Anderson County continues Hurricane Helene cleanup; what to know on roads, debris disposal

Anderson County remains in a state of emergency after Hurricane Helene passed through South Carolina last week.

The storm brought down power lines and numerous trees that blocked 600 county roadways.

Local authorities, state and federal partners, including the National Guard, Lexington and Horry County public work crews, and emergency response teams, are working tirelessly to clear debris-blocked roads, restore power to affected areas, and assist the injured.

According to a press release from the Anderson County Emergency Team, an additional 20% of roads have opened as of Monday night, with approximately 130 still closed. Local authorities have advised residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel until all hazards are cleared.

Drivers should be aware of eight impassable streets in Anderson County: Grady Hall, Gray Drive, Coachman Drive, Harbin Road, Old Bell Road, Simpson Road, Colorado Lane, and Pettigrew Road.

Anderson County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Shale Remien emphasized the importance of being aware that even if there's a downed tree and a power line, their crews cannot clear the road until the power company has disconnected the line. Once this is done, they can remove the trees from the road.

Remien also mentioned that people may notice many trees scattered across the county on the side of the road, but these will be the last things the crews will address.

Donations in Anderson County

The Anderson Regional Airport is at Heli Plane Aviation, collecting donations for North Carolina Hurricane relief supply efforts. Multiple helicopters will be loaded later today to help those more severely affected by the storm. Please consider donating to help with this effort.

Suggested items included Non-perishable food, Bottled water, First aid items, Clothes, Hygiene products, a Flashlight, Batteries, Candles, Solar chargers, and Small emergency radios.

Burn Ban Upstate

Starting Tuesday, October 1, the SC Forestry Commission issued a burn ban in Anderson County. Twenty counties impacted the most by the storm, including Anderson, are not allowed to burn remaining wood or debris in unincorporated areas.

SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones said, "We understand people may wonder why a burning ban is necessary when more than half of the state has received so much rain. However, we’re issuing the ban not because of elevated fire danger but rather because so many of our firefighting and emergency personnel and resources are committed to hurricane-related response.” He added, "This does not include fire for food or outdoor fireplaces."

Town of Pendleton roadway cleanup

According to Pendleton, a town-wide roadway cleanup is in progress. Crews are removing debris from roads. The town reported that most debris will be cleared within the next few weeks. Residents should know that the town can only collect limbs no more than 6 feet long and 6 inches in diameter.

The town also reported that they will not pick up anything placed by contractors unless the removal is for elderly residents who need assistance and can not remove full trees. Despite the storm, sanitation services in the Town of Pendleton will run normally. Residents can continue to place their carts out as usual.

Here is a list of roadways that have passage issues or debris.

--Calhoun Street

--Cherry Street at Lebanon Road & South Elm Street

--Chester Circle

--East Main Street at Lebanon Road

--Giles Street

--Hopkins Avenue

--Jackson Street

--Keese Street

--Mechanic Street at Broad moving North

--Morse Street West Side

--Poplar Street at Woodland Circle

--Shannon Drive TCTC side

--Shirley Street

--Stephen's Road

--West Queen Street Streetscape to S Curves

--Westinghouse Road

--Westminster Street 400 block

--Woodland Circle 500 Block.

Town of Williamston debris disposal

The town of Williamston reported that on Monday, crews began removing storm debris from Hurricane Helene's impact.

Here is the Town of Williamston ordinances for debris disposal:

Tree limbs up to 4 inches in diameter should be no longer than 6 feet. Tree limbs over 4 inches in diameter should be no longer than 2 feet. No pile of yard waste shall exceed 4 feet in height and 10 feet in width. If multiple piles are needed, please ensure at least 2 feet of space between each pile.

Larger limbs will be placed in a staging area where folks will be offered the opportunity to cut them up to use as firewood. Keep larger limbs separate from smaller limbs and other yard waste. If you wish to transport your fallen limbs to the debris staging area, please contact Greg Paige at 864-958-6291 between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. to coordinate.

The town of Williamston plans to pick up garbage on a regular schedule. This will continue as long as sanitation crews can access the landfill.

Town of West Pelzer recovery efforts

According to the town of West Pelzer, due to storm damage and the prolonged power outage, the West Pelzer Municipal Center and the O'Dell Community Center will be closed until power is restored. Staff members have limited access to email and phone calls/voicemails, but they continue to work on behalf of the Town and will respond as soon as they can access messages and contacts.

The town of West Pelzer also reported that Mayor Jim Riddle and Town Administrator Paula Payton have been in regular contact with all available area relief agencies to keep them aware of the storm's effects on West Pelzer and are receiving updates on the progress of the relief efforts for our citizens.

With these extenuating circumstances, Coffee with a Cop on October 2 and the Council Meeting on October 8 will be postponed. Residents can check the Town of West Pelzer website and Facebook page for an updated schedule.

SCDOT and Duke Energy are working to restore power and clear the roadway and sidewalks for safe use on Main Street/Highway 8. Due to safety concerns for vendors and attendees, the Fall Mile Long Yard Sale scheduled for Saturday has been canceled.

Belton-Honea Path lift boil water advisory

Following Hurricane Helene, Belton-Honea Path Water instructed residents to consume boiled tap or bottled water to protect public safety. Consumption included drinking, brushing teeth, making ice, food preparation, washing fruit and vegetables, and preparing baby formula. Customers did not need to boil water before using it for showering or bathing.

This notice was necessary because flooding negatively affected the water quality entering the water treatment plant so much that they couldn't be 100% certain of its safety. Officials have lifted the boil water advisory for the City of Belton and the Town of Honea Path.

Bottled water remains available at Leeda Poore Park for impacted families, with one case per household. Residents can resume using tap water without boiling it first, marking an step towards normalcy as the community recovers.

Town of Iva recovery efforts

According to the town of Iva, most downed trees have been cleared from the local roads. West Broad Street remains closed on the west side below Pendley Street. Only residents beyond that point should travel that portion.

Residents without power in their homes who need to charge electronic devices can visit the farmers market in Iva, which has outlets at each column. These outlets are available for phone charging during the day and night.

Cases of water are also available at the town hall for anyone without power who needs some. Garbage collection is scheduled for Monday and will be collected on Tuesday, October 1.

City of Clemson cleanup plan

According to the City of Clemson, five crews, both city and contracted, began brush cleanup in affected community areas, following a plan to expedite the cleanup as efficiently as possible. Three additional crews will be brought in tomorrow and placed in every zone.

The crews are working as quickly as possible while ensuring safety. However, they cannot safely begin cutting trees in or on power lines until Duke Energy can ground them.

The city of Clemson also reported several groups and organizations have expressed interest in helping clean up neighborhoods. If you need and are interested in receiving help, don't hesitate to get in touch with Lindsey Newton at lnewton@cityofclemson.org

According to the city of Anderson. All games/practices held at Nettles Park are canceled on Tuesday, October 1, due to power and water outages. Volleyball games are on as scheduled at Clemson Central Recreation Center. Away game updates will be communicated by team coaches

The City of Clemson reported that the recycling drop-off at the brush grinding facility on Old Central Road is closed due to the volume of brush and debris being hauled to the facility. Please take your recyclables to the Kite Hill Recycling Center until we reopen.

The City of Anderson's recovery efforts continue

According to the City of Anderson, household garbage crews will finish Monday’s routes and begin Tuesday’s routes. Curbside debris crews are focusing only on vegetative debris pick-up. City crews and teams from SCDOT, Anderson County, Rock Hill, and Horry County are tackling the remaining street closures as utility lines are removed.

The city asks that residents remember that tree limbs placed at the curb less than 12” inches in diameter must be 5’ or less, and anything greater than 12” in diameter must be less than 2’ in length. Contractors cutting trees for residents are responsible for hauling away the debris they cut.

73,000 people are still without electricity in Anderson

Since Hurricane Helene passed through the Upstate area, many residents still lack electricity, and the lack of access to essential services is causing significant disruption in their daily lives. According to the Anderson County Emergency Team, crews have restored an additional 10% of the community's power, but around 73,000 people are still without electricity.

Riley Morningstar, Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative Communications Manager, said two of the 13 substations that lost transmission service remained offline on Monday due to severe damage.

A statement from Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative on Monday reported that Duke Energy made progress overnight on the remaining transmission lines. They could energize approximately 3,500 members serviced by the Cross Roads and Tygerville substations.

Substations serving the Bountyland, Corinth, Newry, Six Mile, Dacusville, Gap Hill, Enon, Landrum, Liberty, Marietta, and Pleasant Ridge communities are now online. However, more work must be done for all members to have power. Broken poles must be replaced, and lines must be hung to get power from these substations to homes.

Senior Vice President of Engineering and Operations Mark Waters said, "we are moving in the right direction. “This will be a slow process, but having service restored back to our substations is very important.”

Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative reported that field workers have confirmed over 450 broken poles across their five-county service area, which spans 1,900 square miles.

According to Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative, on average, it takes a four-man crew about three to four hours to replace one broken pole. Replacing three poles in a 12-hour shift is a full day’s work for a single crew. Replacing four is a feat in these circumstances. These are not simple repairs.

Duke Energy's spokesman Ryan Mosier said, "We are currently assessing damage and making repairs across the Upstate. However, the extensive damage means some customers will experience a multi-day outage."

"Anderson County customers should see their service restored as late as Friday night, but we will see most customers restored well before that," Mosier said.

What to do if you are still without power?

As crews assess the situation for outages in the area, residents can receive updated estimated restoration times at duke-energy.com/outagemap . The website also has information on how Duke Energy restores power , generator safety , flooding, electrical safety, and more.

Residents are urged to stay patient and utilize local shelters, charging, and cooling stations if needed.

Anderson County offices and libraries

Anderson County Offices will open on Tuesday, October 1.

The Powdersville Treasurer’s office will remain closed at this time.

The Anderson County Library will also be open on Tuesday, October 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Due to the continued power outage, all other library locations will remain closed.

Residents are welcome to charge devices, connect to Wi-Fi, and enjoy library materials at Anderson Main, Iva, Pendleton, Piedmont, and Honea Path locations.

Anderson County Schools remain closed on Tuesday and Wednesday

Schools remain closed, adding to the community's challenges during this extensive power outage. Dylan McCullough, public information officer of Anderson County District Three, stated that all Anderson County districts will observe an eLearning Day on Monday, September 30, Tuesday, October 1, and Wednesday, October 2, due to continued widespread power outages.

"Our schools will be flexible in meeting eLearning Day requirements, as we understand many families still lack access to power or the Internet," McCullough said.

The community is rallying together, with neighbors helping each other and local organizations, churches, schools, and universities providing food, water, and access to essential services. Emergency shelters have been set up for those needing assistance to provide relief for those in need until full power can be restored.

Anderson School District One will open Spearman Elementary School on Tuesday, October 1, f or community members to charge their devices. The school will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Flat Rock Elementary and Iva Elementary will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for those who need a place to charge devices or cool off temporarily. Both locations will also serve free food from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Anderson School District Four announced that Pendleton High, La France Elementary, Mount Lebanon Elementary, Pendleton Elementary, and Townville Elementary will open to the community from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday. Residents also will have access to free lunch, cases of water, ice, power, Wi-Fi, etc. Food will be available from noon to 1 p.m.

Anderson Five will provide meals for anyone 18 years of age or younger on Tuesday, October 1, and Wednesday, October 2, at the following sites: Calhoun Academy , Centerville Elementary , North Pointe Elementary , Varennes Elementary , Whitehall Elementary , and Robert Anderson Middle .

Children do not have to be Anderson Five students, but per an agreement with the USDA, meals can only be provided to those 18 years of age and younger. Children must also be present to receive the meal. Each site will operate from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The Anderson Mall is also open and equipped with power. On October 1, residents can seek shelter and use essential services to charge their devices. Littlejohn Coliseum will open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide community members with free food, drinks, ice, showers, and charging stations.

Clemson University reported. Crews are set up for Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MRE), and water distribution near Clemson University in the P5 parking area adjacent to the National Guard Armory. Community members can drive through and receive allocations today, Tuesday, October 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or until supplies last.

Anderson County Sheriff's Office Emergency Management team has partnered with Starr Fire Department to provide water for those in our community in need. The water will be in our front parking lot. Residents are allowed to take only one case per household.

Anderson University without power

According to Anderson University, most of the campus is currently without power, and there is no clear timeline for its restoration. As a result, all in-person classes, activities, and events are canceled through Wednesday, October 2.

Anderson University Student Center, including the Culinary Center, remains open for student use; all other campus operations are suspended.

Most residence halls are open but remain without electricity. Lights, hot water, and air conditioning remain unavailable until electricity is restored. The University reported that it has ample staff to care for approximately 300 students on campus.

This Saturday’s home football game will also not occur as scheduled. University officials are reviewing options for playing the game at an alternate location away from areas affected by Hurricane Helene.

Homecoming and Family Weekend activities have also been postponed. Anderson University Homecoming has been rescheduled for Saturday, November 9. However, that date is subject to change. Details are being worked out, and more information will be announced as it becomes available.

An official announcement will be made when campus electricity is fully restored.

What to do with debris or lingering trash?

Debris and lingering trash can be found throughout Anderson County. Neighbors and community members have come together to clear the affected areas.

Remien said "it really does take a community because, unfortunately, first responders can't be everywhere at the same time when that storm hits."

Suppose you need to remove debris or lingering trash from the storm. In that case, these Anderson County Convenience Centers are now open at King David, White Street, Parker Bowie, Starr Landfill, and Anderson Regional MRF. The remaining convenience centers will open as power is restored.

Residents are encouraged to utilize these facilities to help with the cleanup efforts and ensure the community returns to normalcy as quickly as possible.

Hurricane Helene damage cleanup

According to the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, if you need help with damage cleanup following Hurricane Helene, call Crisis Cleanup at 844-965-1386.

If there is property damage from Hurricane Helene, report it using the Damage Assessment tool in the SC Emergency Manager app to notify authorities. Download the app from the App Store and Google.

AnMed Health services

Since Helene passed through the area, as roads have been cleared, AnMed reported increased visits to the emergency department. If you or a loved one are experiencing an emergency, call 911.

According to Michael Burns, AnMed Health Services Public Relations Coordinator, AnMed urges residents with non-emergency medical needs to visit AnMed CareConnect locations in Anderson and Clemson. They have doubled staff there in response to circumstances, and exceptional care providers are there and ready to serve those in need.

"Hospital services are operating normally, and elective surgeries are going on as scheduled," he said. "However, our service providers continue to work to restore power and phone connections to a few of our doctors’ offices in outlying areas."

Please check AnMed.org for ongoing updates about practice closures.

Pelzer, Urgent Care

According to the Town of Pelzer, Urgent Care is open, but it doesn’t have phones. You must go in if you need service.

Medical Needs shelters in Anderson

The South Carolina Department of Public Health maintains Medical Needs Shelters in Anderson and elsewhere. These emergency shelters provide limited support for qualifying people with medical needs and adult caregivers. Call 1-855-472-3432 to inquire about eligibility for care at Medical Needs Shelters.

If a public member needs shelter and medical equipment that requires power (oxygen, refrigerated medicines, etc.), please call the Department of Public Health Careline at 1-855-472-3432 to be triaged in a Medical Needs Shelter.

Free food distribution event

Many residents faced power outages due to Hurricane Helene's impact, and families around the county lost food that went bad. If you were affected, consider attending the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina this Friday, October 4, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Anderson Jockey Lot in Belton.

Anderson food distribution is every first Friday, and Abbeville is every second Friday. The location is usually different from month to month. Every family that attends receives a 7 to 10-day food supply.

Disaster Assistance

Do you need help after the storm? https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ can help families get back on their feet following Helene. Visit the link below to see the steps you can take.

Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com .

This article originally appeared on Anderson Independent Mail: Anderson County continues Hurricane Helene cleanup; what to know on roads, debris disposal