Working Together During Storms
The Town of Bluffton works closely with local, county, state, and federal agencies to plan for, prepare for and recover from storms. While we coordinate these efforts to protect our community, some aspects of storm response— like evacuation orders, major road closures, and utility repairs— are outside of the Town ' s direct control.
Chain of Command During Storms
By understanding this chain of command and knowing what you can control as a resident, we can work together for a safer Bluffton during storm events.
Governor: Orders mandatory evacuations, which counties and municipalities( towns) follow SC Emergency Management Division( SCEMD): Leads and supports local authorities www. scemd. org Beaufort County Emergency Management Division: Coordinates countywide response bcso. net / our-agency / emergency-management-division Bluffton Mayor & Town Council: Issues orders to protect health and property Town of Bluffton Emergency Management: Coordinates year-round with other agencies www. townofbluffton. sc. gov / 462 / Emergency-Management Beaufort County School District: Cancels or modifies school schedules
DID YOU KNOW?
Ever wonder why some residents come home right after a mandatory evacuation while others have to wait? Residents and business employees with goods or services critical to recovery may receive priority re-entry. The Beaufort County Sheriff’ s Office issues passes through its Incident Emergency Response and Re-Entry Pass System. These are for those aiding in regional recovery. Learn more: bcso. net / re-entry-passes
Stormwater Management: Know Who’ s Responsible
About 92 % of Bluffton residents live in neighborhoods with Property Owners Associations( POAs) POAs are responsible for maintaining stormwater systems within their communities, which includes lagoons, lakes, drainage pipes and storm drains on private property The Town can only maintain stormwater systems on Town property or in public rights-of-way
What You Can Do:
Contact your POA first about neighborhood drainage problems Clear leaves and debris from storm drains and ditches near your home. Make sure gutters and downspouts are clean Report flooding in public areas to the Town via SeeClickFix or call( 843) 706-4500 Never drive through flooded areas— turn around, don ' t drown
Complete hurricane information: townofbluffton. sc. gov / 656 / Hurricane-Season
BRIGHT IDEA
DID YOU KNOW?
Evacuate north or west when possible to avoid the worst congestion. Stay Safe, Bluffton!
Climate models suggest more frequent and heavier future rain events. The Town works to improve public stormwater systems, offers advice to POAs dealing with flooding issues and coordinates with regional partners on watershed solutions.
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WE’ RE HERE TO HELP( 843) 706-4500 townofbluffton. sc. gov