South Carolina state agencies partner to recognize 30 years since Hurricane Hugo

Hurricane Hugo

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina Educational Television (SCETV) and the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) today announced a partnership to recognize 30 years since Hurricane Hugo impacted the state.

On-air, SCETV plans to commemorate the landfall of Hurricane Hugo on both its television and radio platforms. On Thursday, September 19 at 7 p.m., the network will broadcast a special Hurricane Hugo edition of “Palmetto Scene,” focusing on the storm’s effect on industry, as well as challenges the coastal areas of the state still face as a result of Hugo’s impact.

On radio, S.C. Public Radio will air three different segments. The first segment, airing September 16 at 4:44 p.m. and September 17 at 6:45 a.m., will return to Rock Hill, an inland city which endured Category 1-force winds. Another segment, airing September 17 at 8:45 a.m. and 5:44 p.m., will revisit the town of McClellanville, which experienced the largest storm surge from Hurricane Hugo. The final segment, airing September 18 at 7:45 a.m. and 4:44 p.m. will analyze SCEMD’s reaction to Hurricane Hugo, comparing it to the response efforts surrounding Hurricane Florence’s impact almost 30 years later. All three segments will air throughout the day on Thursday, September 19.

In addition to its broadcast platforms, SCETV has also launched a special webpage dedicated to the storm’s 30th anniversary. Featuring archive footage and related coverage of other recent storms, the page encourages visitors to submit their Hurricane Hugo photos and stories, some of which will be shared on SCETV’s social media platforms.

SCEMD is also utilizing its social media channels as part of the campaign. Throughout the next week, the agency will live tweet the anniversary of the Hugo’s landfall in real time, recounting the storm’s approach to the South Carolina coast.

Those that wish to engage with both agencies on social media are encouraged to do so using the #Hugo30 hashtag. SCETV can be found on Facebook and Instagram using the handle @SouthCarolinaETV and on Twitter using @SCETV. SCEMD uses the @SCEMD handle for Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

For more information, visit www.scetv.org/hugo30.

QUOTES:

“The landfall of Hurricane Hugo on the South Carolina coast was a milestone moment for our entire state. By looking back and reflecting on the impacts of this storm, we’ll be able to explore lessons learned and inform new generations about the importance of hurricane preparedness.” –SCETV President and CEO Anthony Padgett

“In many respects, Hurricane Hugo is the model storm for South Carolina. We still use its track and intensity for planning purposes and training exercises 30 years later. The teamwork and focus on personal preparedness have increased throughout the state since Hurricane Hugo. Hurricane Hugo taught us all that everyone in South Carolina, from the Upstate to the Lowcountry, needs to be personally prepared for anything a hurricane can bring.” –SCEMD Director Kim Stenson

FIVE FAST FACTS:                

  • SCETV and SCEMD are partnering to recognize 30 years since Hurricane Hugo.
  • On-air, SCETV will broadcast a Hugo-focused episode of “Palmetto Scene” on September 19, and S.C. Public Radio will air three different segments on September 16 – 19.
  • SCETV is encouraging the public to share any Hurricane Hugo stories and photos online at www.scetv.org/hugo30.
  • Throughout the next week, SCEMD will live tweet the anniversary of the Hugo’s landfall in real time, recounting the storm’s approach to the South Carolina coast.
  • Those that wish to engage with both agencies on social media are encouraged to do so using the #Hugo30 hashtag.