Crews Warn Of Rescue Changes During Florence

LANCASTER CO., SC — Neighborhoods are bracing for Florence to push the life-threatening flooding and wind they’ve seen on the coast through the Piedmont.

“I would have no choice, myself, but to attempt to go to higher land, which would be in this apartment and try to stay safe,” said Tamika Montoya.

Montoya and her family are one of dozens who live next to Hannahs Creek in Lancaster, South Carolina.

That’s one flood-prone area emergency management is monitoring.

Crews say they are also watching Gillis Creek Dr., Black Horse Run Rd. and Melvin Steele Park.

Three swift water rescue teams are positioned across Lancaster County.

Fire Marshal Russell Rogers says 911, fire and paramedics added crews. However, if wind gusts reach 60mph, crews will not respond to emergencies until that dies down because it is too dangerous.

The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office says stay put in this area if you can.

“When this things comes and things do get bad, if they do, stay put. Don’t move around,” said spokesperson Doug Barfield. “A lot of what we get could come during darkness. Things are really unsafe out there. Debris could be blowing around. It could be in the roadway.”

Rescuers also warn if you do call 911 and all dispatchers are busy, you will hear nothing. No music will play, such as being on hold. It will sound like dead air. Do not hang up. You’re on hold.

Springs Memorial Hospital says if you have special medical needs, like oxygen, there is a special triage number to call.

That number is 1-800-578-2031.

To report downed trees or power lines, call 803-283-4139.

To report power outages, call your power company.

The Red Cross shelter in Lancaster County is located at Buford High School. That address is 4290 Tabernacle Rd.

The closest shelter outside the county is Ardrey Kell high school at 10220 Ardrey Kell Dr. in Charlotte.