Georgetown County returns to normal operations, cleanup begins
Feb. 21, 2014

After 10 days of operating at an elevated preparedness status, Georgetown County government has returned to Operating Condition (OPCON) 5, which indicates normal daily operations.

The county moved to OPCON 4, an “alert” status, on Feb. 11 as a result of Winter Storm Pax and reached OPCON 3 the following day before going back to OPCON 4 late last week, where it remained until today.

The public is reminded that pickup of winter storm debris in the right-of-way will begin on Monday. Georgetown County residents are asked to place any storm-related vegetative yard debris, including tree limbs, on the public right-of-way — the area of residential property that extends from the street to the sidewalk, ditch, utility pole or easement. This does not include private drives or roadways. Debris should not be bagged; only loose vegetative yard waste will be collected. Do not place debris near mailboxes, water meters, fire hydrants or any other above-ground utility. Construction debris and other garbage will not be collected and the homeowner may be cited for putting that type of material out for pickup.

Anyone with questions about storm-related debris should call (843) 545-3999 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Anyone in need of other assistance, such as replacement of food lost during electrical outages, should dial 211.

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Right-of-way removal to begin for winter storm debris
Feb. 19, 2014

On Wednesday morning, Georgetown County Council agreed to issue a notice to proceed to its debris management contractors for clean up of storm-related yard debris following Winter Storm Pax. As a result, on Monday, Feb. 24, the contractors will begin removing storm-related debris, including vegetative yard waste, from the public right-of-way throughout the county. This includes areas within the City of Georgetown and the Towns of Andrews and Pawleys Island.

Georgetown County residents are asked to place any storm-related vegetative yard debris, including tree limbs, on the public right-of-way — the area of residential property that extends from the street to the sidewalk, ditch, utility pole or easement. This does not include private drives or roadways.

Georgetown County debris removal contractors will remove only storm generated vegetative debris. Construction debris and other garbage will not be collected and the homeowner may be cited for putting that type of material out for pickup.

Bagged debris should not be placed on the public right-of-way; only loose vegetative yard waste will be collected. Do not place debris near mailboxes, water meters, fire hydrants or any other above-ground utility.

Local individuals will be sought for hire by the contractors as debris cleanup moves forward. County residents can search and apply for available jobs with the contractors at www.thompsoncs.net by clicking on the “careers” tab.

To check for additional information and updates on the debris removal process, please visit www.gtcounty.org or call (843) 545-3999.

Midway Fire Rescue offers safety tips for clearing and burning yard debris
Feb. 15, 2014

As residents throughout Georgetown County continue cleaning up around their homes and businesses following Winter Storm Pax, Midway Fire Rescue encourages the use of proper safety precautions.

Fire officials advise taking fallen limbs and any vegetative debris to the county’s landfill on Highway 51 or one of the community recycling centers located throughout the county. But they know some residents will choose to burn their debris. The following safety tips are recommended...

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Residents asked to report storm-related damages

Feb. 14, 2014

The Georgetown County Emergency Management Division is asking that all county residents and businesses notify division staff of any physical damage to personal property directly related to Winter Storm Pax. This would include any damage to homes and other structures, and/or vehicles, such as from fallen trees.

This information will help emergency management staff as they proceed with damage assessment. Please report any storm-related damage to (843) 545-3273.

Georgetown County offers guidance for debris removal

Feb. 13, 2014

With winter storm warnings lifted for Georgetown County, attention is now turning to clean up as officials work on clearing roadways and residents look to start removing fallen tree limbs from homes and businesses.

Local, state, and federal agencies are not authorized to remove debris from private property except in situations where the debris is deemed to pose an extraordinary threat to human health and safety. If debris is too large, property owners may need to hire a debris removal contractor. Before hiring anyone, they should check with their insurance company to find out if their policy covers debris removal.

Property owners should make sure their debris piles don't block the right-of-way, obstruct fire hydrants or utility meters, or block drains or ditches which can cause a risk of flooding...

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Protect pipes from freezing, especially for fire sprinkler systems
Jan. 27, 2014

It’s not often that Georgetown County residents experience temperature drops below freezing, and this kind of weather can cause serious problems for those not accustomed to dealing with cold weather related issues.

Midway Fire Rescue has responded to 11 calls recently that are related to frozen pipes, including for fire sprinkler systems. The department urges homeowners and businesses to take necessary precautions to protect water pipes from freezing, including for fire sprinkler systems. Fire sprinkler systems are in place to protect life and property in the event of a fire and they are very effective if working properly, said Midway Chief Doug Eggiman. When temperatures drop below freezing, areas of exposed piping are susceptible to freezing and can cause damage to the system and/or the frozen water will create an obstruction rendering that part of the system inoperable...

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