After a storm
- Check on your neighbors and see if they need any assistance.
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Adhere to all curfews. These curfews are put into place for life safety reasons. You are putting yourself and others at risk by not adhering to curfews. Often emergency service personnel are assessing damages and clearing hazards. Until everything is deemed safe, please adhere to the curfews.
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Expect curfews to remain in place during dark hours until power has been restored to the majority of Town.
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If you evacuated, please do not attempt to return until Town officials have declared it is safe to do so.
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Please follow the Town of Beaufort on Social Media for the most up to the minute updates. The website will be updated as time and internet availability allow.
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Do not drive around to view damages. Drivers doing this are creating public safety issues while trained emergency service personnel are completing assessments and removing dangers.
- Solid waste departments will pick up trash as soon as possible. Priority is given to household garbage, so separate it from other trash and debris. If you fail to separate your garbage, you could create a health risk and attract rodents and animals. Also separate tree limbs and other compostable materials from household trash. Do not place in the street. Place close to the curb. Also separate construction debris materials from household trash and vegetative debris. Mixed piles of debris will not be picked up.
- Please be patient as solid waste and recycling services return to normal. Often the main centers are damaged and residential pickups cannot return to normal operations schedules until repairs are made. The Town will announce updates from Solid Waste and Recycling contractors as the information becomes available. Please also understand debris piles are often picked up by contractors. Depending on the volume of vegetative and construction debris, the Town may need to execute a contract in order to clear these materials. The Town will announce pickup deadlines as the information becomes available on the Town's website and social media sites. Please adhere to the instructions.
- Make temporary repairs as soon as possible to keep further damage from occurring. Make sure you document damage with photos. Most insurance policies will pay for these temporary repairs. Know your insurance policies and keep all receipts.
- If you hire an individual or business to help you with repairs, check to make sure that they have a current license, are properly insured, and possess a permit authorizing them to do the work. This is for your own protection.
- Never pay the entire amount before repairs are completed. Reputable contractors will not demand huge down payments.
- Get a receipt for everything.
- You home should be well ventilated to allow for drying if you had large amounts of water inside.
- Avoid all downed wire lines, especially those near bodies of water until authorities inspect the area and declare it safe.