Greenville Co. gives update on power restoration, cleanup efforts

GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) — Greenville County leaders provided an update Monday on efforts to clean up and restore power following Hurricane Helene.

“Things continue to get better everyday,” Sheriff Hobart Lewis said. “Today is certainly better than yesterday.”

Restoring power

Around 67% of the county remained without power as of Monday evening, according to county staff. That is down from 86 percent on Sunday.

Duke Energy has alerted many customers that power may not be restored until October 4 at 11:45 p.m.

Clearing trees and debris

Beginning Wednesday, the county will collect fallen trees and vegetation from homes.

“Any vegetation or tree debris that you have, just line it on the roadside,” Hesha Gamble, an assistant Greenville County administrator, said. “Line the trees on the roadside. No household garbage. No tree debris in bags.”

Free food, bottled water

The National Guard will hand out cases of bottled water and ready to eat food at McAllister Square, at 35 E. Antrim Drive, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Shelters

A shelter is open for those impacted by the storm at Hillcrest High School in Simpsonville.

A Medical Needs Shelter is open at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena for those who have
electricity-dependent medical needs. Caregivers are also welcome.

FEMA assistance

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved individual assistance for those whose homes and businesses were impacted.

“This program provides direct federal assistance to residents who incurred uninsured damages to their property as a result of the storm,” Jessica Stumpf, Greenville County’s emergency management director, said. “Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in these areas can begin applying by registering online. “

FEMA has also approved public assistance for debris removal & emergency protective measures.

“Under the public assistance program, affected state and local governments are eligible to apply for federal funding to pay for 75 percent of approved cost under the certain categories,” Stumpf said. “The division of the remaining 25 percent will be determined at a later date.”

To register for FEMA assistance:

• Visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov
• Call (800) 621-3362
• Use the FEMA App

Burn ban

The South Carolina Forestry Commission will issue a State Forester’s Burning Ban for 20 counties, including all of the Upstate, effective at 6 a.m. on October 1. The ban does not apply for fires used to cook food.

“The fire service just doesn’t have the resources to be able to respond to events that could get out of control from a burn,” Chief Greg Farley, the president of the Greenville County Fire Chiefs Association, said.

Greenville Co. offices

Greenville County Square will reopen Tuesday at noon.

Building permits will not be available. Anyone who needs to pay taxes can pay them online. Credit card fees will be waived.

Greenville County Council will hold a council meeting Tuesday. Public hearings will be postponed.

Anyone in need of critical assistance in Greenville County can call (864) 467-3428 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

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