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Dorchester County emergency manager urges strengthening preparedness as FEMA grant rules shift
Summary
Dorchester County Director of Emergency Management Tom McNeil warned council that the 2025 Atlantic hurricane outlook is above normal, described regional preparedness work and recommended financial and operational steps after federal grant and disaster-declaration rules were described as likely to change.
Tom McNeil, Dorchester County director of emergency management, told council on June 2 that the National Hurricane Center is projecting a 60% chance of an above‑normal 2025 Atlantic hurricane season and that residents and the county should continue hurricane preparation.
McNeil said an "above‑normal" forecast means more named storms than average but cautioned that "it only takes one" storm that makes landfall to cause significant damage. He reported the county is tracking an early disturbance off the coast and reminded the public that county hurricane guides will be available at Dorchester County libraries by the end of the week.
McNeil described recent and ongoing preparedness work: expansion of the county emergency operations center (EOC) as a training venue; an annual pre‑season exercise scheduled for June 20; growth of the county's swift‑water rescue capability into a proposed regional team with Berkeley County and the Town of Summerville; public outreach including a well‑attended hurricane expo at Ashley Ridge River Park; and a Tri‑County regional emergency management planning…
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