Disaster Recovery News

More than 31 square miles have been torched by the recent wildfires that started a week ago outside the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina, a popular tourist spot. Thousands of people have been or were evacuated from their homes.

More than 70 homes have been destroyed and 100 damaged. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported. Officials are hoping the predicted calm winds and high humidity will help contain the fire.

Lubbock Online reports:

“State workers and fire crews knocked down trees and plowed firebreaks in the hopes of keeping the fire contained. Officials opened some roads near the charred areas and said the blaze was 85 percent under control thanks in part to workers dousing hot spots in an effort to keep expected late-day winds from blowing embers toward houses.”

Wildfire damage prevention is the key to protecting your home and family. If there is a wildfire near your neck of the woods, call the local fire department for suggestions, evacuation routes and road closures. If appropriate, remove any combustibles from your home and secure any fuel sources. Then secure doors and windows and set up water barriers. Finally, evacuate. Learn more about preparing for a wildfire.

Do not worry about trying to pack up non-essential personal items. Instead, worry about getting to safety safely. Items that are damaged many times can be restored by a restoration specialist. Fire restoration specialists can help restore fire damaged books, documents, and fire-damaged pictures. They can also help restore items that got wet, such as documents. Learn more about wildfire recovery.

Tropical Storm Hanna is moving through the Bahamas and toward the South Carolina shore say weather experts causing the South Carolina Governor to recommend the evacuation of two northeast counties – Horry and Georgetown.

“Every one of us needs to continue to watch out in the Atlantic because this could be a dress rehearsal for a thing called Ike,” said Gov. Mark Sanford in a recent address. “Time will tell.”

Hurricane Ike is still churning in the Atlantic but has already been categorized as a level 4 hurricane and is being watched very closely as it may slam into the U.S. soon after Hanna.

Tropical Storm Hanna is expected to reach the U.S. coastline on Friday night. Wind, rain and increased riptide occurrences are expected to hit the U.S. hard as early as Friday morning.

More on water damage caused by massive flooding

Photo courtesy of AFP/NASA-HO