The Island Packet
BLUFFTON, S.C. — As Hurricane Matthew makes its way to the South Carolina coastline, the Bluffton Township Fire District is operating with a full staff to prepare and respond as needed to any emergencies.
“From here on out we will be in full operational mode,” Capt. Randy Hunter said on Thursday morning.
The fire district has around 125 personnel prepared to go out in the storm conditions, but will only send people until sustained winds reach 45 mph, Hunter said.
“That’s for the safety of our first responders,” Hunter said. “After the storm, we have to be able to come back through and all of our personnel have to be ready to respond to that.”
The fire district will have an operational meeting at 6 a.m. to plan for the day.
Hunter said any residents who have not yet left are encouraged to do so immediately.
“If you haven’t left yet, please don’t wait until the last minute,” he said. “If the power goes out, you’re going to be stuck.”
As of 5:30 a.m. on Thursday, U.S. 278 was not congested as lane reversals direct drivers westbound.
The fire district expects Hurricane Matthew to reach the area by Friday night or Saturday morning as it approaches Florida’s eastern coast.
Copyright 2016 The Island Packet
All Rights Reserved