CCU campus spared as Hurricane Florence left its mark on the Carolinas

While Hurricane Florence left a lasting impact with severe flooding and wind damage across the Carolinas, the campus of Coastal Carolina University was fortunately spared.

With help from the Facilities Planning and Management team and the grounds and custodial teams, the few damages to campus were quickly restored shortly after the storm. Water entered several buildings through doorways and ceiling leaks while several trees were lost, but luckily, no structural damage to buildings occurred.

Jeremy Monday, sustainability coordinator, said water extraction was completed through large parts of Williams-Brice and Brittain Hall. Certain areas of Edwards, Singleton, Swain, Prince, Wall, Coastal Science Center, BCMWSC, Wards Performance Center and 450 Century Circle had small amounts of water extracted. All of these buildings required the replacement of several ceiling tiles. Besides removal of trees and debris, the clean-up of campus was minimal in comparison to other areas, where people are unfortunately still putting the pieces back together.

Proactive work by the grounds and custodial teams, who spent more than 300 hours preparing for the storm, contributed to the good condition of the campus. These preparations included stocking buildings with adequate amounts of wet and dry vacuums, mops, towels, rags and window cleaner; moving entrance mats inside the buildings; fueling vehicles; and removing all waste from within the building. Post-storm clean-up resulted in more than 500 hours of service. Tim Shanks with the grounds team said that it took about two days to complete hazard pruning; removing debris; and cleaning residue from high water at various places on campus.

Sandy Baldridge-Adrian, director of contractual and business services, said several trees fell at the Hackler Golf Course, with minor roof leaks in the clubhouse. Once the golf course was dry enough to support the machinery and trucks, fallen trees were removed.

Monday believes the campus is now in good shape. He says that the campus does not need outside help, but for those who want to volunteer, the opportunity is present in Conway.

“I would encourage everyone to get involved within the community to take part in cleanups with the Waccamaw Riverkeeper or Keep Horry County Beautiful, as there will be much to do after the flood water recedes,” Monday said.

Campus opened to students on Sept. 28 and classes resume Oct. 1, 2018.