Proclamation authorizes evacuations, curfew and emergency procurements for Florence County

The proclamation adopted by Florence County Council on Aug. 6 explicitly lists the emergency powers county officials may use in response to Tropical Storm Debbie. The clerk read that the proclamation authorizes the Director of Emergency Management, the Florence County Administrator and the Sheriff to “compel evacuation of all or part of the population,” to control ingress and egress and to suspend or limit nonemergency activities as necessary to preserve life and assist mitigation and recovery.

The clerk also read that, pursuant to section 11.5-38 of the Florence County Code of Ordinances, the county administrator and chief procurement officer are authorized to engage in emergency procurement of property, supplies, services and construction “deemed necessary to protect and or preserve life.” The proclamation further grants those officials the authority to “impose a curfew from 7PM until sunrise for non emergency activities should they deem necessary” until the proclamation is rescinded. Council members adopted the proclamation by voice vote after its reading.