Dorchester County to distribute flood cleanup buckets on Tuesday

DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – Dorchester County will distribute flood cleanup buckets on Tuesday as floodwater begins to recede across the county.

Mold growth inside your home is one of the many dangers associated with flooding. Once safe, begin the cleanup process, remove wet items, and dry out your home quickly.

Be sure to use protection like gloves, masks, and goggles when cleaning mold to avoid exposure.

The county will distribute buckets filled with essential cleaning supplies and tools to help with safe and effective food cleanup. The supplies were donated by the Salvation Army of Charleston.

The buckets will be available at the following locations on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to one per family:

• Givhans Fire Station 12: 1475 Hwy. 61, Ridgeville, SC 29472
  Time: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM or until supplies last
• Grover Fire Station 15: 3336 Wire Road, St. George, SC 29477
  Time: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM or until supplies last
• Indian Field Fire Station 24: 1525 W. Main Street, Harleyville, SC 29448
  Time: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM or until supplies last

Dorchester County Community Outreach staff will be available at all three locations to answer storm-related questions.

County officials recommend using a mixture of water and detergent or a commercial mold cleaner on hard surfaces and discarding items that cannot be cleaned like carpets, drywall, and insulation.

They also say you should ventilate the area by opening windows and using fans to reduce moisture levels.

“If the mold covers a large area or you’re concerned about your health, contact a professional mold remediation service,” the county said.

The county anticipates having a second cleanup bucket distribution and outreach program in the Ashborough area once flooding has receded.