Good afternoon Island residents,

Town staff participated in a conference call this afternoon with National Weather Service, Charleston County Emergency Management Department, South Carolina Department of Transportation and other state, county and municipal agencies regarding the anticipated inclement weather conditions.

Below are a few highlights you should know:

• One tenth of an inch (1/10”) of freezing rain and ice accumulation is expected for Charleston County beginning around 3pm Friday through 11am Saturday.
• The Ben Sawyer and Isle of Palms Connector bridges were pre-treated this afternoon with a brine mixture to reduce ice accumulation on the roadway. 
• If at all possible, stay off of the roadway during this period.  Moreover, ice accumulation is expected to be worse on bridges and in particular bridges with higher elevations.
• Town staff will execute its Inclement Weather Protocols to assure that the island is prepared for the icy and cold conditions.
• Sullivan’s Island First Responders are standing by at the ready during the period for emergencies or assistance. As always dial 9-1-1 for a Police or Fire emergency. For non-emergency contact the Charleston County Consolidated Dispatch Center at 843-743-7200.
• The Town will follow Charleston County Inclement Weather Protocols and dismiss all non-essential staff at 2:00 pm Friday 1-21-22.
• Police Departments of Sullivan’s Island and Mt. Pleasant will be checking conditions on the Ben Sawyer throughout the period.
• South Carolina Department of Transportation equipment is standing by in the event salt is necessary.
• Charleston County Emergency Management Department will activate its Citizen Information Line at 2pm tomorrow. The number is 843-746-3800.
• Charleston County has opened three (3) warming shelters if necessary for your comfort.
• To report a power outage contact Dominion Energy at 1-888-333-4465. Never approach a downed power line as it or the ground around it can be energized.
• Repeating advice from Sullivan’s Island Water and Sewer Department regarding how to protect your pipes and property during sub-freezing temperatures:
  • Please take precautions NOW to protect any exposed water pipes from the freezing temperatures. When temperatures are forecast below 32’F for more than four hours, the Sullivan’s Island Water and Sewer Department recommends letting a couple cold water faucets run slightly. Generally a stream about the size of a pencil tip will suffice. If your hot water heating source is located outside or in a non-heated area then let a hot water faucet run as well. Keeping water moving inside exposed pipes will help prevent the water lines from freezing. If you are away from your home having a friend or neighbor shut off your water at the customer shut of valve is recommended. The customer shut off valve is located next to the water meter. Shutting water off at the meter will help prevent a broken pipe from causing water damage.

It is helpful and prudent to follow the local media outlets for the latest weather information.

Stay safe, stay warm and always call if you need any assistance whatsoever.

Regards,
Andy Benke
Town Administrator
abenke@sullivansisland.sc.gov