THE ISSUE: Tropical Storm Hanna

OUR OPINION: State owes thanks to those who help weather the storm

South Carolina was spared major damage from Tropical Storm Hanna. In the wake of the storm, there will be assessment of the state’s emergency response. It appears the system, modernized and greatly improved in the wake of Hurricane Hugo 19 years ago, worked as it should.

Yes, there will be those who say the governor was premature in calling for voluntary evacuations along the Grand Strand. There will be criticism again of the forecasting that drives away tourists. And there even will be those saying opening shelters was a waste of money.

Count us among those who say the state was right to be safe rather than sorry.

According to the S.C. Emergency Management Division:

 Hanna made landfall around the border of South Carolina and North Carolina at 3:20 a.m.

 No significant damage was reported across South Carolina.

 Some scattered power outages occurred but utilities were rapidly restoring services.

 Moveable bridges (draw bridges) were inspected after the storm.

The American Red Cross, S.C. Department of Social Services and S.C. Department of Health  and  Environmental Control sheltered 525 people during the peak period of the night.

Approximately 650 people sought shelter.

Some beach erosion was reported along the Grand Strand, particularly at Garden City Beach and Surfside Beach.

The storm produced response from hundreds involved with the emergency system. They are to be thanked even as the state takes a collective breath of relief.

Echoing Gov. Sanford in a Saturday statement:

“First and foremost, I want to give real credit to emergency planners at the state and local level, as well as to emergency personnel at other state and federal agencies. Given that this storm’s impact was to have been in the state’s northeast corner, we had a number of conversations with Sam Hodge and Randy Webster, who very well represented their respective emergency operations teams in Georgetown and Horry counties. Had this storm been due to come in further south, I know from past conversations we would have seen the same level of professionalism from the teams down in Charleston and Beaufort, so I indeed want to give particular credit to all local county personnel for the way they so ably represent the first line of defense in any emergency.

“Above all else, we’re all very thankful that damage along the coast was minimal and that’s obviously very good news. ... So as we’re standing down from the storm, I want everyone to know that our beaches are indeed open for business, and we hope to see you there.”

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