River levels and residual flooding remain concerns as Hurricane Matthew clean-up begins
BOLIVIA, NC – Though rain and winds from Hurricane Matthew have subsided, Brunswick County remains under a Hazardous Weather Outlook from the National Weather Service, as residual flooding from rainfall in inland areas is expected to cause area rivers to remain above flood stage through Sunday.
Citizens should keep in mind that much of the accumulated rainfall received by inland areas over the weekend will continue to affect river levels in Brunswick County. The northeastern portion of Brunswick County also remains under a Flood Warning until Wednesday morning.
Citizens should remember not to drive through areas where water covers the roadway, and to keep in mind that the water depth can be hard to gauge and can hide from view low-lying areas like retention ponds or drainage ditches.
Any citizens with structural damage to their homes should notify the Brunswick County Emergency Operations Center at 910-253-5383. Those needing to file damage claims with their insurance company can find helpful tips on the claims process at https://www.readync.org/EN/Recover_FilingInsurance.html.
Citizens who are cleaning up after Hurricane Matthew should also use caution around flooded areas, including yards, as flood water can be electrically charged from downed power lines and could hide dangerous debris, animals, or areas where the ground is washed away. Always use caution around downed power lines, and assume all power lines are live. Wear sturdy boots and gloves, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water often when handling debris.
Yard debris is accepted at the Brunswick County Landfill (172 Landfill Road NE, Bolivia). There is a charge of $22.50 per ton, or less than $2 per 100 pounds, for yard debris. Residents taking yard debris to the landfill are encouraged to do so in the mornings, as large trucks are typically coming off their routes between 1 and 3 p.m., and back-ups are more likely at that time. Residents inside municipal limits should contact their municipality about debris disposal options in their area.
When returning to a home that has been damaged or flooded, take precautions to ensure your safety. If your home has natural gas and you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound, open a window and leave immediately. Turn off the main gas valve from the outside if you can, and call the gas company from a cell phone or neighbor’s residence.
If you see sparks, or broken or frayed wires, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker if you are not wet, standing in water, or unsure of your safety. If appliances are wet, also try to turn off electricity at the fuse box or breaker, and then unplug appliances. If you need to, leave and call for help. You may need to have an electrician inspect the wiring, especially if your appliances are wet.
The North Carolina Department of Public Safety is encouraging anyone using a chain saw during clean up efforts to take measures to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them. Before starting a chain saw, check the controls, chain tension, bolts and handles to ensure they are functioning property. Also clear rocks and other debris from the saw’s chain path, and look for nails, spikes or other metal in the tree before cutting. As you start the chain saw, make sure it is on the ground or a firm support; drop starting is not safe. Find more chain saw safety tips at https://www.ncdps.gov/press-release/practice-chain-saw-safety-during-clean-after-hurricane-matthew.
Residents who do not have power should remember to only use grills and generators outside, as using them inside can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. If possible, residents should try to use flashlights instead of candles, especially if they have small children or pets, to reduce the risk of a fire. If the power outage has not already been reported, Duke Energy can call 1-800-419-6356 or text OUT to 57801 from the phone associated with the account; BEMC customers can call 1-800-682-5309.