September 12, 2018
Volunteers May Be Needed for Hurricane Florence



As you know, Governor McMaster declared South Carolina a state of emergency due to the potential impact from Hurricane Florence.  According to the latest report, the storm is expected to land in North Carolina on Friday, Sept. 14 at 2:00 AM. Luckily, it looks like Hurricane Florence will not directly hit the state of South Carolina.  However, in discussions with LTC Marguerite McClam, P.E. FNSPE the SC State Guard Engineering Detachment on Monday, September 10, 2018, there may be coastal flooding and wind damage due to the storm surge, rain and winds.  If this is the case, the next stage of recovery is inspection and evaluation of infrastructure, vertical structures and flooding.  You, the Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors of South Carolina, MAY be needed. Volunteers will be recruited from Licensed Professionals who have completed Cal OES SAP Training.
 
In 2012, a state law was passed and amended in 2017 giving South Carolina licensed architects, engineers and land surveyors immunity from professional liability when volunteering after a declared disaster. However, unless you are covered under the SC Guard or another written agreement with a political subdivision, you DO NOT have Workers' Compensation coverage unless your employer agrees to cover you. You may join the SC Guard immediately upon being selected as a volunteer, given an assignment and be covered by the Guard's Workers' Compensation policy.  You must be sworn into the SC Guard to be covered. You will be assigned to the Guard's Ready Reserve component. Ask your employer if you are covered by the company's Workers Compensation policy while volunteering if you do not plan to join the SC Guard to ensure coverage.
 
If you wish to volunteer, complete the SC State Guard application forms attached.



Once completed, email the forms to Allison King at allison@jma-associations.com and she will forward your information to the SC Emergency Management Division and the SC State Guard.

Should you have any questions or need any further information, please contact one of the following: (We will be checking emails and answering our phones during regular working hours, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.)  You will be notified if the office must close due to weather conditions.
 
Allison J. King: allison@jma-associations.com 803-771-4271
Joe S. Jones: joe@jma-associations.com 803-771-4271
Adam B. Jones: adam@jma-associations.com 803-771-4271
 

 
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
 

AIA South Carolina |  traceyw@aiasc.org | http://www.aiasc.org
1530 Main Street - Suite C
Columbia, SC 29201