Emergency officials: For best results, leave ahead of ordered evacuations

Beaufort County residents should leave now for the most flexibility ahead of ordered evacuations for Hurricane Matthew, county emergency officials said Tuesday.

For those who choose not to evacuate, take proper caution and you’re on your own, they added. Coastal schools will be closed the remainder of the week and communities along the coast will begin evacuating Wednesday, Gov. Nikki Haley said.

Once evacuations begin, drivers will have to go where law enforcement directs them, Beaufort County officials cautioned.

Those skeptical of leaving should be willing to live without water and power, said Lt. Col. Neil Baxley, Beaufort County Emergency Management commander.

“Prepare to endure or get out of the way of this major hurricane,” said Baxley, who recommended the Beaufort County Emergency Management phone application for updates and evacuation routes.

Hurricane Matthew presents the biggest threat to the area since Hurricane Floyd in 1999, Baxley and Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner said. There were traffic delays during that evacuation, and the population has grown considerably since then, Baxley noted.

Tanner noted the size of the hurricane — likening the storm to Floyd and Hurricane Hugo — with the breadth of Texas.

Officials said those who insist on staying should fill their tub with water to be able to flush toilets, and fill pots, pans and empty containers with drinking water. A generator and gasoline are a necessity, and residents should be ready to lose their roof and for flying debris, they said.

Baxley said that during hurricane-force winds, 911 calls would be logged but that first responders might be hunkered down and unable to reach people until after the storm.

Everyone should have a plan. Residents might believe their home is out of reach of a storm surge but should also consider surrounding roads and other low-lying areas that could affect travel, Baxley said.

Residents unable to evacuate will be transferred to hurricane shelters in other counties using Palmetto Breeze buses.

During the evacuation, one lane will be reversed leaving Hilton Head Island, from Cross Island Expressway to Moss Creek, Baxley said.

County officials urged residents to secure important documents like deeds, medical records and insurance documents. Loose yard equipment should be secured so as to not become a projectile.

Boarding up windows is a personal preference, but homeowners should check with their insurance carriers, officials said.

This story was originally published October 4, 2016 at 2:17 PM with the headline "Emergency officials: For best results, leave ahead of ordered evacuations."