FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. – Florence County – Florence County Officials have lifted the Mandatory Evacuation Order for Zone 1 along Lynches River from Highway 301 Bridge downstream to Highway 52 Bridge and for Zone 2 from the Highway 52 bridge to the Highway 378 bringer
Some roads in these areas maybe damaged or have standing water. These have been blocked by barriers, do not remove or drive around barriers. Please use precaution when returning to your homes. It is safe to return to your residents, but please follow these helpful tips as you return home.
• Before entering your home, look outside for down or low hanging power lines, damaged gas lines, foundation cracks or other damage. Parts of your home maybe collapsed or damaged. Approach entrances carefully. See if porch roofs and overhangs have all their supports.
• Watch out for wild animals, especially poisonous snakes that may have come into your home with the floodwater.
• If you smell natural or propane, gas or hear a hissing noise, leave immediately and call the fire department.
• If power lines are down outside your home, do not step in puddles or standing water.
• Keep children and pets away from hazardous sites and floodwater.
• Materials such as cleaning products, paint, batteries, contaminated fuel and damaged fuel containers are hazardous. Check with local authorities for assistance with disposal to avoid risk.
• During cleanup, wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and rubber boots.
• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and other harmful chemicals.
• Make sure your food and water are safe. Discard items that have come in contact with floodwater, including canned goods, water bottles, plastic utensils and baby bottle nipples. When in doubt, throw it out!