Types of Disasters

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The state's industrial capacity and the network of interstate highways and railways result in vulnerabilities to hazardous material releases from both stationary sites and transportation sources. Facilities that use or store hazardous materials are located throughout the state in both rural and densely populated areas and do not include retail gas stations or telephone relay battery storage sites. Many facilities are located in coastal counties that could be impacted by hurricane force winds and rains. Toxic release inventories indicate combinations of fixed sources are clustered along Interstate 85. While the greatest number of facilities are concentrated along that route, numerous other facilities, more evenly spread across the state, emit greater amounts. Further, the extensive network of interstate highways and railways that supply industries with chemical and petroleum products could result in a moderate to large accidental release of hazardous materials from a transportation source.

Hazardous materials are chemical substances, which if releases or misused, can pose a threat to health or the environment. These chemicals are used in industry, agriculture, medicine, research and consumer goods. As many as 500,000 products pose physical or health hazards and can be defined as "hazardous chemicals." Each year, over 1000 new synthetic chemicals are introduced. Hazardous materials come in the form of explosives, flammable and combustible substances, poisons, and radioactive materials. These substances are most often released as a result of transportation accidents or because of chemical accidents in manufacturing plants.

However, most victims of chemical accidents are injured at home. These incidents usually are the result of carelessness or ignorance in the use of chemical products. The use of these chemical products has become a necessity in our society. We depend on them to protect us from disease and contribute to our high standard of living. It is important to remember that the products we use to clean, disinfect, and maintain our homes, clothing, dishes, furnishings, etc. are designed to be safely used, stored and disposed of in the home. These accidents occur when they are used or disposed of improperly. As with all the materials in our homes, you should follow manufacturer’s labels on proper ways and improper ways to use and dispose of all types of chemical products.

You may be exposed to a chemical in three ways:

1. Breathing the chemical

2. Swallowing contaminated food, water or medication.

3. Touching the chemical, or coming into contact with items that touched the chemical.

Remember, you may be exposed to chemicals even though you may not be able to see or smell anything unusual. Many hazardous materials do not have a taste or an odor. There are different ways to detect the presence of a hazardous material. Some materials can be detected because they cause physical reactions such as watering eyes or nausea. Some hazardous materials exist beneath the surface of the ground and can be recognized by an oil or foam-like appearance.

Learn about chemicals and chemical emergencies. Chemicals are everywhere and are an important part of everyday life. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to be prepared. Knowing what to watch for and how to respond will keep you alert to potential chemical hazards.

Click here for a copy of the LEPC Planning Booklet.

If you ever have questions about Sara Title III Reporting we hope this section will help answer them. If something is not covered please feel free to call our office (843-665-7255) and we will do our best to answer any questions you may have.

Being prepared for disasters is essential and knowing what types of emergencies Florence County may face can help you to do that. To learn more about each of the disasters that could affect Florence County check out the links to the right.

South Carolina has averaged 11 tornadoes each year since 1950. South Carolina ranks twenty-sixth in the United States in the number of tornado strikes, and eighteenth in the number of tornadoes per square mile. The most common type of tornado, the relatively weak and short-lived type, occurs between March and May. However, tornadoes can occur almost anywhere at anytime.

Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms. Spawned from powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes can cause fatalities and devastate a neighborhood in seconds. A tornado appears as a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground with whirling winds that can reach 300 miles per hour. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. Every state is at some risk from this hazard. Some tornadoes are clearly visible, while rain or nearby low-hanging clouds obscure others. Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that little, if any, advance warning is possible. Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still. A cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible. Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado.

Before

Be alert to changing weather conditions.
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information.
Look for approaching storms.
Look for the following danger signs:
Dark, often greenish sky
Large hail
A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
Loud roar, similar to a freight train
If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

During

If you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately.
Get indoors to a pre-designated shelter area such as a basement, storm cellar or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors and outside walls.
Shutter windows and outside doors.
If in a vehicle, trailer or mobile home, get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or storm shelter.
If unable to get indoors, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of potential flooding and flying debris.
Never try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.

After

Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
Avoid downed power lines and report them to your utility company.
Stay out of damaged buildings.

Snow and ice storms, coupled with cold temperatures, periodically threaten South Carolina. Winter storms can damage property, create safety risks, destroy crops and valuable timber, damage infrastructure components such as power lines and have enormous economic impacts.

Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain.
One of the primary concerns is the winter weather's ability to knock out heat, power and communications services to your home or office, sometimes for days at a time. Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region.

The National Weather Service refers to winter storms as the “Deceptive Killers” because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm. Instead, people die in traffic accidents on icy roads and of hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold. It is important to be prepared for winter weather before it strikes.

Winter Weather: Know the Terms

Winter Storm Watch: A winter storm is possible in your area. Tune in to your NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for more information.
Winter Storm Warning: A winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area.
Freezing Rain: Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees and power lines.
Sleet: Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.
Frost/Freeze Warning: Below freezing temperatures are expected.

Before

Add winter supplies like rock salt to melt ice and shovels to your disaster supply kit.
Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off.
Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
Learn how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts.
Have your vehicle serviced to ensure it is prepared for the winter season.
Place a winter emergency kit in every vehicle that includes: a shovel; windshield scraper and small broom; flashlight; battery-powered radio; extra batteries; water; snack food; matches; extra hats, socks and mittens; first aid kit with pocket knife; necessary medications; blankets; tow chain or rope; road salt and sand; booster cables; emergency flares; fluorescent distress flag.

During

Stay indoors. If you must go outside, dress in layers of loose fitting, lightweight clothing. Wear a hat that covers your ears. Wear mittens and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs. Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.
Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.
Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
Watch for signs of frostbite such as the loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as finger, toes, ear lobes and the tip of your nose.
Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive, travel in the day, don’t travel alone and keep others informed of your schedule. Decrease your speed and leave plenty of room to stop the vehicle on icy roads.
If trapped in your car during a blizzard, pull off of the highway and turn on your hazard lights. Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe. This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.

After

Listen to your local radio or television station for the latest weather and traffic reports.
Go to a designated shelter if your home loses power or heat during periods of extreme cold.
Check on your animals and ensure that their access to food and water is not blocked by snow drifts, ice or other obstacles. Bring them indoors, if possible.
Be aware of possible carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and fire if using alternative sources for electricity, heating or cooking.

All thunderstorms are dangerous. Every thunderstorm produces lightning. In the United States, an average of 300 people are injured and 80 people are killed each year by lightning. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms.

Other associated dangers of thunderstorms include tornadoes, strong winds, hail and flash flooding. Flash flooding is responsible for more fatalities – more than 140 annually – than any other thunderstorm-associated hazard.

Before

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information.
Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage. Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
“If thunder roars, go indoors.” No place outside is safe when lightning is in the area.

During

Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.
If unable to get indoors, seek shelter in a low area and be alert for flash flooding and flying debris.
Avoid isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas. Avoid anything metal: tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles and golf carts.
If on open water, get to land and find shelter immediately.
Your hair standing on end is an indication that lightning is about to strike. If this happens, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands over your ears and your head between your knees. Make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact with the ground. Do not lie flat on the ground.

After

The following are things you should check when you attempt to give aid to a victim of lightning:

Breathing - if breathing has stopped, begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Heartbeat - if the heart has stopped, administer CPR.
Pulse - if the victim has a pulse and is breathing, look for other possible injuries. Check for burns where the lightning entered and left the body. Also, be alert for nervous system damage, broken bones and loss of hearing and eyesight.

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