Parking garages: The six parking garages opened during the storm will revert to ticketed parking spaces this evening. All cars must be removed from the following garages by 5 p.m. today:

Aquarium Garage – 24 Calhoun Street
East Bay/ Prioleau – 25 Prioleau Street
Queen Street – 93 Queen Street
Visitor Center – 63 Mary Street
99 West Edge – 99 West Edge Street
34 St. Philip Street garage

Cars exiting garages should follow these steps:

Vehicles need to be removed by designated time to be eligible for free parking.
Pull a ticket upon entering
When leaving – Press the black “assistance” button on the upper right-hand side of the call box. An attendant will respond to assist you.
State you were parking to avoid the flooding.
Provide your name and address when requested.
Insert your ticket into the machine (if you have not already done so)
Attendant will raise the gate for you to exit

Garbage and trash: Residential garbage will resume on Monday, October 3, and follow a normal schedule. Bulk trash pickup will be suspended for two weeks (Monday, October 3 – Friday, October 14) to focus on yard debris pickup. Bulk trash pickup will resume on Monday, October 17. Commercial garbage collection resumed today. Garbage that was not picked up on Johns Island Friday will be picked up on Monday.

When placing debris at the curb for collection following Hurricane Ian cleanup, citizens should sort based on the following (C.A.T.) categories:

C – Construction debris (building materials, drywall, lumber, carpet, furniture, etc.)

A – Appliances (Refrigerators, washers/dryers, freezers, air conditioners, stoves, etc.)

T – Trees and vegetation (tree branches, leaves and logs)