Upstate Hotels Expected to Fill with People Evacuating the Coast

Many Upstate hotels expect to be filled tomorrow with people who have fled the coast. The Residence Inn in Spartanburg says it is now sold out thanks to reservations made by people from the Myrtle Beach and Charleston areas. The hotel General Manager says most people are scheduled to arrive tomorrow. He says his hotel is popular with evacuees because it allows pets. The Marriott in Greenville is expecting about 45 people from the coast to arrive this afternoon. But the hotels have relaexe their 24 hour cancellation policy, because they say if Hanna shifts north, many expected guests may decide not to leave home.

In Charleston, the Associated Press reports Charleston County Emergency Preparedness Director Cathy Haynes urges coastal residents to keep monitoring Tropical Storm Hanna because of uncertainty about the storm's path.

No evacuations have been issued in South Carolina so far, but Haynes said Wednesday people should continue to make plans in case
the governor orders people away from the coast. (View evacuation maps)

Haynes said Hanna isn't expected to begin impacting South Carolina until Friday night, and officials still have enough time
for an evacuation.

Charleston area schools will be in session Thursday.

Forecasts from the National Hurricane Center have moved landfall for the storm north of Charleston.

Santee Cooper Preparing for Possible Effects of Hurricanes
From a press release
MONKS CORNER, S.C.—As storms Hanna, Ike and Josephine line up in the Atlantic Ocean, Santee Cooper is closely monitoring the potential paths and implementing early phases of the utility’s comprehensive storm plan. Santee Cooper encourages customers to review their own safety plans as well.

When a storm threatens:
• Check supplies and make sure you have the following items: portable radio with fresh batteries, flashlight, candles or lamps, matches, first aid kit, canned or packaged food that can be prepared without cooking or refrigeration, several days supply of drinking water (one quart per person, per day), a full tank of gasoline in your car and cash.
• Pay attention to local television and radio broadcasts for storm position, intensity and expected landfall.
• Prepare for high winds by boarding up or taping windows and other glass, anchoring objects outside and bracing the garage door.
• Secure boats and trailers located near homes and check mooring lines of boats in the water.
• Put important papers in watertight containers (take them if you evacuate) and move valuables to upper stories of your home.
• Fill your bathtub with water for sanitary purposes.
• If you know someone who relies on electric-powered life-support equipment, be prepared to move that person to a facility outside of the storm's projected path to avoid the risk of an extended power outage.
• If you have elderly family members or neighbors, check on them to ensure they can get to a safe haven for the storm’s arrival.
When a storm hits:
• Stay indoors and away from doors and windows, electrical outlets and water pipes. Don't go out in the brief calm during the eye of the storm.
• Keep television and radio tuned for information from official sources. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice.
• If you evacuate, shut off water and electricity. Electricity can be shut off at the breaker box. Take blankets, first aid supplies, medications, a battery operated flash light and other essential items to the nearest shelter.

After a storm has passed:
• Never go near downed power lines. Always assume they are energized and extremely dangerous. If someone suffers an electric shock from coming in contact with a power line, call 911 immediately
• Check for electrical damage inside your home, such as frayed wires, sparks or the smell of burning insulation. If you find damage, don't turn your power on until an electrician inspects your system and makes necessary repairs.
• Walk or drive cautiously. Watch out for debris-filled streets and weakened bridges. Snakes and insects can be a problem.
• Use your emergency water supply or boil water before drinking it until local officials deem the water supply safe. Report broken sewer or water mains

Piedmont Red Cross Prepares for Hanna
From a press release
Spartanburg, September 3, 2008 — This is a very active hurricane season, the American Red Cross has already responded to Tropical Storm Fay and Hurricane Gustav. Now are preparing for Tropical Storm Hanna. Currently the Piedmont Chapter is on shelter alert in the event evacuations are ordered. Our volunteers are also on stand-by and we are ready to open shelters as needed.

The Upstate could experience power outages, flooding, and wind damage from Hanna.

The American Red Cross urges everyone to be prepared for disasters by taking three simple steps: Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed. Build a disaster supplies kit including water, non-perishable food, radio, flashlight and extra batteries for both, a first aid kit and necessary medications. Store important family documents (wills, passports, insurance policies, deeds, etc.) in a portable, waterproof and fireproof container as part of your kit. Prepare supplies for pets and family members with specific needs. Make an evacuation and communication plan. Page 1 of 2

Plan ahead for the possibility of becoming separated from your family and friends by choosing an out-of-town contact that each family or household member can call or email should a disaster occur. Plan on using the Red Cross Safe and Well website, which is accessible through redcross.org. Finally, be informed. Talk to your family about the types of disasters that can happen in your community and follow the directions of emergency officials. Preparing for a disaster will help you and your loved ones to be better prepared for any emergency.

Anyone interested in volunteering and/or would like to make a contribution, please contact the Piedmont Chapter: (864) 583-8000 or volunteer@piedmontarc.org.

Resources
Get preparation tips on our Hurricane Center.
What should you do before the storm?
Get the official state hurricane guide.

Watch the storm live from one of these web cams along the South Carolina Coast:

View Larger Map

Track what people are saying about Hanna in Amy Wood's blog