Columbia, S.C. Establishes Emergency Shelter for Tropical Storm Helene Survivors

Columbia, S.C. Opens Temporary Shelter for Residents Affected by Tropical Storm Helene

In the wake of Tropical Storm Helene, the City of Columbia is taking important steps to ensure the safety and comfort of its residents. As of Saturday evening, the city has officially opened a temporary shelter at Greenview Park, which is located at 6700 David Street. This initiative comes after the storm caused widespread power outages and significant damage across the area, leaving many residents in need of immediate assistance.

A Helping Hand for Those in Need

The shelter will be available starting at 6 p.m. on Saturday and will remain open until further notice. City officials reported that the park is equipped to accommodate up to 50 people initially, but can easily expand if the need arises. The city aims to provide a warm and safe environment for those affected by the storm. To enhance the comfort of the shelter, Columbia will supply 50 cots along with pillows, blankets, emergency hygiene kits, and water for all guests. However, residents are encouraged to bring their own toiletry items, additional pillows, blankets, medications, and any other essentials they may require.

Looking Out for Neighbors

Officials are urging community members to spread the word about this temporary sanctuary, especially to elderly neighbors or anyone with medical needs who may be without power. It’s a great reminder of the importance of looking out for one another during challenging times. For those with questions about the shelter or to check if space is still available, residents can reach out to Customer Care at (803) 545-3300.

Ensuring Safety for Everyone

In a commitment to keeping the shelter secure for everyone, public safety officials will be present on-site. Their presence will help ensure that all guests feel safe and cared for during their stay. This added layer of protection is especially reassuring given the turmoil caused by Tropical Storm Helene.

Storm Impact and Recovery Efforts

For context, Tropical Storm Helene brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to South Carolina earlier this week. On Thursday, the storm released considerable amounts of rain in the area before making landfall in Florida just before midnight as a Category 4 hurricane. From there, the storm moved into Georgia, tracking along its eastern side, and eventually reached the Upstate of South Carolina.

The aftermath has been significant, with high winds resulting in thousands of downed trees and powerlines throughout the western half of South Carolina. At the peak of the power outage situation on Friday morning, close to 1.4 million residents were left without power. Despite dedicated crews working tirelessly around the clock, the number of those affected had only decreased to about 1.06 million by early Saturday afternoon.

What Residents Can Do

While many have already faced the storm’s aftermath, there’s still hope and support available. If you or someone you know has been affected by the storm, remember to reach out to the shelter at Greenview Park and take full advantage of the resources provided. This is a time to come together as a community and support each other through these trying times.

As we navigate the challenges brought by Tropical Storm Helene, we can hold onto the knowledge that Columbia is working hard to ensure everyone has a safe place to stay and recover. Let’s stay strong, support our neighbors, and look after one another. Together, we will get through this!