FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 3, 2004

CONTACT: Sid Gaulden, 803-896-8409

or your local SCHP Community Relations Officer

Pete Poore, SCDOT, 803-737-2314

Joe Farmer, SCEMD, 803-737-8500

MEDIA ADVISORY

SOUTH CAROLINA ABSORBING IMPACT OF MOTORISTS EVACUATING FROM FLORIDA

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety is working with the South Carolina Department of Transportation, South Carolina Emergency Management Division and other agencies to assist thousands of motorists flooding South Carolina as they evacuate from Florida due to Hurricane Frances.

Motorists have been using the South Carolina Welcome Center, on I-95 in Jasper County, as a relief center because some motorists have run out of gas and have been stranded. The American Red Cross and other relief agencies are assisting motorists at the Welcome Center with getting fuel and other needed supplies to get them on their way.

Fuel shortages have been reported in some areas near the South Carolina/Georgia border. The Highway Patrol advises motorists to maintain an adequate amount of fuel in their tanks to allow them a cushion until they can reach a station with adequate fuel supplies.

Motorists should expect heavier than normal traffic volumes on I-95 and on I-26 beginning at the Orangeburg/Dorchester line as people exit I-95 and head west toward Columbia.

SCDOT is opening up a previously closed comfort station on I-95 around the 18 mile marker to include port-o-lets, bottled water and other information to assist motorists. Motorists should look for the DOT changeable message signs, which will advise them where to tune their radios for further information regarding shelters. SCDOT has also activated its toll-free number, 1-888-877-9151, which will give people traffic information. For shelter information, call SCDOT at 803-939-1522. The American Red Cross also is operating a number for the public to call for shelter information: 803-939-1522.

Motorists are urged not to call Highway Patrol headquarters or Communications (*HP) for traffic volume, directions and shelter information. *HP and 911 should be reserved for emergency calls only.

The Highway Patrol, SCDOT and other agencies are sending additional personnel to the Jasper County area to assist with traffic and other issues motorists are facing. Motorists should follow directions on SCDOT message boards for more information regarding traffic situations and shelters.