DHEC Emphasizes Swimming Safety for the Summer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 5, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. — As temperatures rise and South Carolinians spend more time enjoying private or public pools, lakes, rivers, oceans, hot tubs and splashpads, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) reminds residents about the importance of practicing safe swimming. While DHEC has key roles in water safety – inspecting public…, said Karilyn Tremblay, DHEC State Injury Prevention Program Manager, . “Take the time to learn more about safe swimming, drowning prevention and how to call for help. The National Drowning Prevention Alliance explains that we need to use multiple layers of protection to prevent a drowning death.” The National Drowning Prevention Alliance’s 5 Layers of Protection include: , Barriers and Alarms, – Use fences, locked gates and safety covers to restrict access and alarms to alert you to unauthorized access at home pools , Supervision, – Designate a water watcher at all times , Water Competency, – Take swim lessons and follow water safety rules , Life Jackets, – U.S. Coast Guard tested and approved life jackets should be worn by everyone, when in or around open/natural bodies of water, and when boating , Emergency Preparation, – Learn and practice CPR and be ready to call 911 The American Red Cross provides free material on water safety including free swim lessons for the whole family. DHEC can connect residents with support groups, swim lessons and other trained injury prevention specialists. For help organizing a no-cost water safety event at your neighborhood pool, recreation center, daycare or school, contact…DHEC and Community Partners Host Educational Data Walk About Alarming Local Trends
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 12, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 13, the, Lake City/Lower Florence Coalition, , a partnership between the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control’s Pee Dee Region, HopeHealth, Florence School District 3, Main Street Elementary and Circle Park Behavioral Health Services, will be hosting its first Data Walk at the, Main Street Elementary School Gymnasium, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. During the event, DHEC-Pee Dee Region and community partners will be presenting public health-related information to the community. Topics to be discussed include access to care, injury and violence prevention, maternal and infant health, and housing and transportation. The data walk is an opportunity for participants to gather and review critically important Florence County…DHEC Stresses Importance of Being Prepared for Severe Weather as Hurricane Season Begins
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 7, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The 2023 hurricane season officially began on June 1, and the South Carolina Department of Health and Control (DHEC) reiterates the South Carolina Emergency Management Division’s (EMD) important message of being prepared for severe weather events this summer and fall. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. EMD is South…DHEC Issues Updated Wildfire Smoke Alert
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 7, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. − South Carolinians should be aware of the continued risk for health effects related to smoke from wildfires originating from fires burning across parts of eastern and western Canada, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced today. Smoke from these fires has been in place across the state since Tuesday,…DHEC to Host Public Meeting, Hearing About Westinghouse
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 5, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) will host an informational public meeting and a public hearing regarding permit applications from Westinghouse Electric Company on Wednesday, June 6, 2023. DHEC’s Bureau of Water and Bureau of Air Quality will host the informational meeting at 6 p.m. at the Richland…DHEC Spotlights Vital Role of its Dams & Reservoirs Safety Program During National Dam Safety Awareness Day
COLUMBIA, S.C. ― With more than 2,300 state-regulated dams across the state, the South Carolina Department of Health of and Environmental Control’s (DHEC) Dams & Reservoirs Safety Program plays an important role in helping dam owners keep their structures safe, strong and secure. Proper maintenance and upkeep are essential in reducing the risk of dams and reservoirs failing or overspilling.…, said John McCain, program manager for DHEC’s Dam Safety and Stormwater Permitting Division, . “For owners of high- and significant-hazard dams, part of that responsibility is maintaining an Emergency Action Plan that details the steps and notifications that will be made if a particular dam becomes at risk of failing. DHEC reviews these plans on a regular basis as part of our dam safety oversight.” While DHEC maintains an up-to-date database of all state-regulated dams and dam owners in…, McCain said, . “When a hurricane looms, our inspectors are boots-on-the-ground working to make sure dams are in the best possible condition for withstanding severe weather.” In addition to dam inspections, DHEC thoroughly reviews the specifications that are required to be submitted to the agency before a dam can be built, altered, repaired or removed. Once that review is complete, DHEC issues a permit and the…During National Air Quality Awareness Week, DHEC Spotlights South Carolina’s Clean Air
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 3, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― This year, May 1-5 is recognized as National Air Quality Awareness Week , an initiative for informing the public about the importance of clean air and the various factors that contribute to poor air quality and pollution. In South Carolina, the Air Program within the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) works…, said Rhonda Thompson, director of DHEC’s Bureau of Air Quality., “This is in large part due to the support we receive from local air quality coalitions, industries, schools, local governments and other stakeholders for continually wanting to improve South Carolina's clean air.” DHEC's Air Program ― which includes the Bureau of Air Quality, the Bureau of Environmental Health’s air laboratory, and DHEC regional offices ― develops and implements strategies to…, said Thompson, who also serves as secretary/treasurer of the, Association of Air Pollution Control Agencies., Efforts to help keep air clean include: Using electric-powered lawn equipment. Gasoline-powered lawn equipment emits airborne pollutants. According to the California Air Resources Board, one hour of mowing generates the same pollution as driving a car for 300 miles. Maintaining your vehicle. A well-maintained vehicle can reduce harmful emissions and improve vehicle performance and fuel economy.…DHEC Holding Rapid Hire Events for Seasonal Public Pool Inspectors in the Pee Dee, Lowcountry
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 3, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― South Carolinians interested in a summer job that helps protect people’s health and safety are invited to attend a rapid hire event hosted by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to recruit public swimming pool inspectors. These full-time, seasonal positions include “pool school” on-the-job training, and…, Rapid hire events during which interested individuals can learn more are taking place:, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, May 4 at DHEC’s Environmental Affairs Office – Beaufort, located at 104 Parker Drive, Beaufort, 10 am.-4 p.m. Friday, May 5 at DHEC’s Environmental Affairs Office – Myrtle Beach, located at 927 Shine Avenue, Myrtle Beach, At the rapid hire events, individuals will take part in pre-screening questions and an interview. Qualified applicants may receive an on-the-spot conditional job offer. College credit may be available for these positions. College students should ask their school about requirements for requesting credit for internships or learning programs. Applying ahead of time is encouraged, but not required.…DHEC, S.C. Rural Water Association Provide Mini-Grants to Support Community Water Fluoridation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 24, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the South Carolina Rural Water Association have provided six mini-grants to public water providers in South Carolina for needed upgrades to continue to provide fluoridated water to their customers. The six water systems are City of Aiken; Darlington County Water…, said Mike Tredway, director of DHEC’s Division of Oral Health., “It’s an equitable way to help prevent dental decay among all socioeconomic groups.” The CDC states that drinking fluoridated water keeps teeth strong and reduces cavities by about 25% in children and adults. Because of the success of this method to decrease dental health issues among Americans, community water fluoridation has been named one of the Ten Great Public Health Achievements in…, said Vince Osborne, superintendent of the City of Cayce’s water treatment facilities., “I encourage other water systems with aging equipment and equipment issues to contact the South Carolina Rural Water Association about this funding.” Public water system customers can contact their water provider to ask about fluoride levels. The CDC also provides several resources about safety, benefits and more at cdc.gov/fluoridation. DHEC’s Division of Oral Health works to promote good…DHEC Encourages South Carolinians to Celebrate Earth Day Every Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 21, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. — As we join communities around the globe to celebrate Earth Day on April 22, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) encourages residents to help protect and preserve South Carolina’s irreplaceable natural resources by taking small, earth-friendly actions today and every day. The theme of this year’s …, said Myra Reece, DHEC’s Director of Environmental Affairs., “The annual celebration of Earth Day offers residents an opportunity to reflect on the impact they can have on their local communities and offers a call to action to help create a greener future for all South Carolinians.” There are many ways for you to take part in celebrating Earth Day: Participate in Earth Day events at nearby state parks Plant a native tree or backyard garden Volunteer…