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PARKERS FERRY, S.C. – Members of the South Carolina National Guard assisted residents in the path of floodwaters from the Edisto River, Oct. 9, helping keep citizens safe and property protected.
Soldiers with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment worked in communities being affected by rising floodwaters, transporting citizens to shelters as part of a voluntary evacuation, checking on the welfare of those who chose to stay with their properties and delivering sandbags to homes in the direct path of the water.
Lt. Dan Maddock, Charleston County Sheriff’s Department marine patrol unit supervisor, explained that it’s hard to determine where the water is going to go exactly and whether it’s going to rise slowly or be rushing. He said the tide levels also come into play, and a situation that was expected to be mild can easily turn into a crisis. For those reasons, he said it has been beneficial having the National Guard available to help in emergency situations that may arise.
“They do it all,” said Maddock. “They’ve been manning road blocks, patrolling through communities looking for any flooded areas, delivering sandbags ... I think the citizens are relieved to know their National Guard is there for them.”
Maddock added that many of the residents in the Parkers Ferry area have lived in their homes for generations and some are not willing to leave their property behind. Having the National Guard available to deliver and set up sandbags to protect the homes has been an asset to the local community.
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Matthew Stritch, A Company, 1-118th, added that the citizens have been very appreciative of the work done by the National Guard. He described a situation where a resident’s home was completely surrounded by water and they could no longer let their pet outside in the yard, but the National Guard trucks were able to access his home and transport the resident to safety.
“They’re upset about the situation because there’s nothing they can do to stop it, but it’s been nothing but thank yous from the citizens,” said Stritch. “Everyone’s been very receptive of us in the community.”
National Guard Soldiers will continue to work in communities being affected by the floodwaters until the mission is done and residents can begin to return to their homes and start the recovery process. In the meantime, the work being done not only helps the residents, but also builds partnerships between the National Guard and local law enforcement.
Maddock said that it has been a crucial aspect that the South Carolina National Guard troops have been self-sustaining and able to provide resources that the county did not have.
“It has been a tremendous opportunity to work with our National Guard partners and see the variety of strengths they bring to the situation,” said Maddock. “We’re very thankful that the National Guard is prepared to help.”
| Date Taken: | 10.09.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 10.09.2015 20:48 |
| Story ID: | 178633 |
| Location: | PARKERS FERRY, SC, US |
| Web Views: | 554 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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