May 4, 2022 • Volume 11, Issue 5 • Complimentary • HiltonHeadSun.com
PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID BLUFFTON, SC PERMIT NO. 135 POSTAL CUSTOMER
Hurricane season requires extra planning for island residents By Gwyneth J. Saunders CONTRIBUTOR
It’s been a minute since a hurricane has seriously threatened Beaufort County. The Lowcountry was fortunate in 2020 and 2021 to not deal with hurricanes and the pandemic at the same time, but one can never be too prepared for something that is as unreliable as a hurricane. The official season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, with historically the most active months for the Lowcountry being August, September and October. Local agencies and communities are making sure critical information is handy for residents, but living on this island means preparation is as much about timing as it is about packing. Tom Dunn, Town of Hilton Head Island Emergency Manager, cautions residents to remember that there is only one way on
and one way off the island. “FEMA says be prepared for 72 hours, but because we are on an island, with heavy tree cover, you should be prepared for five days. Plan to evacuate early to ensure you are ahead of evacuation traffic. If you go early, you have better option for hotels,” said Dunn. “Plan early. Now is the time to develop a plan if you do not have one or review your plan if you do.” A new preparedness guide is now available in all town facilities and on the town’s website, in English and Spanish. There is also a page titled “Ready Hilton Head Island” that provides additional information and links. Visit hiltonheadislandsc.gov/ready for information and resources. General preparation guidelines, no matter where in the Lowcountry one resides,
Please see HURRICANES on page 10A
LYNNE COPE HUMMELL
This photo, taken the month after Hurricane Matthew hit Hilton Head Island in October 2016, shows the destruction of a house and yard in Hilton Head Plantation.
Thanks to Eagle Scout, Fire Rescue has new flag-disposal bins Each year Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue receives many flags dropped off at its headquarters and stations for proper disposal. The flags are collected, and a flag retirement ceremony is held each year on Flag Day. The ceremony includes Fire Rescue, the Boy Scouts and the American Legion. Fire Rescue recently worked with Eagle
Scout candidate Peter Rougeux to complete his Eagle Scout community service project. The project installed flag drop boxes for older and tattered American Flags that need to be retired correctly. The drop boxes are located at Fire Rescue Headquarters, 40 Summit Drive; behind Fire Station No. 1 off Executive Park Drive;
Staffing for law enforcement a national issue 14A
Islander finally can open business on his family land 20A
and Fire Station No. 5, 20 Whooping Crane Way at front gate of Hilton Head Plantation. To become an Eagle Scout, scouts must earn at least 21 merit badges and complete a community-focused project that requires leadership and organizational skills. Only a small percentage of scouts achieve the coveted Eagle Scouts rank.
Long-awaited All Saints Garden Tour returns 25A
“It was great to work with Peter to accomplish this goal to help him achieve the Eagle Scout rank,” said Deputy fire Chief Joheida Fister. “Peter participated in the flag retirement ceremonies held at the Fire Rescue Training Center, so this project was a perfect match.”
Local teen turns her art into million-dollar sensation 27A
Sunny Side Up 3A • Editorial 4A • Sun on the Street 6A • Business 35A • Legal 38A • Giving 39A • Wellness 40A • Food 42A • Faith 43A • Pets 44A • Nature 45A • Sports 47A • Home 48A