THE ISSUE: Hurricane readiness

OUR OPINION: Readiness for storms costs, but the money is well spent

South Carolina, particularly the Lowcountry and T&D Region, watched in relief as forecasters sent Tropical Storm Hanna on a route farther north. The focus here now is on Hurricane Ike, a much stronger storm with potentially catastrophic impact. There is no reason for South Carolinians to let down the guard as the peak of the hurricane season here is reached.

Some will say the state taking actions so far ahead of a potential storm strike is a waste of tax dollars. Evacuations should be last resort and not encouraged or mandated until the very last minute, critics say.

No. No. No.

The state has a duty to act to protect the population, even when the actions are not popular. What taxpayers need to know, however, is what the money is being spent on in storm preparedness and response.

Take a look at the Thursday list from the State Emergency Response Team:

• 76 law enforcement officers with the Department of Public Safety deployed to traffic-control points along evacuation routes. Additional law enforcement officers were on standby and were deployed as needed.

• The S.C. National Guard had 2,500 guardsmen on duty until 5 p.m. Thursday. After that, 160 remained on standby.

• The Department of Transportation authorized oversized and overweight restriction waivers for all large trucks carrying supplies for the states impacted by Hurricanes Fay and Gustav.

• DOT contacted construction companies involved with road projects to ensure potential evacuation routes were clear.

• The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control identified health care professionals who have volunteered for disasters through the state’s SC Serve program. These professionals include doctors, nurses, pharmacists and social workers.

• DHEC has SC Med mobile medical units equipped with cots, first aid supplies, and air conditioning, which can provide temporary treatment centers for the injured. Since these units are mobile, they can be moved to areas where they are of most benefit to those who need them.

• DHEC has established Rapid Needs Assessment Teams that assess conditions and community needs following a disaster. These teams are composed of representatives from numerous disciplines across public health, including environmental health professionals, nurses, social workers and administrative support. They review community conditions and needs, providing feedback to DHEC’s Emergency Operations Center for effective and efficient allocation of resources to the area.

• The American Red Cross opened three shelters. DHEC operated special medical needs shelters in affected areas.

• The State Emergency Response Team is currently activated for around-the-clock operations.

With the threat from Ike − and possibly even Hurricane Josephine − the preparation made for Hanna should not slip too far into the background. From now until roughly Oct. 1, this state must be ready.

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