As hurricane season approaches, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division has announced new hurricane evacuation zones aimed at helping community preparedness and safety during hurricanes.
 
The updated evacuation zones have been designed to better reflect the evolving landscape of potential hazards and population distribution across the region. These zones take into account factors such as storm surge risk, flood susceptibility, and evacuation routes to ensure more accurate and effective evacuation orders.
 
The new hurricane evacuation zones include:
 

• Enhanced Accuracy: The new zones provide a more precise understanding of the areas most vulnerable to hurricane impacts, allowing for more targeted evacuation orders and resource allocation.

 

• Expanded Coverage: The updated evacuation zones account for the growth and development of communities since the last revision. This expansion ensures that all residents in high-risk areas are included and aware of evacuation protocols.

 

• Clear Communication: Residents can quickly determine what zone they are in using the Know Your Zone tool at Hurricane.SC, and in the SC Emergency Manager mobile app. The printed version of the annual South Carolina Hurricane Guide will become available throughout the month of May this year.

 

• Community Engagement: Community outreach efforts will be intensified to educate residents about the importance of preparedness and evacuation planning. Educational materials will be made available to empower individuals and families to make informed decisions and take necessary precautions ahead of time.

 
The unveiling of the new hurricane evacuation zones represents a proactive measure by the South Carolina Emergency Management Division to prioritize public safety and mitigate the potential impact of severe weather events. By staying informed, vigilant, and prepared, residents can play a pivotal role in safeguarding themselves and their communities during times of crisis.
 
Hurricane season begins June 1 and lasts through November 30.
 
Visit scemd.org for more information on the new hurricane evacuation zones and preparedness resources.
 
Additional Resources:
 

• South Carolina Hurricane Guide (SCEMD)
• Charleston County Hurricane Guide (Charleston County EMD)
• National Hurricane Center (NOAA)

Beach Patrol personnel will be on the beach daily between April 1st and September 30th. Below is a breakdown of the times they will be on the beach for the 2024 season:
 
April 1st – May 23rd:
9:45 AM to 4:15 PM
 
May 24th – August 15th:
8:45 AM to 7:15 PM
 
August 16th – September 30th:
​9:45 AM to 4:15 PM

​For non-life threatening situations or to report a code violation, Beach Patrol may be reached by phone or text at (843) 718-6083.

For police, fire or medical emergencies on any of the town's beaches (even when in doubt), DIAL 911.

On July 9, 2023, a SIPOA resident doing yard work on his property adjacent to the golf course was attacked by an alligator living in a lagoon nearby. While the Property Owner was walking 6-8 feet from the lagoon edge, the alligator quickly emerged from the lagoon, knocked the Owner to the ground, and clenched the Owner’s leg in his jaws. Fortunately, the alligator relaxed its grip, and the Owner was able to escape to safety. The alligator returned to the lagoon.
 
The Owner contacted 911. SIPOA officers and EMS responded. The Owner was transported by EMS and his injuries were treated at MUSC.  During that time the Charleston County Sheriff, SCDNR, an alligator trapper and SIPOA officers were on site. The alligator was captured and transported.
 
This was a terrifying and rare alligator encounter with a surprisingly fortunate outcome thanks to the Owner’s quick thinking. As we know, not everyone in similar situations is this lucky.
 
SIPOA publishes alligator safety reminders on a regular basis from early spring through fall. We would like to take this opportunity to again remind our Owners and their guests to be aware of alligators, and actions to take should they encounter one.
 
Alligators less than four feet long are incapable of eating anything larger than a small turtle and are too small to pose a threat to even small pets or people. Alligators at least four feet in length that are aggressive and pose a threat to people, pets or property are considered “nuisance alligators”.
 
FOR YOUR SAFETY:

• Keep your distance. Alligators can run faster than you.
• Do not attempt to move alligators out of the road.
• Stay away from alligator nests or small alligators. Female alligators are very protective of their territory.
• Keep your pets and children away from alligators.
• Do not corner or trap alligators.
• Be alert around the shore of freshwater ponds or wetlands.
• Don't feed alligators. Not only is it illegal, but feeding alligators threatens peoples’ and animals' safety. Providing food for these wild animals makes them bolder, encourages them to seek out people, and alters their natural diet in an unhealthy way. If you enjoy seeing alligators, please understand that feeding them endangers them. When alligators lose their fear of humans, they become aggressive and must be removed. Remember- a fed alligator is a dead alligator. If you see someone feeding alligators, contact the S.C. Department of Natural Resources at 1-800-922-5431.

 
If you have a concern about an aggressive or nuisance alligator on SIPOA properties or roadways or at your residence, call the Gatehouse at (843) 768-6641. SIPOA will contact our on-call professional alligator trapper licensed by SCDNR to evaluate the alligator which then may be removed and euthanized.  If you are on the golf course, contact the golf shop or Sean Hardwick at the Seabrook Island Club for assistance.
 
In any location, if you are attacked by an alligator or you observe an attack, call 911 for emergency response. Don’t waste valuable response time by calling the Gatehouse – 911 should be your first call for any emergency.  When 911 is called, the Gatehouse is automatically notified by Charleston County and can respond as needed. 
 
Again, we are fortunate that this didn’t become a tragic event. We are very thankful that our resident escaped, and injuries were minor. Please keep these safety precautions in mind when outdoors. Be Aware, Be Alert and Stay Safe!

On Wednesday, October 20th, a portion of the eastbound (outbound) lane of Seabrook Island Road will be closed due to tree trimming. A tree contractor will be working in the right-of-way to limb up several trees prior to construction of a new left-turn lane into the future Seafields senior living community. Set up will commence between 7:30 am and 9:00 am on Wednesday, and the trimming work will take place between the hours of 9:00 am and 6:00 pm. During these times, Seabrook Island Road will be reduced to a single lane with alternating traffic. It is anticipated that the trimming work will be completed in a single day. 

On Thursday, October 21st, and Friday, October 22nd, the tree contractor will be back to remove five trees at the entrance to the future Seafields project. At this time, it is anticipated that the tree contractor will be able to access and remove these trees from the bike pathway; however, it is possible that the outbound lane of Seabrook Island Road may be temporarily closed on Thursday and/or Friday if deemed necessary for public safety. Pedestrians and bicyclists are advised that portions of the bike pathway may be temporarily closed or restricted on Thursday and Friday. It is anticipated that the tree removal work will be completed by the end of the day on Friday. 

Unlike the previous lane closure, which took place on September 30th and impacted the entire length of Seabrook Island Road, this closure will be confined to a single area between Andell Bluff Boulevard (Marina entrance) and the traffic circle (See diagram below). Motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists are encouraged to allow additional time if traveling to and from Seabrook Island between Wednesday and Friday. Drivers should also be prepared to stop when instructed by flaggers. 

To report an issue while workers are present, please contact Town Hall at by phone at (843) 768-9121 or by email at [email protected]. 

The town was recently notified by its beach patrol provider, Island Beach Services, of an incident that took place in the Atlantic Ocean off of Seabrook Island. 

At approximately 8:00 pm on Sunday, June 6th, 911 received a call regarding a young female who had been bitten in the water near boardwalk #2. Charleston County EMS and St. Johns Fire District were immediately dispatched, and Island Beach Services was notified shortly thereafter. As the town’s beach patrol had concluded for the day, a beach patrol officer was dispatched to the scene from the contractor’s headquarters on Kiawah Island. The beach patrol officer arrived at the scene and was able to assist with transporting the patient from the beach to the ambulance. 

The patient was subsequently transported by EMS to a local emergency room where she was treated for minor injuries consistent with a shark bite. 

While the likelihood of being bitten by a shark is very small, there are several steps that beachgoers can take to reduce the odds of an unwelcome shark encounter:

• Swim close to the shore
• Be sure to swim, dive or surf with others
• Avoid swimming at dusk and dawn
• Avoid wearing shiny jewelry in the water
• Avoid areas where there are large schools of fish or dolphins
• Avoid areas where animal, human or fish waste enters the water
• Avoid deep channels or areas with deep drop-offs nearby
• Avoid going into the water if you are bleeding or have open wounds
• Look carefully before jumping into the water from a boat or jetty
• Quickly remove dead or bleeding fish from the water
• Leave the water if schooling fish or other wildlife start to behave erratically or congregate in large numbers
• If you see a shark, leave the water as quickly and calmly as possible and avoid excessive splashing or noise

As we move into the busy summer months, it’s important to remember that the waters of Seabrook Island are home to a variety of wildlife, including Bonnethead, Atlantic sharpnose and Black-tipped sharks; stingrays; and various types of jellyfish. Beachgoers should always exercise caution when entering the water. In the event of a bite, sting or other emergency, dial 911 for medical assistance.