• Integrated approach to provide efficient and co-ordinated response
• Pre-defines roles of each response agency to reduce confusion
• Co-ordinated with the SC Emergency Operations Plan and FEMA Emergency Response Plans
• Identifies and designates available forces and resources to respond
• Provides instructions and guidance for implementing Disaster Response actions and programs as needed

PLAN ELEMENTS

• Warnings and Emergency information


• Issue all warnings pertaining to weather, evacuations, or any other type of emergency
• Warning sent out on multiple redundant platforms:
- Reverse 911 System (Reach SC)
- Cable TV Alert override
- NWS Weather Radios
- Emergency Alert System (EAS) activation
- Blast Fax and Audio Media notifications


• Evacuation and Shelter plans


• Detailed Shelter plan developed for all hazards and supported by DSS , DHEC, and ARC
• Designated Shelters for Hurricane evacuations and local use
• Reserve shelters program for hazmat and other incidents
• Special Medical needs shelters established for citizens needing additional medical support care during sheltering
• Extensive evacuation plans coordinated with Law enforcement agencies and state emergency management



Click the image above for a larger version of the evacuation routes.


• Special Needs Outreach Program


• Outreach programs designed to assist Special Needs populations include:
- Hearing or visual impairment
- Mobility impairment
- Language barriers
- Special economic needs


• Operational Area Planning


• Subdivides county into operational areas during catastrophic event to improve coordination and response
• Predefined boundaries identified for State EMD and FEMA
• Developed using census tract and other GIS data
• Supports assessment and logistics efforts
• Allows for incident management using Area Command/EOC


• Transportation Plans


• Plan to insure evacuation capability for anyone needing transportation to get to designated shelters
• Special attention to special needs evacuees
• Plan to utilize existing resources and methods, such as school buses, activity buses, and ambulances
• Will be designed to be as accessible as possible to evacuees needing assistance in getting to shelters but co-ordinated to insure efficiency and effectiveness


• Logistics and distribution plan


• Provide for rapid mass distribution of emergency supplies including food, water, ice, tarps
• Developed using FEMA and SCEMD guidelines
• Works in coordination with state donated goods program and FEMA program
• Uses predetermined formulas to identify needs based on initial damage assessment information