By: Natalie M. Zeigler
City Manager
There is no doubt that many of our residents experienced hardships this past week and will continue to recover with the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. During these potentially disastrous circumstances, the City of Hartsville’s disaster and emergency response departments organize procedures to be put in place prior to the storm in order to be prepared for anything. The City’s Police, Fire, and Public Service Departments as well as other City officials works before, during, and after storms to ensure the safety of our residents and the restoration of the City. Although, these times are frustrating, we must all remember how fortunate we are.
The City of Hartsville’s various departments work around the clock in these situations to ensure that we are fully prepared for the storm or natural disaster. Prior to the storm, the Hartsville Fire Department monitors all weather updates and announcements, informing City officials on the progress of any storms. The Hartsville Police Department prepares areas and streets that may lose power to its streetlights, placing barricades and cones off to the side of the road. The City’s Public Service Department will secure property in order to eliminate potential projectiles as well as clearing ditches and storm drains of obstructions. The Business Navigator department is also available after the storm for business licensing and permitting to expedite the cleanup process for businesses and residents.
Overall emergency preparedness involves multiple steps by all departments. Equipment that is checked regularly will be checked again to guarantee that it is running properly. All City vehicles are filled with gas and, arrangements are made with local businesses to provide fuel and supplies. All essential staff are either called to come in with a change of clothes or are put on standby. Additionally, City officials will communicate with Darlington County Emergency operations. Updates on these situations can be followed on all local news outlets as well as the Hartsville Fire Department, Hartsville Police Department, and City of Hartsville’s Facebook pages.
When situations such as these arise, all residents must take precautions. It is important to stay up to date on the situation. Driving in these conditions can be life threatening as well as impedes response times for our emergency responders. With disastrous weather, those who can stay home should remain there.
City staff have been assessing the damage using FEMA assessment guidelines. Our community has a long road ahead of it. We ask for patience as our staff works as quickly and efficiently as they can. Many of the City’s staff and other staff are working long hours away from families in order to restore our community.
We are grateful that the damage was less severe than our neighboring counties. Neighbors have reached out to those without power offering showers, a place to wash their clothes, or a hot meal. Many have prepared meals for first responders. Families have spent more time outside with their children. We are appreciative of the heart that our community possesses. We are certain that our city will weather the storm and come out stronger than ever.
Natalie Zeigler is the City Manager of Hartsville. For more information, call City Hall at 843-383-3015 or email info2@hartsvillesc.gov.