Berkeley Co. Rescue Squad

Around the state, first responders kept busy during the historic flood that recently hit South Carolina. During the peak of the heavy rain and flooding, Nikki Gaskins appeared multiple times on The Weather Channel to discuss how the Berkeley County Rescue Squad is helping people impacted by the flood as well as offered safety tips to viewers at home. You can watch some of the interview here:

Berkeley Co. Rescue Squad carries kayaker to safety. BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C–The Berkeley County Rescue Squad has spent the last two days evacuating people from areas overtaken by flood water. On Sunday afternoon, the rescue squad responded to the area of U.S. Highway 176 and State Road for an overturned kayaker. Once squad members arrived on scene, they located the kayaker clinging to a tree. Squad members got the kayaker into one of their rescue boats and carried him to safety. Chief Bill Salisbury says the kayaker was not wearing a lifejacket. First responders are asking people to stay at home if at all possible. If Berkeley County residents need assistance or rescued, they are asked to call Berkeley County EOC at 843-719-4800. For those seeking shelter, Cainhoy Elementary lovatef at 2434 Cainhoy Road in Huger is now open.

The Berkeley County Rescue Squad is currently patrolling the area, helping people evacuate to safety as needed. We have multiple boats in the water in areas that were once streets. Presently, the squad is assisting evacuations in the Overton and Short Stay area. Residents are strongly being urged to leave their homes and seek higher ground. Old Black Oak Rd at Monk Lane branch is expected to washout. Shelter for Short Stay and Overton residents has been established at Berkeley Middle School. Evacuation route: exit area and take Highway 52 to the school. Two additional shelters have been established at Berkeley Middle School and Westview Middle School. DO NOT risk driving along highways that are flooded. We have seen numerous vehicles that have been flooded out because people though the water wasn't deep enough. Remember: If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1.

This evening we have been busy helping people evacuate parts of the Huger area along French Quarter Creek. The water is deep enough to where we're having to use our rescue boats to warn people about the flooding. If you see flooding in your area, do NOT go through it. As the saying goes "turn around, don't drown." Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard. We may not be downtown Charleston, but Berkeley Co. is seeing MORE than its fair share of flooding. STAY HOME if possible. VIDEO THAT WE SHOT WHILE ON SCENE: