Fire chief briefs council on countywide hazard mitigation plan; public meeting Aug. 12

Chief Lee Hendrick briefed Conway City Council on Aug. 4 regarding the Horry County multi‑jurisdictional All‑Hazard Mitigation Plan 5‑year update. The plan, currently in its planning phase and compiled over roughly a year, is about 700 pages and is being finalized with stakeholder and public meetings.

Chief Hendrick said the plan is broken down by jurisdiction and by partners (including agencies such as utilities and Horry County Schools) and that its adoption is a prerequisite for applying for federal mitigation funding. The chief directed interested residents and stakeholders to a QR code that links to the plan and a public survey for hazard‑mitigation comments.

Public meeting: A public stakeholder meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 12, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the government justice center. Chief Hendrick said he expects to return the final plan to council for adoption early next year after a short review period.

Why it matters: Adopting an updated hazard mitigation plan is required to maintain eligibility for certain federal grants and to coordinate mitigation actions across jurisdictions. The plan covers a broad range of hazards and will inform local mitigation priorities and potential project funding.

Speakers: Chief Lee Hendrick (Conway Fire Department) presented the briefing; council asked for a brief summary and scheduled follow up for adoption later in the year.