WHEREAS, on August 14, 2004, at 6:00 p.m., I ordered a mandatory evacuation for Georgetown and Horry counties due to the imminent danger posed by Hurricane Charley (Executive Order 2004-19); and

WHEREAS, on August 13, 2004, I issued verbal orders that are published herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me as Governor pursuant to the Constitution and Laws of South Carolina, I hereby declare that hospital and nursing home administrators will be allowed the discretion to shelter patients and residents in-place if in their best interest, provided the following conditions are met:

1. The hurricane does not exceed Category 3.
2. A current critical data sheet is completed and on file with the Department of Health and Environmental Control. The data sheet must support the conclusion that the facility can withstand the forces of the storm.
3. Current data from the Army Corps of Engineers indicates the facility will not be affected by the storm surge.
4. Adequate staff must be available and on duty to provide continual care for the residents.
5. Emergency power supply is available.
6. Adequate medical supplies are available on site.
7. A seven-day supply of food and water is on site.

Facility administrators are cautioned that if the decision to shelter in place is made, evacuation assistance may not be possible. Once winds exceed thirty miles per hour, emergency vehicles may be prohibited from traveling and assistance may not be available for hours or until the storm passes. The facility has the responsibility for evacuation of its patients and residents. The state will continue to assist nursing homes and other facilities with all available resources during disasters and emergency situations. As state resources will be in limited supply and unavailable in many situations, facilities are cautioned to consider all factors in determining whether to shelter in place.

The health care facilities that have discretion to shelter in place are: in Horry County - Grand Strand Regional Medical Center, Covenant Towers Health Care, and National Health Care; in Georgetown County - Winyah Convalescent Center.

FURTHER, I order that the specific details for the mandatory evacuation stated in numbered paragraphs one and two of Executive Order 2004-19 are clarified to mean for Georgetown and Horry counties: All residents and tourist east of or on US 17, US 17 Business, and US 17 Bypass.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, THIS 14th DAY OF AUGUST, 2004.

MARK SANFORD
Governor

Last Updated: Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 11:15 A.M.