EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 2011-01


WHEREAS, on January 9, 2011, the National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning for the state with the potential to receive up to ten inches of snow in some areas creating extremely hazardous conditions; and

WHEREAS, temperatures were forecast to remain below freezing throughout the day and night making road conditions extremely hazardous; and

WHEREAS, the effects of the storm have required assistance for stranded motorists and medical emergencies, downed trees, road debris, power outages, isolated citizens and surpassed the capabilities of local governments to respond to and recover from its effects, thus requiring logistical support for local governments; and

WHEREAS, these conditions posed a threat to the safety of the state's citizens; therefore, on January 10, 2011, State offices in all South Carolina counties were ordered closed for Monday, January 10,2011.

NOW, THEREFORE, by the virtue of the power and authority vested in me as Governor, pursuant to the Constitution and Statutes of the State of South Carolina, I hereby declare a State of Emergency exists as of January 10, 2011, and direct the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan be placed in effect to support the responsibilities and tasks as warranted by these conditions. I further authorize that emergency expenditures required for ensuring the safety of the citizens of South Carolina as authorized by the Director, Emergency Management Division, shall be covered under the State Contingency Fund.

I further direct that the South Carolina National Guard be placed on a standby status and, at the discretion of the Adjutant General, in consultation with the Governor's Office, and in coordination with South Carolina Emergency Management Division, specified units of the National Guard be placed on active duty status to assist civil authorities and to take all reasonable precautions as is necessary for the preservation of life and property.

FURTHERMORE, pursuant to S.C. Code 8-11-57, as amended by Act 356 of 2002, Part IX, Section D, all State employees absent from work in part or in full as directed, on January 10, 2011, due to this hazardous weather emergency are hereby granted leave with pay. The provisions of this Executive Order shall remain in full force and effect until further order of this office.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, THIS 10th DAY OF JANUARY 2011.

MARK SANFORD
Governor

This page last updated on Tuesday, February 22, 2010 at 10:44 A.M.