How will Dunes West keep residents informed in an emergency?

Dunes West uses multiple communication methods share information under varying emergency conditions. Examples of scenarios appear below:

• In an immediate situation, such as a gas leak, the POA will immediately email residents with locations, traffic and safety implications, and next actions. Ongoing emails will update residents. Signage at gates may be deployed if possible.
• In an anticipated emergency, such as a hurricane (where there’s a measure of advanced notice), the DWEOT (Emergency Operations Team) will …
  • Have Block Captains check in advance regarding preferred contact and likelihood of evacuation. Block Captains may email, call, or use other means to reach their neighbors.
  • As each OPCON levels progress, the DWEOT shares updates via email (eBlast), Facebook (POA Page, with Block Captains sharing to neighborhood groups), and Nextdoor (Dunes West distribution only).
  • During/post event, local DWEOT members who either do not evacuate OR who have CERT designation and can return after event but before evacuation is lifted, use any means available to communicate. Residents should monitor website, email, and social channels for updates.
• In an unanticipated emergency, such as an earthquake, DWEOT will …
  • Traditional communication may not be available, so first priority will be physical: Establish three physical communication/triage locations: For homes accessed from Dunes West Blvd and Wando Plantation, the meet up is the Dunes West Gate; For homes accessed by Harpers Ferry, the meet up is the Highway 41 gate; for Ayers Plantation neighborhoods, the meetup is the Masthead/Tripline square.
  • We will utilize the FEMA CERT (Community Emergency Management Team) incident command structure, and will yield to first responders’ direction as these resources come onsite.
  • We will utilize any communication channel that will be available.

Dunes West has an established Emergency Preparedness plan, which we routinely practice through simulated events and update using lessons learned. As of August 2019, our disaster plan was deployed for four hurricanes/named storms (Matthew, Irma, Florence, and Michael) as well as a gas leak on Harpers Ferry Way.