It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum and Education Center gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Myrtle Beach, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Lisa helped my family understand the best options for my parents and the resources available.”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was just absolutely wonderful. I”
“I love working for this company.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing”
“I am a past client of this provider Services were geared according to need. We were”
“I am a past client of this provider I used this nursing service for my cousin”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always”
“Lisa helped my family understand the best options for my parents and the resources available. She has great contacts and helped guide us thru the process. We received wonderful service. Thanks!”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them twice, both in emergency situations and they have treated us as if we were their only clients. Within an hour of our first call, we had paperwork completed and a caregiver on the way – and that was a holiday weekend. When the second emergency occurred, we knew exactly who to contact. We truly appreciate everything that Lisa, Melissa and the entire team have done for our family.”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any family living close to him. My sister and I were relived to know he was well taken care of. The caregivers truly care about your loved ones.”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the office staff and caregivers were professional and caring- would definitely recommend if you need care at home-”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource in providing services to our patients!”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was just absolutely wonderful. I needed to qualify people who could deal with my sister with brain cancer. My sister would throw people in and out of her house; it was crazy. She died on December 5th. Always Best Care sent incredible people. I don't know where they came from, but they had one girl who was the only person my sister never attempted to throw out of the house. I'd never hear one bad word about this woman who was actually pulling double shifts at the end because my sister liked her so much. For some reason, this woman understood my sister and brain cancer. Brain cancer is hard to deal with because people could be pretty mean and abusive and they don't know what they're doing really. My sister was also going blind at the same time. It was not easy. I just wanted to say what wonderful care we received from Always Best Care. It was amazing. They were just coming and being there. My sister was crazy, and she didn't want anybody overnight, until she finally let me have someone come in overnight. On that night, she died. She got to die in her home, which is what I'm trying to do because that too was the most important thing of all. Always Best Care was able to staff at short notice and send really good people. I was impressed, and I would highly recommend them. They would help my sister get to the bathroom. She weighed 70 pounds when she died, but she was still able to walk. She had cancers on both her femurs, and her blood pressure was 80/47. They just helped with everything, like fixing her small meals, fixing coffee, and talking to her if she wanted to talk or not talking to her if she didn't want to talk. They were just very great with their help. My sister had brain cancer and she was belligerent. Always Best Care would find people within their staff. Also, it didn't take them long, I didn't have to wait. We had letters from others saying they don't have staff right now. With Always Best Care, I did it over the phone with a woman who was a Godsend. I think the caregiver was sent almost the first day and was there every day except on the weekend when they sent someone else. That person seemed to work out OK, too, which amazed me. For some reason, these people knew how to appease someone who is really crazy. It was the cancer; it was in my sister's head. You have to be tough-skinned and just realize that this is the disease talking to you and not a person. They were able to do that, and I feel very blessed.”
“I love working for this company.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing.”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and support me daily! We have many calls to work on performance and continue to grow and learn!”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”
“I am a past client of this provider Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”
“I am a past client of this provider I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing. Donna O.”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always focused on the care and not a much of processes and forms. I would highly recommend them to all.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Chapin Memorial Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Library Restaurant or visit Charlie's Place, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Myrtle Beach, SC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Myrtle Beach, SC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Myrtle Beach, SC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Read today's EditionLog In|Subscribe83°FNews...
June 15, 2023 at 3:33 PM
April 28, 2022 at 9:59 PM
December 15, 2021 at 10:24 PM
February 26, 2020 at 2:28 PM
April 29, 2019 at 8:47 AM
April 21, 2019 at 7:44 PM
May 21, 2016 at 5:37 PM
October 16, 2015 at 10:28 AM
August 7, 2025 at 12:02 PM
August 6, 2025 at 5:00 AM
August 6, 2025 at 4:30 AM
August 4, 2025 at 8:26 AM
MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - Recent heavy rain is leading to rising water levels along the Waccamaw River with minor flooding forecast to develop.The National Weather Service in Wilmington NC has issued a Flood Warning for the Waccamaw River near Longs and the Waccamaw River At Conway.On Tuesday morning, the Waccamaw River in Conway was at 10.7 feet. Flood stage is 11 feet. The river is expected to rise above flood stage Wednesday morning and continue rising to a crest of near 11.4 feet Saturday evening. Additional rises are possi...
MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - Recent heavy rain is leading to rising water levels along the Waccamaw River with minor flooding forecast to develop.
The National Weather Service in Wilmington NC has issued a Flood Warning for the Waccamaw River near Longs and the Waccamaw River At Conway.
On Tuesday morning, the Waccamaw River in Conway was at 10.7 feet. Flood stage is 11 feet. The river is expected to rise above flood stage Wednesday morning and continue rising to a crest of near 11.4 feet Saturday evening. Additional rises are possible thereafter.
At 11.0 feet, water will begin to cause minor flooding of yards and a few roads in the Lees Landing, Pitch Landing, Savannah Bluff, and Riverfront South communities. Areas along Waccamaw Circle and Riverside Drive may also begin to flood. Low areas along Gray Oaks Drive may begin to flood. Access to Hidden River Road may be cutoff. Overflow of vast uninhabited swamp and natural boat landings will occur.
For the Waccamaw River at Longs, flood state is 12 feet and the river is currently at 12 feet. The river is expected to rise above flood stage late this afternoon and continue rising to a crest of 12.5 feet Thursday morning.
At 12.0 feet, flooding may limit vehicle access near the river at the end of Big Gutter Lane and Doodle Hill Lane. Low spots on Red Bluff Road will begin to flood. The end of Vera Road will flood. Several boat landings will become inaccessible. Parts of Aberdeen County Club will be flooded.
Additional heavy rainfall could lead to higher water levels along the river through early next week.
Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WMBF. For more free content like this, download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.
Copyright 2025 WMBF. All rights reserved.
Two Myrtle Beach umbrella rental companies are facing a lawsuit over their former dual lifeguard system by a person who claims he and his daughter almost drowned because of it.Michael Cranford filed the suit on behalf of himself and a minor under the age of 18, listed only as R.C., against Lack’s Beach Service and ...
Two Myrtle Beach umbrella rental companies are facing a lawsuit over their former dual lifeguard system by a person who claims he and his daughter almost drowned because of it.
Michael Cranford filed the suit on behalf of himself and a minor under the age of 18, listed only as R.C., against Lack’s Beach Service and Myrtle Beach Surf Rescue, formerly known as John’s Beach Service of Myrtle Beach. The suit also lists an unnamed lifeguard.
Messages left with both companies were not immediately returned.
Cranford claims on Aug. 10, 2022, that he and the child were on the beach in front of Ocean Lakes Campground, 6001 S. Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach.
The beach companies and lifeguards knew or should have known of an alert from the National Weather Service of rip currents that morning, the suit said. Cranford and his family were never informed about the alert.
The beach service companies have an exclusive contract with the city of Myrtle Beach to sell beach equipment on certain areas of the beachfront, including the area directly in front of the Sea Crest Resort, the lawsuit says.
Cranford and his daughter, R.C., went to the ocean. However, there were no warning signs about the rip currents and the lifeguard didn’t attempt to prevent the pair from entering the water, the suit said. There were numerous other people in the water as well.
After entering the water, Cranford and his daughter became caught in a rip current and began to struggle to return to shore. Cranford struggled to save his daughter and called for help, the lawsuit said. No lifeguard responded to his cries, the suit claims.
Other citizens were able to come to his aid and assist R.C. to shore while Cranford “thrashed and struggled to stay afloat,” the suit said.
Eventually, Cranford made it to the shore where other beachgoers attempted to give him aid. Lifeguards and other emergency personnel then arrived on scene and began life saving efforts. He was rushed to Grand Strand Hospital to have his injuries treated, the suit said.
R.C. suffered psychological injuries which have impacted her and required hospitalization, the suit said.
The suit claims that the beach service companies were negligent and caused the injuries to Cranford and his daughter because of the dual lifeguarding role.
At the time of the incident, Myrtle Beach was the only American city to operate a “dual role” lifeguarding system that allowed companies to profit from rental sales in exchange for providing trained rescuers via franchise agreements.
A landmark civil suit against Lack’s awarded in July 2022 more than $20 million to the family of Zerihun Wolde, a Maryland man who drowned in 2018 while on vacation in Myrtle Beach. Jurists said Lack’s Beach Service was liable for Wolde’s death because a lifeguard who was supposed to be on duty at the time was renting out equipment.
Before the 2023 summer season, the City of Myrtle Beach and Horry County scraped the dual lifeguarding model.
Cranford’s suit, filed on Aug. 7, 2025, is seeking a jury trial for “physical manifestations of their emotional grief” from the incident.
Hurricane season is ramping up around the Grand Strand, but tourist season in the Myrtle Beach area is still going strong.August through October is the busiest time for tropical storms and hurricanes around South Carolina and, for visitors enjoying the last of summer or ushering in the fall at the beach, that vacation might bring some unwanted weather.An extreme weather warning or watch doesn’t a...
Hurricane season is ramping up around the Grand Strand, but tourist season in the Myrtle Beach area is still going strong.
August through October is the busiest time for tropical storms and hurricanes around South Carolina and, for visitors enjoying the last of summer or ushering in the fall at the beach, that vacation might bring some unwanted weather.
An extreme weather warning or watch doesn’t always mean you have to cancel your beach trip, but it’s important to be prepared. If you’re not from the area, here’s what you should pack, prepare and plan for a trip to Myrtle Beach in hurricane season.
If a hurricane or tropical storm might impact the area while you’re visiting the Grand Strand, it’s essential to have an emergency plan.
Make sure everyone you’re traveling with has one another’s emergency contact information and knows your evacuation plan. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) Know Your Zone initiative identifies specific, location-based evacuation zones for coastal areas.
“In South Carolina, it’s crucial to be aware of your designated hurricane evacuation zone and the routes available to you,” said SCEMD Chief of Public Information and External Affairs Tiffanie Barrett.
Coastal areas around the Grand Strand are in zones A, B or C. To find out if your accommodations are included, enter the address on the Know Your Zone webpage.
Although storm conditions can change evacuation plans, it’s a good idea to learn your designated evacuation route on the South Carolina Hurricane Guide Website.
“These routes are equipped with signage to guide drivers during evacuations,” Barrett said. “In certain situations, lane reversals may be implemented to maximize the flow of traffic away from affected areas.”
Any trip to the beach requires certain necessities, like vacation outfits and sunscreen, but if an extreme weather watch or warning is issued, you might need some additional supplies.
Before tropical storms and hurricanes hit, some locals prepare by filling bathtubs, trash cans or buckets with water. This can be useful for hygiene and flushing toilets if you have a tub in your accommodations, but refrain from drinking it.
As far as stocking supplies, guests shouldn’t need to pack anything special for a Grand Strand vacation in hurricane season because accommodations should assist guests, according to the Visit Myrtle Beach Executive Vice President of Marketing and Communications Diane Charno.
“Accommodation property managers in the Myrtle Beach area will assist guests by following hospitality industry best practices like monitoring storm forecasts, keeping emergency supplies on hand (like water and flashlights) and communicating safety procedures to guests promptly and clearly” Charno said.
But if you’re in town when a named storm could hit, you may not want to rely on that manager in a worst case scenario, so it’s a good idea to make sure you’ll have emergency essentials before inclement weather arrives.
Whether you’re braving rain and flooding or forced to evacuate, if a hurricane or tropical storm hits the Grand Strand, you could find yourself in a car.
“During hurricane season, make sure your vehicle is ready in case you need to evacuate,” Barrett said. “Keep the gas tank at least half full, service your vehicle, check the tires, brakes and battery.”
If you can, top off your vehicle before setting off. Gas station lines will probably be long, but demand will likely grow.
If hurricane or tropical storm conditions are possible, officials will issue a hurricane watch 48 hours prior to the possible onset. If that happens, review your evacuation plan, prepare your temporary accommodations and stay up-to-date on official announcements.
When conditions are expected officials issue a hurricane warning 36 hours before the expected onset. In that case, finish preparations and evacuate if ordered.
To stay informed, establish multiple ways of receiving emergency information, like wireless mobile alerts, NOAA weather radios and local broadcasts. SCEMD offers emergency alerts through text, call and mail through its CodeRED program.
In the most recent health and safety inspections around the Myrtle Beach area, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture observed employees handling raw meat without washing their hands, “fuzzy” strawberries, roaches and black and pink buildup in ice machines.In general, SCDA gives restaurants scoring between 88 and 100 points A grades, restaurants scoring 78-87 points B grades and restaurants scoring 77 points or fewer C grad...
In the most recent health and safety inspections around the Myrtle Beach area, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture observed employees handling raw meat without washing their hands, “fuzzy” strawberries, roaches and black and pink buildup in ice machines.
In general, SCDA gives restaurants scoring between 88 and 100 points A grades, restaurants scoring 78-87 points B grades and restaurants scoring 77 points or fewer C grades.
However, the department sometimes lowers grades for restaurants that have consecutive violations, are under enforcement action or are under pending enforcement actions, including imminent health hazards, permit suspensions or permit revocations.
Of the 352 restaurant inspections conducted in Horry and Georgetown County between July 19 and Aug. 8, SCDA gave 16 facilities B grades and four restaurants C grades. However, only six of those establishments actually scored below 88 points. Here’s what inspectors found.
5800 Highway 90, Conway, SC 29526
Score: 71
A routine inspection of Lowcountry Landing Bistro in Sun Outdoors Myrtle Beach on Aug. 3 found numerous violations. The inspection observed an employee wearing a bandage handle cheese and raw beef with bare hands, a container of “fuzzy” strawberries and black and pink buildup in the ice machine.
The patio door was propped open — which SCDA considers a pest risk, there were drain flies around the bar and there were live bugs around the floors, walls, dishwasher and cardboard boxes.
The inspection report notes the restaurant couldn’t provide records of how parasites in salmon were destroyed, there was no sanitizer in the dishwasher, a scoop was kept handle-side-down in the ice and chicken breast was improperly thawed. Other violations included torn gaskets and buildup on floors and drains. A follow-up inspection is to be conducted on or before Aug. 13.
1206 S. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Score: 78
At an Aug. 4 routine inspection of Manta Steak and Seafood Sushi Bar, the inspector observed employees handling raw chicken and fish return to food preparation without washing their hands with soap.
Other violations included black and pink buildup in the ice machine, roaches under the washer and foods like cream cheese and salmon without disposal dates for safe consumption.
The inspection report also notes cups without handles used to scoop food and sauce, inadequate sanitizer in the dishwasher and buildups of debris and grease on equipment and shelving. A follow-up inspection is to be conducted on or before Aug. 14.
2297 S. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Score: 81
In a routine inspection of Dirty Myrtle Wing Company on July 24, the inspector observed dead roaches on the bar floor, ready-to-eat wings held at insufficiently hot temperatures and tongs kept in cold water between uses.
The inspection report also notes the person in charge wasn’t certified to handle food, chemicals were stored next to single-use items, a sink was leaking, water was draining from the ice machine and hood filters were damaged.
At a follow-up inspection on Aug. 1, the restaurant scored 96 points, though there were still dead roaches and the person in charge hadn’t been certified.
1049 N. Fraser St., Georgetown, SC 29440
Score: 82
At a routine inspection of Great Wall Restaurant on Aug. 6, raw beef was stored over cooked chicken and eggrolls, bulk food was stored in metal trash cans and plastic containers with cracked lids, and aluminum cans were repurposed to store other foods.
The inspector also observed foods like chicken and cabbage stored at insufficiently cold temperatures and a bucket of rice noodles rehydrating under a sink. A follow-up inspection is to be conducted on or before Aug. 16.
703 Front St., Georgetown, SC 29440
Score: 85
In a routine inspection of Thomas Cafe on Aug. 5, the inspector observed ready-to-eat foods like potato salad and salsa held for more than a day without dates marked for safe consumption and none of the foods relying on time as a public health control procedures had times recorded.
The inspection report also notes the food protection manager’s certification couldn’t be verified and damp wiping cloths weren’t stored in sanitizer between uses. A follow-up inspection is to be conducted on or before Aug. 5.
4012 Deville St., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Score: 87
At an Aug. 8 inspection of Crepe Creation Cafe, dirty blades were stored as clean, foods like salmon and roast beef were stored at inadequately cold temperatures and chemicals were stored over food equipment and preparation areas.
The inspection report also notes the ceiling vent over the crepe station was in poor repair and the area had splash accumulation on the walls. A follow-up inspection is to be conducted on or before Aug. 18.
843-640-0129
