Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
As cleanup efforts continue, FEMA is setting up a disaster recovery center in Barnwell
County.
Hurricane Helene spared Barnwell County the flooding and major devastation that was seen in North Carolina and Tennessee, but still left her mark. This includes many trees down and at least 30 houses damaged, though there’s probably more, said Barnwell County Emergency Management Director Roger Riley.
“We are just trying to recover and make it as easy on our community as much as we can. I think we’ll recover a lot faster than other areas because of our community. This is not the first event we’ve been through,” said Riley. “Patience is the key. We are doing as much as we can, as fast as we can."
Recovery from Helene comes as the state prepares for Hurricane Milton’s potential impact on Wednesday or Thursday of this week.
Though Florida and other areas are expected to bear the brunt of the storm, Riley said Barnwell County could see winds up to 27 mph.
“We don’t expect near the rain, but we may see some impact from the winds, especially with already damaged trees,” he said.
Riley said the coastal counties will likely feel more of an impact, but he hopes Barnwell County will just have a breeze.
Riley also encourages residents to watch out for scams before and after storms.
You can report issues on a state-maintained roadway by calling 855-467-2368.
FEMA ASSISTANCE
Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are in the process of establishing a disaster recovery center in Barnwell County to help people who have damage to their homes.
Details on the center’s location, hours, and opening date have not yet been finalized, but will be released soon, said Riley.
“All information will be protected. FEMA will tell people if they can help and where to go,” said Riley.
He hopes to be able to announce something in the coming days. Homeowners and renters in Barnwell, Allendale and other eligible counties can also go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App, or call 800-621-3362. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages.
For the latest information about South Carolina’s recovery, visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4829.
DISASTER RELIEF
Barnwell County is coming together to help victims in harder hit areas and also the linemen and first responders who are working in relief efforts.
B&B Ford is taking donations of water and other supplies to give out to rescue workers, lineman and people in areas where they are still in need due to power outages. If you know someone in need, please call Eleanor Burbage at 803-300-2941.
First Baptist Church of Barnwell is working to fill a U-Haul with supplies to take to North Carolina, which was devastated by the hurricane.
They are partnering with Dellwood Baptist Church in Waynesville, N.C.
"What we've been through in the last week is something these people will be going through over the next couple of months. They have nothing,” said Rev. Bart Kelley of people in North Carolina and other harder hit areas who have no water, power, shelter
and other basics.
“We need to show our brothers and sisters in America we are there for them. Barnwell is coming to help.”
All these options and instructions on how to do so can be found on our church’s website under the ‘Give’ tab at https://fbcbarnwell.org/give.
The Barnwell County Family YMCA is also collecting items to support the linemen who are working hard to restore power across the state. They have a shopping cart in the lobby for water, snacks, hygiene products, foam pads, and other items.
