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Update February 14: From practiced evacuation to water purification, the National Guard was collaborating with a number of area agencies to help ensure they're all ready for a disaster scenario.
The Island Packet was following along and has a nice report; read it here.
First reporting April 9: If you see a lot of helicopter activity and emergency personnel in the area this Sunday to Wednesday (April 10-13) don't fret, it's just a drill.
The Beaufort County Emergency Management Department has announced that it will be conducting Operation Coastal Watch 2011 throughout Beaufort and Jasper Counties, where it will conclude on Wednesday at the Jasper County Airport.
The exercise includes numerous SC National Guard Units, a unit from the U.S. Coast Guard, state and local Emergency Management Agencies, County Fire and EMS personnel, as well as the American Red Cross, SC Baptists Convention, and Mosquito Control.
Expect to see increased helicopter activity and an increased military presence on the roadways.
Here are more details from a release, including reduced hours at area recreational facilities:
SC NATIONAL GUARD TO CONDUCT LOCAL EXERCISE
For operational efficiency and concern for public safety, access to the Broad River Landing and Pier will be restricted to participating military and civilian agencies from 10:00 pm on Monday, April 11th, to 6:00 am on April 13th. In addition, access to the football and soccer fields of the Burton Wells recreational facility will be similarly restricted for the duration of the exercise, concluding Wednesday, April 13th.
Coastal Watch 2011 is a preparedness exercise focused on simulating the rescue efforts that would be employed during a catastrophic event such as a hurricane. This includes the “rescue” of live participants from areas which would likely be flooded or inaccessible in such an event.
Residents can expect to see increased air activity and military presence in the areas of the Broad River Landing, Burton Wells Recreational Facility, Widgeon Point, Sea Island Parkway near Langford Road, and the Broomfield Recreational Facility on Brickyard Point Road.
For further information, please contact the Director of Emergency Management, Todd Ferguson, at 843-255-4000.
