Updated 5 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 6
WEATHER CAMS
For information, go to this link at Camden County Emergency Management.
Decontaminating Private Wells after Flooding
August 7, 7:18 pm : The Coastal Health District urges private well owners to take precautions and disinfect any well that flooded during recent severe weather.
When a well is flooded, the water can become contaminated with bacteria that could cause waterborne illness. Disinfection of a flooded private well cannot begin until the water covering the affected well has receded.
Steps to disinfect flooded private wells
Step 1: Thoroughly clean all accessible surfaces removing any loose debris. Then wash the area with a strong chlorine solution (1 quart of household bleach per 5 gallon of water).
Step 2: Remove the well cap and add 1 gallon of non-scented household liquid bleach.
Step 3: Run water from an outside faucet through a hose until a strong chlorine smell can be detected. Place the end of the hose in the well allowing the water to run down the sides of the casing and circulate for at least 15 minutes. Replace the well cap.
Step 4: Turn off the hose and enter the home opening each tap, one at a time, until chlorine can be detected. Please include hot water faucets, toilets, bathtubs, washing machine, etc.
Step 5: Once the chlorine odor reaches all outlets, let the water system stand for at least 8 hours and preferably overnight. Refrain from any water use during this time.
Step 6: Flush the system of chlorine by turning on an outside faucet letting it run until the chlorine smell dissipates. Finally, run the indoor faucets until the water is clear and the chlorine smell is gone. Do not run any unnecessary water into the septic system or allow the chlorinated water to drain into a stream or pond. The well cannot be flushed too much!
Step 7: The water should be tested to determine if it’s safe to drink. It is recommended that over the next several weeks two additional samples are taken, and the results are satisfactory. Well water can be tested at your local county health department or county extension office. Repeated chlorination and/or a well professional should be called if problems remain.
Emergency updates
Camden County officials will rescind the state of emergency declaration initially set in response to Tropical Storm Debby. Beginning at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6, the county will no longer be under a state of emergency, but the Governor’s state of emergency will remain through Thursday, Aug. 8.
Camden County offices and courts, along with municipal offices , will resume normal operations Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. County waste services will resume Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, operating one day in arrears for the rest of the week to accommodate the delay caused by the storm.
The Camden County Board of Education has announced that teachers and staff will return to work Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2024, for a teacher workday. Schools are scheduled to open on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2024.
While roads are open, the county advises the public to continue using extreme caution when traveling as some hazards such as road debris, localized flooding, and other safety concerns may still be present.
“We would like to especially thank our community for heeding the warnings and preparing themselves and their families. We also thank our fellow municipalities and support organizations for their cooperation and resilience during this period,” Emergency Management Agency Director Chuck White wrote in a public statement.
Flood Watch
A flood watch remains in effect until Friday morning for Bulloch, Candler, Coastal Bryan, Coastal Chatham, Coastal Liberty, Coastal McIntosh, Effingham, Evans, Inland Bryan, Inland Chatham, Inland Liberty, Inland McIntosh, Jenkins, Long, Screven and Tattnall and southeast South Carolina, including Allendale, Beaufort, Charleston, Coastal Colleton, Coastal Jasper, Dorchester, Hampton, Inland Berkeley, Inland Colleton, Inland Jasper and Tidal Berkeley.
Camden County officials have declared a state of emergency in anticipation of Tropical Storm Debby. The county wrote in a public statement that it is taking measures to address the high potential for historical flooding.
Local Office Closures: Municipal and County offices will be closed from 8 a.m., Monday, Aug.t 5, 2024, through 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024. Tentatively, county government offices will resume normal hours on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, at 8 a.m. weather permitting.
Board of Education: The Board of Education will suspend operations on Monday, August 5, 2024, and Tuesday, August 6, 2024. Schools will open Thursday, August 8, 2024.
Waste Services:
- MSW and C&D Landfills: Both landfills will remain open on Monday, August 5, 2024, until 3:00 PM. They will close on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, and will tentatively reopen on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, weather permitting.
- County (Unincorporated Area): Waste collection will continue as usual on Monday, August 5, 2024, and will be suspended on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. Tuesday collections will resume on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, with a one-day delay.
- City of Kingsland: Waste collection will occur on Monday, August 5, 2024, as usual and will be suspended on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. Tuesday collections will tentatively resume on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.
- St. Marys/Woodbine: Collections for Monday will begin on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.
Bridge/Road Closures: No current closures exist. Camden County EMA will continue to monitor the status of roadways and bridges. Residents, locations such as Point Peter with a single access point, should recognize the potential impact that could cause a bridge closure. If a bridge closure is anticipated, residents will be warned through emergency messaging and alert systems, such as CodeRed, as needed.
Power Outages: Here are updated numbers on power outages across Camden County including St. Marys. It is unclear if the outages reported are storm or weather related.
Advised Evacuation for Flood-Prone Areas: Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to evacuate to minimize the risk of being trapped by rising waters and to ensure access to emergency services and shelters. If you live in such an area, please prepare to leave your home and relocate to a safer location.
Vulnerable Population Sheltering: A shelter is available for residents who live in flood-prone areas and are considered vulnerable due to medical conditions, self-care needs, or are elderly and need assistance who live in flood-prone areas. Shelter is located at:
- Location: PSA Building, 1050 Wildcat Drive, Kingsland
- Opening Time: 12:00 PM on Monday, August 5, 2024
- Supplies: Cots, meals, basic medical supplies
- Who: Vulnerable populations include those with medical needs, self-care difficulties, elderly, etc. The general public will only be allowed if space is available after accommodating the vulnerable population.
- What to Bring: Medications, personal identification, basic supplies for children and pets, blankets, and only essential personal items.
Cumberland Island closed
From National Park Service: Cumberland Island National Seashore will close visitor facilities and grounds, in preparation for Tropical Storm Debby for the safety of visitors and staff.
All visitors and campers currently on Cumberland Island are being notified and will depart the island on August 04, 2024 on the last boat at 4:45 pm. Camping is cancelled for 8/05/2024 with the possibility of extension depending on impacts from the storm. Visitors with ferry or camping reservations impacted by the cancellation will be notified and will qualify for a full refund.
All closures will remain in place until severe weather passes, and the National Park Service decides that employee and visitor facilities are safe.
If the storm track changes, the parks may issue a new advisory with updated status, including any lifting of closures. Please check “Alerts” on the park website for current information. The NPS Hurricane and Severe Weather Response has updates for all National Park Service sites.
For more information about Cumberland Island National Seashore visit the park website (www.nps.gov/cuis) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/CumberlandIslandNPS/) and Fort Frederica National Monument, visit (www.nps.gov/fofr) or follow the park on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/FortFredericaNPS/)
Most Popular
Comments / 0