02-Sept through 6-Sept – Shelter Operations 

With the approach of Hurricane Dorian, came a State of Emergency declaration by Governor Henry McMaster which ultimately resulted in a coastal evacuation and the opening of an emergency shelter at Colleton County High School. The shelter is operated by the Red Cross and supplemented by personnel from Fire-Rescue, the Sheriff’s Office, National Guard, School District and SLED. At the peak of the storm, the shelter had 119 residents. The shelter is a safe place to weather the storm, but it lacks many of the comforts of home. Firefighter-Paramedics and Deputies are assigned to the shelter to insure a smooth operation and to assist those staying there. The crews make every effort to entertain the children with games, movies and other activities. Kevin Varnadoe brings his guitar and plays for the people staying there. The Colleton School District prepared meals fort he occupants and for the first time, animals were able to stay on site in a separate building, but near their families.