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Emergency Communications


Sign up for City Safe Alerts

This alert notification system is similar to the Clemson University "CU Safe Alert" notification system. This system will provide emergency alerts, including those related to general public safety, weather, utility disruptions and concerns, traffic, CATBus disruptions, and facility closures, straight to your phone and/or email.

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Emergency Preparedness

Flood Safety
Before the Flood:
  • Assess Your Risk:
    • Determine your flood risk.
    • Check FEMA's flood maps to see if you live in a flood zone.
    • Consider your location's history of flooding.
    • Identify potential flood sources (rivers, creeks, storm drains).
  • Create a Family Emergency Plan:
    • Designate an evacuation route and a meeting place.
    • Practice your plan regularly.
    • Identify a place to stay with friends or family outside the flood zone.
  • Gather Emergency Supplies:
    • Store a supply of non-perishable food, water, and essential medications.
    • Have a first-aid kit and a battery-powered radio.
    • Pack important documents (birth certificates, insurance policies, etc.) in a waterproof container.
  • Protect Your Property:
    • Elevate electrical equipment and valuables.
    • Install check valves to prevent sewer backups.
    • Consider flood insurance.
During a Flood:
  • Stay Informed:
    • Monitor local weather reports and emergency alerts.
    • Follow instructions from local authorities.
  • Evacuate if Necessary:
    • Leave immediately if instructed to do so.
    • Follow your evacuation route.
    • Do not drive through flooded roads.
  • Stay Safe:
    • Avoid floodwaters.
    • Do not touch electrical equipment if it's wet.
    • Be aware of potential hazards like downed power lines.
After a Flood:
  • Stay Safe:
    • Do not enter floodwaters.
    • Be cautious of structural damage to your home.
    • Use bottled water or boil tap water before drinking.
  • Clean Up:
    • Wear protective gear (gloves, boots, mask) when cleaning up.
    • Dispose of flood-damaged items properly.
    • Contact your insurance company to file a claim.
Storms

Before the Storm

Emergency Kit

  • Water: 1 gallon per person, per day, for at least 3 days.
  • Food: Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food (canned goods, dried fruit, granola bars) for at least 3 days.
  • Medications: Prescription and over-the-counter medications, first-aid supplies.
  • Flashlights and extra batteries.
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and NOAA Weather Radio.
  • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery.
  • First-aid kit.
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties: For personal sanitation.
  • Wrench or pliers: To turn off utilities.
  • Manual can opener: For food.
  • Local maps.
  • Important documents: Insurance policies, medical records, identification, etc. in a waterproof container.

Home Safety

  • Clear your yard: Secure loose objects (lawn furniture, grills, etc.) that could become projectiles.
  • Trim trees and shrubs: Reduce the risk of branches falling on your home.
  • Reinforce windows and doors: Use storm shutters or plywood.
  • Bring pets indoors.

Plan and Communicate

  • Develop an evacuation plan: Know your evacuation routes and designated meeting places.
  • Communicate with family and neighbors: Share emergency contact information and plans.
  • Charge devices: Ensure all electronic devices are fully charged.

During the Storm

  • Stay informed: Monitor weather reports closely.
  • Take shelter: Move to a safe room or interior room away from windows.
  • Avoid flooded areas: Do not attempt to drive or walk through floodwaters.
  • Stay away from downed power lines: Report downed lines to the appropriate authorities.
  • Conserve resources: Use water and electricity sparingly.

After the Storm

  • Check for injuries: Provide first aid as needed.
  • Assess damage: Inspect your home for structural damage.
  • Be cautious of hazards: Watch out for downed power lines, debris, and contaminated water.
  • Follow official instructions: Adhere to any evacuation orders or advisories.
  • Assist neighbors: Offer help to those in need.
High Winds
Before High Winds
  • Assess Your Property
    • Inspect trees and branches around your home. Trim or remove those that appear weak, diseased, or close to power lines.
    • Secure any loose objects around your property, such as outdoor furniture, grills, and toys. Store them indoors or securely tie them down.
  • Reinforce Your Home
    • Close and latch all windows and doors securely.
    • Reinforce garage doors if possible.
    • Consider installing storm shutters or covering windows with plywood.
  • Prepare Your Emergency Kit
    • Assemble a basic emergency kit including:
      • Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days)
      • Non-perishable food (at least a three-day supply)
      • Flashlights and extra batteries
      • First-aid kit
      • Medications and medical supplies
      • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and extra batteries
      • Cell phone chargers and a backup power source
      • Important documents (copies of identification, insurance, medical records) in a waterproof container
      • Extra clothing and blankets
  • Plan for Communication
    • Designate an out-of-town contact person for family members to check in with.
    • Have a backup communication plan, such as a satellite phone or a NOAA Weather Radio.
  • Stay Informed
    • Monitor weather forecasts and warnings from reliable sources like the National Weather Service.
    • Sign up for local emergency alerts.
During High Winds
  • Stay Indoors
    • Seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest level of your home, away from windows.
    • Avoid windows and doors.
    • Unplug electronics.
    • Stay informed.
    • Do not drive unless absolutely necessary.
After High Winds
  • Stay Informed
    • Continue to monitor weather reports and follow local advisories.
    • Be cautious of downed power lines and other hazards.
    • Do not enter damaged structures until they have been inspected and deemed safe.
    • Wear protective gear when inspecting for damage.
    • Assist neighbors who may need help.
    • Contact your insurance company to report any damage.
Down Power Lines
Downed Power Line Safety Tips

Downed Power Line Safety Tips

  1. Assume all downed power lines are live.
  2. Stay at least 50 feet away.
  3. Do not touch anything in contact with the line.
  4. Do not attempt to move or touch the line.
  5. If a downed power line falls on your car, stay inside.
  6. Warn others to stay away.
  7. Call 911 immediately.
  8. Do not approach a person who is in contact with a downed power line.
  9. Be aware of your surroundings.
  10. Teach others about downed power line safety.
Useful Phone Numbers
  • Emergency Services: 911
  • City of Clemson Police Non-Emergency Line:(864)624-2000
  • City of Clemson:(864) 653-2030
  • City of Clemson Public Works:(864) 653-2053
  • City of Clemson Utilities:(864) 653-2046
  • Duke Energy:1-800-777-9898
  • Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative:1-800-240-3400
  • Fort Hill Natural Gas:(864) 859-6375
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