FEMA Mitigation Advisers Offer Guidance to Flood Survivors in Charleston, Darlington, Dorchester, Greenwood, Horry and Richland Counties

COLUMBIA, S.C. – As South Carolinians rebuild and repair after the recent historic floods, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and local home improvement stores have teamed up to provide free information, tips and literature on making homes stronger and safer.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be on hand to answer questions and offer home improvement tips to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. Most of the information is geared towards do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

Advisers will be available at the following locations from Nov. 28 through Dec. 1. Hours and location are as follows:

• Lowe’s located at 1104 Market Center Blvd. in Charleston (Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Monday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.)

• Lowe’s located at 513 Bypass 72 Northwest in Greenwood (Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Monday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.)

• Lowe’s located at 819 South Fourth St. in Hartsville (Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Monday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.)

• Home Depot located at 620 Highway 17 North in North Myrtle Beach (Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Monday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.)

• Home Depot located at 285 Forum Drive in Columbia (Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Monday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.)

• Ace located at 5726 Memorial Blvd. in Saint George (Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, closed; Monday and Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.)                

Mitigation teams will also have free reference booklets in English and Spanish on protecting your home from flood damage. More information about strengthening property can be found at fema.gov/what-mitigation.