|Hurricane Emergency Response Plan (HERP)|
Having a formal Plan encourages an integrated approach to disasters, and fosters prompt, efficient and coordinated response operations by the different elements of the emergency organization. It requires a system-wide integration of skills, people and resources. By pre-defining roles for each response agency reduces confusion, chaos and conflict during an emergency and significantly decreases vulnerability of the public and their property to hazardous threats.
The HERP assigns responsibilities for actions to be taken at the local level by government and private organizations to reduce vulnerability to disaster and to establish effective response capabilities. The plan provides for alerting elected officials, the evacuation of the public from potentially dangerous areas, and the designation of shelter areas for evacuees. It also provides for the re-entry into evacuated areas when appropriate. This Plan is subordinate to the County EOP and is to be used in conjunction with each relative section. Consistent with the model provided in the National Response Plan (NRP) and National Incident Management System (NIMS), the Plan can be partially or fully implemented for an anticipated or actual disaster.
South Carolina is susceptible to all levels of tropical cyclones, from tropical depressions to severe Category 5 hurricanes. These tropical cyclones produce four (4) major hazards:
1. Storm surge – is a large dome of water often 50-100 miles wide that sweeps across the coastline near where a hurricane makes landfall. The surge of high water topped by waves is devastating. Stronger the hurricane, higher the surge. Storm surge is the greatest threat along the immediate coast.
2. Hurricane winds – can destroy buildings, mobile homes, and other property. Debris, such as signs, roofing material, siding, and other items become missiles in a hurricane. Wind is the greatest cause of property damage inland of the coast.
3. Rainfall-induced flooding – widespread torrential rains, often in excess of 6 inches, can produce deadly and destructive floods. Long after the winds have subsided, hurricanes can generate immense amounts of rain.
4. Tornadoes – are a threat in all quadrants, but primarily develop in the northeast quadrant of the storm, possibly as much as 200-400 miles from the storm's center; can potentially become very strong, causing extensive damage to buildings and loss of life.
Bamberg County Emergency Services Map
To use the map below: