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Hurricane Helene: Everything You Need to Know

By September 26, 2024October 4th, 2024No Comments

One SC Fund: Hurricane Helene

Central Carolina Community Foundation is accepting financial donations to the One SC Fund to support nonprofit organizations across South Carolina responding to the needs of individuals affected by Hurricane Helene.

The One SC Fund is a statewide disaster response initiative supported by individual donors, corporate partners, and funders from across the state and country.  In times of state-declared emergency, the philanthropic community joins together in a unified effort to raise needed funds for nonprofits responding to disasters.  In coordination with the South Carolina Office of Resilience, an agency of Governor Henry McMaster’s Cabinet, resources received by the fund are directed to South Carolina communities most in need.

The One SC Fund was established by Central Carolina Community Foundation with support from Governor Nikki Haley in 2015 to respond to The Thousand-Year Flood.  The fund has since been activated in response to Hurricane Matthew, Hurricane Florence, and the COVID-19 Pandemic, and it is now active for Hurricane Helene. Through the fund, the Community Foundation has distributed $10,426,777 to nonprofits to support disaster recovery projects. 868,847 individuals have received assistance with basic needs such as food, rent and utility assistance, health care, and shelter. 2,300 families have been able to return home after disasters.

As funds are donated, nonprofits providing relief, recovery, and rebuilding assistance will be able to apply for a grant.  Individuals are not eligible to apply for a grant.

 

City of Columbia Will be Performing Damage Assessments Throughout the City tomorrow, October 3, 2024

 

(Columbia, SC) – The City of Columbia in conjunction with Richland County, South Carolina Emergency Management Division and FEMA will be performing damage assessments throughout City neighborhoods tomorrow, October 3, 2024, as a result of the impacts of Hurricane Helene.

 

Please be aware and use caution in areas where crews will be actively working. The damage assessors will be evaluating damage to residences, businesses, government facilities, infrastructure, natural resources, cultural resources and the amount/type of debris on properties.

 

These crews will be making assessments on the ground, as well as using aerial imagery to survey the areas. City staff will be identifiable by official City of Columbia vehicles, as well as possessing proper city identification.

 

These damage assessments will assist the City of Columbia and Richland County to compile accurate information to turn into the State of South Carolina for Federal disaster assistance.

 

Citizens can help report damage to their property or business by submitting a report on the SC Emergency Manager app. You can download the SC Emergency Manager app on the App Store and on Google Play.

 

Donate and Volunteer Through United Way of the Midlands

United Way of the Midlands has details on how to get help, how to donate and how to volunteer.  Visit their website for all the details: https://www.uway.org/helene

HOW TO GET HELP

If you’ve been affected by Hurricane Helene and need assistance, here are some resources available to you:

 

HOW TO GIVE HELP

While the full impact of Hurricane Helene is still unfolding, your support can make a significant difference in our community’s recovery. We’re working closely with our partner agencies in the community to keep this information updated as conditions evolve.

DONATE MONEY

  • Midlands Community Response Fund: The Midlands Community Response Fund is a joint initiative of Central Carolina Community Foundation, United Way of the Midlands, United Way of Sumter, Clarendon and Lee Counties, United Way of Kershaw County, and United Way of the Lakelands.
  • United Way Association of South Carolina Disaster Fund: All funds raised through this form will be directed to help recovery and relief efforts for South Carolina residents affected by Hurricane Helene. You will be able to choose the county you’d like to help. The United Way Association of South Carolina will underwrite all administrative costs associated with dispersing these funds, and 100% of funds received will go directly to supporting recovery efforts.

DONATE SUPPLIES

  • Harvest Hope Food Bank is accepting food donations at their Midlands location (2220 Shop Road, Columbia, SC 29201). Most needed items are:
    • Microwavable Pop-Top Meals
    • Microwavable Pop-Top Cans of Soup
    • Pop-Top Canned Goods (vegetables, beans)
    • Canned or Pouch Proteins Packed in Water (tuna, chicken)
    • Snack Items (granola bars, peanut butter, crackers)
  • Mission Lexington is accepting food donations at 216 Harmon Street, Lexington, SC 29072. Most needed items are:
    • Peanut Butter
    • Soup (any kind)
    • Canned Tuna or Chicken
  • Transitions is in need of supplies due to an influx of clients. Most needed items are:
    • Water
    • Emergency Sleeping Pads (50)
    • Small bar soaps
    • Toiletries
    • Contact Shanice Bligen at [email protected] for more information.

 

VOLUNTEER

South Carolina Emergency Management Division Resources

Way to Help Your Community

Recovery Resources

Download the SC Emergency Manger to Report Storm Damage. Available in the App Store and on Google Play.

Be aware of fraud and scams. After a disaster, vulnerable people are often targeted from scammers.

Always rely on local, state and federal sources for credible information.

Remember: legitimate disaster assistance workers NEVER ask for money.

If you need help with damage clean-up following Hurricane Helene, call Crisis Cleanup at 844-965-1386.

Crisis Cleanup

Volunteers may be able to assist with mucking out, cleaning up trees, tarping roofs and clearing debris. All services are free. Service is not guaranteed.

Please see the videos below:

City of Columbia Reassures Customers about Reliability of Columbia Water System

Hurricane Helene Recovery Press Conference

Hurricane Helene Recovery Press Conference | Clint Shealy

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

The City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department Closes Riverfront Park for Repairs to Canal Levee and to Clear Debris From Hurricane Helene

(Columbia, SC) – Parks and Recreation Department will close Riverfront Park from Monday, October 7, 2024, through Friday, October 11, 2024, to clear debris from the canal headgates, remove trees, and repair the canal levee.  There will be large trucks and heavy equipment on the trail during the operations.

Access to the parks will remain available Thursday, October 3 through Sunday, October 6. It is necessary to wait for river levels to recede in order to perform this work.

Park entrances at Riverfront North at 4122 River Drive and Riverfront South at 312 Laurel Street will be affected. Restrooms and the fitness center at the south end of the park (312 Laurel Street) will be accessible, but the pedestrian bridge over the canal will be gated and locked.

WHAT: Columbia Parks & Recreation Department announces closures at Riverfront Park to repair damage from Hurricane Helene.

WHO: Columbia Parks & Recreation Department

WHERE: Riverfront North at 4122 River Drive and Riverfront South at 312 Laurel Street

WHEN: Beginning Monday, October 7 through Friday, October 11

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

City of Columbia Parks & Recreation Opens up Facilities to Assist with Recovery Efforts

(Columbia, SC) – The City of Columbia Parks & Recreation Department will be opening up Greenview Park, Leroy Moss Multipurpose Center at Hyatt Park and the Charles R. Drew Wellness Center for recovery efforts from the impacts of Hurricane Helene.

Greenview Park, 6700 David St.

  • Open throughout the day for donations for those affected by Hurricane Helene, those who may need a shower and the ability to charge electrical devices
  • Dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. for those affected by Hurricane Helene

Leroy Moss Multipurpose Center at Hyatt Park, 950 Jackson Ave.

  • Open throughout the day for donations for those affected by Hurricane Helene and the ability to charge electrical devices
  • Dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. for those affected by Hurricane Helene

Charles R. Drew Wellness Center, 2101 Walker Soloman Way

  • Open throughout the day for donations for those affected by Hurricane Helene and the ability to charge electrical devices

All other Parks & Recreation Facilities are operating on a normal schedule. Please note that the Parks & Recreation Administrative Office, 1113 Recreation Dr., is still without power.

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

City of Columbia Reassures Customers about Reliability of Columbia Water System

(Columbia, SC) – Water and sewer service from Columbia Water for its customers has not been interrupted, nor do we anticipate any interruption of service to the public we serve.  Both the Canal Water Treatment Plant and the Lake Murray Water Treatment Plant are operating on normal schedule and activities are routine.

Our community has been impacted by the recent Hurricane/Tropical Storm Helene, and the weather associated with this storm event has created some flood level flows in the Broad River/Congaree River basin in addition to leaving many of the residents in the area temporarily without power.  Area residents are understandably concerned about utility service in general, particularly those who experienced the flooding events of October, 2015.

We are pleased to confirm that utility operations for Columbia Water serving the City of Columbia and the surrounding metropolitan area are occurring as normal for water treatment and distribution and wastewater collection and treatment.  These activities include compliance duties for both drinking water and wastewater, as almost all our work is regulated by either the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services or the Environmental Protection Agency.

The Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant is also operating on normal schedule.  At Metro, the road to the plant, Simmon Tree Lane, has approximately 20 inches of water on it (proximate flooding due to the high flows in the nearby Congaree River).  In order to accommodate employees who report to the Metro Plant in personal vehicles, we have set up an alternate parking area north of the Plant, and plan to transport employees to and from this area in utility equipment.  This parking arrangement has no bearing on the work at the Metro plant, but is a temporary step to ensure the safety of our employees.  High water levels in the Broad and Congaree Rivers are also presenting wastewater treatment and collection system challenges, but these are being addressed by Columbia Water staff and have no effect on our service to our customers.

To report any water or wastewater service disruptions, please call our Customer Care team at (803) 545-3300.

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Restoration Times Now Available

Over the past days, damage assessors, tree crews and lineworkers have been evaluating the damage across the state in order to provide you with an estimated time of restoration for your area. We appreciate your patience as we worked through that process.

Estimated times of restoration are now available for the following listed counties. We will continue to update the outage map [trk.cp20.com] as progress is made.

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Important Information from Dominion Energy SC

Stay informed with reliable sources.

  1. As with any storm that could possibly impact power to our customers, Dominion Energy does not release crews to leave our service territory until a return to normal operations.
  2. Because no electricity is flowing to a customer’s meter when they are experiencing an outage, no charges are incurred during that time.
  3. Due to extensive damage and widespread outages, some customers may be without power for several days. While we apologize for the inconvenience, Dominion Energy is unable to offer reimbursement for food spoilage or hotel accommodations due to loss of power. However, the customer’s homeowner’s insurance policy may offer coverage.
  4. Customers who previously reported an outage may receive notifications letting them know that power has been restored. In instances where the power remains out, we encourage customers to report their outage again using our mobile app as we continue to work on restoring service in our service territory.
  5. Download the Dominion Energy app. We encourage customers to use the Dominion Energy app [trk.cp20.com], which is the fastest and most secure way to report or track an outage. Customers may also report outages by going to DominionEnergy.com [trk.cp20.com]. Keep in mind that customers may be experiencing internet/Wi-Fi service disruptions along with widespread power outages.
  6. Check the outage map. Customers can use the Dominion Energy outage map [trk.cp20.com] for up-to-date information on restoration progress.
  7. Follow Dominion Energy on social media. The company will provide regular updates and additional tips to help keep customers informed and safe.

Stay safe.

  1. Stay away from downed power lines. Always assume downed power lines are energized and dangerous. Keep in mind the downed lines may not always be visible and use extra caution when walking outside after a storm. Please remain at least 30 feet away and ensure that others avoid the downed line. Because of the unusually high volume of calls, customers who call 888-333-4465 to report a downed power line may get an automated voice message and experience a call disconnection. We encourage customers to use the app.
  2. Properly connect your generator and follow all manufacturer’s operating and safety instructions. If you have a generator, make sure it is fueled, service, and properly connected. Always operate a generator outdoors and with adequate ventilation.

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

POSTPONED: Mayor Daniel Rickenmann’s Second Town Hall Tour

Due to the impact of Hurricane Helene, Mayor Rickenmann’s Town Hall Tour, originally scheduled for this week, has been postponed and will be rescheduled for a later date. Information will be sent out when the tour is rescheduled.

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Annual Isabel Law Breakfast Rescheduled for October 11

Who: Mayor’s Campaign Against Breast Cancer

What: Our community has been impacted by the recent Hurricane/Tropical Storm Helene, and the weather associate with this storm event has affected the quality of life for many.

With recovery in mind, we have decided to postpone the Isabel Law Breakfast

to Friday, October 11, 2024 at City Hall from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Sunday, September 29, 2024

Important Hurricane Helene Updates from Dominion Energy

  • After working around the clock Thursday, Friday and Saturday in response to Hurricane Helene, by 10 a.m. Sunday, crews had restored power to more than 250,000 customers. This was significant progress since outages peaked at approximately 386,000 Friday morning after Helene devastated South Carolina with heavy rain and severe winds that downed trees, poles and power lines across hundreds of miles.
  • The City of Columbia has less than 9,400 outages
  • More than 2,000 Dominion Energy employees and 1,000 additional contract resources are working around the clock to restore power to customers. Because of the unusually extreme extent of Helene’s impact, we are still assessing damage in the hardest hit areas and will provide estimated times of restoration as soon as we can after the completion of ongoing damage assessments.
  • The team of skilled resources includes Dominion Energy Virginia employees and additional out-of-state assistance from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina and Texas. We continue to secure additional resources where available.
  • With progress being made in some of the lesser impacted areas, additional resources have been strategically reallocated to Aiken, Richland, Beaufort and Hampton counties, as well as other parts of Dominion Energy’s service territory that were hit hardest.
  • Watch a message from Dominion Energy South Carolina President Keller Kissam helping customers understand the massive extent of Helene’s damage and the steady progress crews are making with restoration.
  • Damage assessments continue to confirm that no other storm has impacted our service territory as severely as Hurricane Helene.
  • Destructive winds and downed trees destroyed nearly 90 transmission lines across our system. These high-voltage lines deliver bulk power to substations in the communities we serve. Once substations are restored, we can begin the process of rebuilding lines in neighborhoods from street to street.
  • Damage on our system impacting service may not be near your home or business. Customers may not see a Dominion Energy vehicle in their area even as work to restore power is underway.
  • The first steps in restoring power involves assessing damage and protecting the safety of emergency workers, repair crews and the public. Priority is given to getting power to health and safety facilities.
  • We work to restore the largest number of customers as quickly as possible by assessing and repairing damage to larger transmission towers, power lines and substations.
  • Next, we work to clear obstructions and repair primary distribution poles and power lines across the communities we serve.
  • Finally, we inspect and repair secondary service lines in residential neighborhoods.
  • Crews can only repair electric service up to a home’s point of connection. If a customer has any storm damage from the weatherhead down to its meter base, an electrician must repair it before Dominion Energy can reconnect power to the home. Having any required repairs completed before crews arrive can save time in restoring power.
  • Get the facts from reliable sources.
    • As with any storm that could possibly impact power to our customers, Dominion Energy does not release any crews to leave our service territory until a return to normal operations.
    • Because no electricity is flowing to a customer’s meter when they are experiencing an outage, no charges are incurred during that time.
    • Due to extensive damage and widespread outages, some customers may be without power for several days. While we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience, Dominion Energy is unable to offer reimbursement for food spoilage or hotel accommodations due to loss of power. However, the customer’s homeowner’s insurance policy may offer coverage.
    • Customers who previously reported an outage may receive notifications letting them know that power has been restored. In instances where the power remains out, we encourage customers to report their outage again using our mobile app as we continue to work on restoring service in our service territory.
  • Stay safe and informed.

o   Stay away from downed power lines. Always assume downed power lines are energized and dangerous. Keep in mind the downed lines may not always be visible, and use extra caution when walking outside after a storm. Please remain at least 30 feet away and ensure that others avoid the downed line. Because of an usually high volume of calls, customers who call 888-333-4465 to report a downed power line may get an automated voice message and experience a call disconnection. We encourage customers to use the app.

o   Properly connect your generator and follow all manufacturer’s operating and safety instructions. If you have a generator, make sure it is fueled, service, and properly connected. Always operate a generator outdoors and with adequate ventilation.

o   Download the Dominion Energy app. We encourage customers to use the Dominion Energy app, which is the fastest and most secure way to report or track an outage. Customers may also report outages by going to DominionEnergy.com or calling 800-251-7234. Keep in mind that customers may be experiencing internet/Wi-Fi service disruptions along with widespread power outages.

o   Check the outage map. Customers can use the Dominion Energy outage map for up-to-date information on restoration progress.

o   Follow Dominion Energy on social media. The company will provide regular updates and additional tips to help keep customers informed and safe.

Sunday, September 29, 2024

PUBLIC SAFETY ALERT – Roads & Boat Ramps to Close in Columbia & Richland County Ahead of Post-Storm River Crest

Public safety agencies with the City of Columbia and Richland County are making preparations ahead of historic river crests expected on the Congaree River in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene.

According to the National Weather Service the Congaree at Columbia is now forecast to reach major flood stage late Sunday night and crest at 31.0 feet early Monday afternoon. This crest is near the 2015 value of 31.8 feet. This is likely to affect levels on the Broad River as well. 

The Columbia-Richland Fire Department and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department have made the joint decision to close all boat ramps on the Congaree and Broad rivers ahead of this event. Citizens are strongly encouraged to obey this order and remain clear of the water.

Road Closures

Effective immediately Lost Creek Drive is closed from Pond Oak Lane to Lake Front Drive due to flooding.  Local traffic only is allowed off of Broad River and Hollingshed.

River Access Park Closures

All City of Columbia Parks & Recreation Greenway Parks are closed to the public for safety precautions. This includes Riverfront Park, North and South, as well as the Saluda Riverwalk.

Saturday, September 28, 2024

City of Columbia Opens Greenview Park as a Temporary Shelter to Residents

(Columbia, SC) – The City of Columbia will be opening up Greenview Park, 6700 David St., this evening, September 28, 2024, as a temporary shelter for residents without power. The shelter will open up at 6:00 p.m. this evening and will remain open until further notice.

Greenview Park is set-up to accommodate 50 residents with the capacity to expand if needed. The City of Columbia will provide 50 cots with a pillow, blanket, emergency hygiene kit, and water. Residents are encouraged to bring their own toiletry items, additional pillows/blankets, and any medications or necessary items they may need.

We encourage citizens to be aware of elderly neighbors or individuals with medical needs/devices that require electricity, and share with them the availability of the temporary shelter.

The City of Columbia is determined to provide a safe and secure environment for residents utilizing the shelter, so public safety officials will be on-site.

Due to the priority to utilize Greenview Park as a temporary shelter, some scheduled programming at Greenview Park may be impacted and notices will be forthcoming.

Residents are encouraged to contact Customer Care at (803) 545-3300 if they have any questions about the shelter and to check if there is space available.

City leadership will continue to monitor power outages in the community and will make any necessary announcements regarding operations of the temporary shelter at Greenview Park.

Friday, September 27, 2024

City of Columbia Public Works Assists in Recovery Efforts from Hurricane Helene

(Columbia, SC) – The City of Columbia Public Works Department has been actively clearing roadways today due to the excessive amount of water and wind received from Hurricane Helene. Today, Public Works has received over 170 requests regarding downed trees and debris blocking roadways.

City of Columbia Forestry, Street and Solid Waste Division crews will continue to identify and clear additional roadways throughout the day and into tomorrow, Saturday, September 28, 2024, to clear City of Columbia roadways.

Public Works has identified 20 roadways in the City of Columbia that have downed Dominion Energy power lines, and additional locations continue to be reported. Once those streets have been cleared of electrical hazards and power has been restored to those areas, City of Columbia crews will work diligently to re-open those roadways. Those approximate locations include:

  • Intersection of Aberdeen Ave. & Clement Rd.
  • 4306 Abingdon Rd.
  • 1020 Benton St.
  • 706 Elm Ave.
  • 2930 Forest Dr.
  • 3527 Foxhall Rd.
  • 2920 Gervais St.
  • Intersection of Gervais St. & Trenholm Rd.
  • 1428 Glenwood Rd.
  • Hillcrest Ave.
  • 810 Kawana Rd.
  • 831 Kilbourne Rd.
  • 836 Kilbourne Rd.
  • 2802 Lincoln St.
  • 3130 Longleaf Rd.
  • 2240 Manse St.
  • Intersection of Phillips St. & Cook St.
  • 4200 Pine Forest Dr.
  • 300 Whaley St.
  • Intersection of Wheat St. & King St.

Please be advised that there are several traffic lights that are not working, due to power outages. Any traffic light that is not working should be treated as a four-way stop for traffic purposes. To report powerlines down or power outages, contact Dominion Energy at 888-333-4465.

The Public Works Department has also staged dumpsters near community parks to make it easier for citizens to clear up any small limbs and yard debris they have on their property. The locations of those dumpsters are:

  • Heathwood Park, 800 Abelia Rd.
  • Hyatt Park, 950 Jackson Ave.
  • Old Woodlands Park, 6500 Olde Knight Pkwy.
  • Rosewood Park, 901 S. Holly St.

The Solid Waste & Recycling Division resumed their normal operations at 10:00 a.m. this morning, as soon as it was deemed safe to travel on the roadways.

Stay informed about your Solid Waste & Recycling schedule by downloading the “MyCOLASC” app in the Apple or Google Play store. From the app, you can submit any storm related issues you may be experiencing like a fallen tree, solid waste container repair/issues, storm drain issues and much more.

Citizens can also reach Public Works by phone during normal business hours. Please call the numbers below:

  • Forestry & Beautification: (803) 545-3860
  • Street Division: (803) 545-3790
  • Solid Waste: (803) 545-3800

For any services needed after 5:00 p.m., please call Customer Care at (803) 545-3300.

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