COLUMBIA, S.C. — With heavy rain and potential flooding on the horizon, residents across the Midlands of South Carolina are gearing up for what's to come from Tropical Storm Debby. From power crews on standby to sandbags available for residents, preparations are in full swing.
"If we get more rain and heavy winds, you don't know if a tree could fall in the middle of the road or on your vehicle, especially in high winds," said Dena Crappes, a resident of Richland County.
Crappes has called Richland County home for 32 years. While she loves her neighborhood, she often finds herself stuck inside during heavy rainfalls.
"When there is so much water coming in so fast, it overflows the roads where I live," Crappes explained.
Now, in the midst of hurricane season and with a rapidly approaching storm, Crappes is almost always prepared.
"I am stocked up on food. My power was out yesterday, but I hope it doesn't go out again. We have prepared by having battery-powered lights for our home," Crappes said.
Like residents preparing their homes for the inclement weather, Dominion Energy is taking steps to ensure safety and reliability. According to Dominion spokesperson Matt Long, the company is focused on maintaining power lines ahead of the storm.
"The number one cause of power outages during a storm is going to be trees and limbs hitting the lines. Year-round, our crews are out on sunny days to make sure those trees are trimmed back so there will be a reduced impact once that storm comes through," Long explained.
Orangeburg County’s Emergency Management Division is also preparing. Division Director Billy Staley said they are reviewing rescue plans and putting operations in place to assist residents.
"We are looking at rainfall totals anywhere from 10 inches to 20 inches across the county, depending on where you are. That's prompting us to review some of our rescue plans and put operations in place to provide sand and sandbags for citizens who need to do any sandbagging," Staley said.
Staley emphasized that large rainfall impacts their ability to respond to emergencies, which is why they are planning ahead to ensure emergency response units are well-equipped.
"Putting extensive operations in place to make sure we can adapt to flooded roads, adapt to routes to get to people, and adapt to the types of responses," Staley expressed.
As for Midlands residents like Crappes, if flooding occurs, she is ready to stay put for a few days.
"I'll plan on staying at home so I don't have to drive or travel these roads because I don't know what condition they might be in," Crappes said.