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South Carolina Winter Weather Preparedness Week
Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed that South Carolina Winter Weather Preparedness Week for 2023 will be observed from November 26 through December 2, 2023.
Snowfall, ice storms and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region. Even areas that normally experience mild winters can be hit with an ice storm or extreme cold. Winter storms can cause a range of hazards, including closed highways, blocked roads, black ice, downed trees and power lines, hypothermia, and possible flooding in coastal and inland areas.
Residents should take the proper winter weather precautions now during milder temperatures while winter emergency supplies are in low demand:
- Include winter supplies like shovels and rock salt in your household emergency kit.
- Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off during a winter storm.
- Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
- Learn how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts.
- Portable generators are commonly used in the winter as a result of storm-induced power outages. Carbon monoxide fumes are odorless and deadly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent death from carbon monoxide.
- Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
- Chimneys should be cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional. If not, it can become filled with highly flammable layers of creosote.
- Have your vehicle serviced to ensure it is prepared for the winter season.
- In every vehicle, place a winter emergency kit that includes: a shovel; windshield scraper and small broom; flashlight; battery-powered radio; extra batteries; water; snack food; matches; extra hats, socks, and mittens; first aid kit with a pocketknife; medications; blankets; tow chain or rope; road salt and sand; booster cables; emergency flares; and a fluorescent distress flag.
Download the SC Emergency Manager mobile app and Severe Winter Weather Guide
 Dorchester County Invites Community Input at Third Complete Streets Workshop
We are hosting our third Complete Streets Workshop, in order to engage the community in shaping the future of our streets. These workshops are designed to gather valuable input from residents, businesses, and stakeholders to develop a countywide policy that will make our streets safer, more accessible, and accommodating for everyone, whether driving, walking, or cycling.
Complete Streets is an approach that ensures streets are designed to accommodate all modes of transportation while promoting safety, health, and sustainability within our communities. This workshop is for those who were unable to attend one of the previous Complete Streets Workshops.
Complete Streets Workshop
Date: Tuesday, December 12
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Location: American Legion Post #128 (136 John Street, Harleyville, SC, 29448)
This workshop is open to everyone, and families are encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be provided.
In addition, the County has released a Complete Streets survey available in both English and Spanish. Please note that the survey will close on December 17, 2023. To access the survey, please visit this link.
 Dorchester County Government Launches "Chat with the Chairman" Series
We are excited to announce the launch of the "Chat with the Chairman" series. This drop-in, first come, first served event offers an opportunity for residents to engage directly with Chairman Todd Friddle in an informal setting to discuss community issues, share ideas, and ask questions.
The first event will take place on December 11th from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM at the North Charleston Library located at 8620 Patriot Blvd., North Charleston, SC 29420. Chairman Todd Friddle will be available to meet with residents, listen to their concerns, and engage in open dialogue about matters affecting the community.
"We are committed to fostering open communication between government and the residents of Dorchester County," said Chairman Todd Friddle. "The 'Chat with the Chairman' series provides an excellent platform for us to connect, discuss ideas, and work collaboratively towards the betterment of our community."
Residents are encouraged to drop by to meet with Chairman Todd Friddle. No appointments are necessary, and all are welcome to join the conversation.
 Greenbelt Master Plan Survey
The Dorchester County Conservation and Greenbelt Advisory Commission is currently working to develop a Master Plan for the expenditure of Greenbelt funding received as a result of the 2022 One Cent Sales and Use Tax Referendum.
The purpose of the Master Plan is to protect, purchase, and/or improve, green space areas and recreational sites in Dorchester County. As part of the process in developing the Plan, we will need the community's input during the next few months. Please take a few minutes to fill out our Green Space Survey! Information collected will help us craft the Master Plan which will guide future projects.
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 Dorchester County Sheriff's Office Santa's Workshop
The Dorchester County Sheriff's Office is pleased to invite you to its annual Santa's Workshop event on Sunday, December 17th, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at Ashley River Park (200 Renken Road, Summerville).
This family friendly event will feature a variety of activities for everyone, including:
- Face painting
- Crafts
- Cookie decorating
- Bounce house
- K9 Unit and Drone demonstrations
- Photos with Santa
- And more!
There will also be a free hot dog lunch for all attendees. The $2.00 admission to Ashley River Park will be waived for those who bring a nonperishable food item that will be donated to a local food bank.
The Sheriff's Office Santa's Workshop event is a great opportunity to meet your local law enforcement officers, learn about safety tips, and have some fun with the family. We hope to see you there!
 Winter Break Exploration Series at Ashley River Park
School's out for winter break! Need a little extra time to shop, cook, or enjoy some much needed alone time? Register your kids for some fun at Ashley River Park! Each day features a different theme and activity. Register for one day or for all four!
Monday - Nature's Canvas - Environmental Art Program
Tuesday - Reptiles and Amphibians
Wednesday - Ornament Making
Thursday - Insects
Participants must register on the link provided below:
 Help Support our Santa in an Ambulance Program
Throughout the year, Dorchester County EMS has transported several critically injured/sick pediatric patients. The Santa in an Ambulance program, now in its ninth year, gives Dorchester County Emergency Medical Services the opportunity to check in on their patients while providing holiday cheer alongside the big guy himself, Santa!
The Santa in an Ambulance program is funded 100% by monetary and toy donations. All monetary donations are used by Santa’s EMS Elves to purchase and wrap gifts for each of the patients. New, unwrapped toys can also be donated.
Monetary donations can be made via a check made payable to Dorchester County EMS (please include Santa in an Ambulance on the memo line) and mailed to:
Santa in an Ambulance
C/O Dorchester County EMS
821 West 5th North St.
Summerville, SC 29483
New, unwrapped toys and/or monetary donations can be dropped off to the Dorchester County EMS Headquarters (address provided above).
All donations must be received by 5:00 PM on Friday, December 15, 2023.
Current Transportation Sales Tax Projects
Check out the latest updates for transportation projects that the county is currently working on at the Transportation Sales Tax page. Updates are provided for the following projects:
- Maple Street Extension
- William Canady Road
- Midland Parkway
- U.S. Highway 78: 2B, 3A, and 3B
- Wallace Ackerman Drive Right Turn Lane
- Sawmill Branch Trail Extension
 Dorchester County Government Holiday Closures
Dorchester County Administrative Offices and County Courts will be closed in observance of the following holidays this month:
- Christmas Eve - Observed Friday, December 22
- Christmas Day - Observed Monday, December 25
- Day After Christmas - Observed Tuesday, December 26
- New Year's Day - Observed Monday, January 1
Dorchester County Convenience Sites will follow their normal hours of operation except for the following:
- Christmas Day - Observed Monday, December 25
- New Year's Day - Observed Monday, January 1
Dorchester County Parks will follow their normal hours of operation except for the following:
- Christmas Eve - Observed Sunday, December 24
- Christmas Day - Observed Monday, December 25
- New Year's Day - Observed Monday, January 1
Dorchester County Libraries will follow their normal hours of operation except for the following:
- Closing Early at 5pm on Thursday, December 21
- Christmas Eve - Observed Friday, December 22
- Christmas Weekend - Saturday & Sunday, December 23 & 24
- Christmas Day - Observed Monday, December 25
- Day After Christmas - Observed Tuesday, December 26
- New Year's Eve - Sunday, December 31
- New Year's Day - Observed Monday, January 1
 Make a Resolution to Save More Lives
Dorchester County is once again teaming up with The Blood Connection to save more lives locally. Start 2024 off right by signing up to donate blood and help save someone in need.
The next blood drive is scheduled for Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024. You'll have opportunities to donate once again at both ends of Dorchester County.
- Summerville - Dorchester County Water & Sewer (235 Deming Way) from 7:00am to 11:00am.
Sponsor Code: 10164
- St. George - Kenneth F. Waggoner Building (201 Johnston Street) from 1:00pm to 5:00pm.
You can sign up by easily scanning the QR code provided or by visiting their website here.
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People who donate are also eligible to receive $70 in rewards. This makes donating with the Blood Connection a great way to score some extra funds after the holiday season along with a way to give back to our community. Don't wait, schedule your appointment today!
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