Aiken Emergency Management offers tips, contacts for assistance after Helene (2025)

The following identified areas of concern are currently being managed by Aiken County Emergency Management. All pertinent information is being pushed out to local media outlets, and posted on Aiken County Emergency Management, The City of Aiken and North Augusta Facebook page.

Crisis Cleanup: Citizens needing tree removal, tarping and general assistance on private property are asked to call Crisis Cleanup at 844-965-1386.

Department of Public Health Careline: For medical needs to include oxygen, call the Department of Public Health Careline at 855-472-3432.

Traffic signals: With many traffic signals remaining with no power, please treat those intersections same as a four-way stop intersection.

Power outages/downed power lines: To report downed power lines or power outages, customers should call their power provider. Dominion Energy can be reached at 888-333-4465. Aiken Electric Co-Op can be reached at 877-264-5368.

Power Restoration: It is suggested to have the main power box off at the house. While power companies attempt to restore power, having the main power shut off at the house with lines connected to a house which were taken down by a tree, would help with tree removal and power line issues.

Debris management: Aiken County Public Works along with S.C. Department of Transportation and the National Guard have numerous debris clearing crews working around the clock to clear obstructed roadways, so that power crews are able to navigate safely.

Residential debris: The City of Aiken will immediately suspend debris pile size restrictions as part of its yard debris collection but request that limbs, trunks and other fibrous material are 6 feet or less in length to facilitate collection. With the significant amount of debris, it is expected collection will take some time. Please have patience and be thoughtful about the placement of debris piles to not impede traffic.

Drop-off centers: Aiken County Drop Off Centers are currently running on normal hours at all locations. Until power can be restored to these centers, they will only be accepting yard debris. For more information, visit aikencountysc.gov.

Sheltering: The Red Cross Aiken County has opened a regional Community Shelter in North Augusta for Aiken, Edgefield and North Augusta residents if needed. The shelter is located at Merriweather Elementary, 565 Springhaven Drive, North Augusta and is currently open.

Water: The New Holland water system is down. For those who need water for flushing toilets and washing non-potable well water is available at the New Holland Volunteer Fire Department HQ station at 2243 Old Ninety Six Indian Trail. The hose is on left side of bay building, do not block the driveway to trucks.

Water: in the Windsor area, needing water for their horses should message the Windsor Volunteer Fire/Rescue. Send a message and someone will bring water.