Water Distribution Sites Closing: Richland County will begin decommissioning some of its water distribution sites this weekend. The following sites will cease water distribution operations at 6:30 p.m. on the following days:

·         3700 Landmark Drive, Friday, Oct. 16

·         Columbia Place Mall, Friday, Oct. 16

·         Crane Creek Community Center, Saturday, Oct. 17

·         Forest Heights Elementary School, Saturday, Oct. 17

The following water distribution sites will remain operational until further notice:

·         Lower Richland, 2615 Lower Richland Blvd.

·         Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, 760 Campground Road

Tetanus Shots: DHEC is providing no-cost Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccinations from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at St. Andrews Park, 902 Beatty Road.

Heroes Helping the Community: Richland County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is teaming up with Buffalo Wild Wings, 4500 Devine St., to help raise funds for local flood victims. Buffalo Wild Wings will donate 10 percent of proceeds from Oct. 16, Oct. 19 and Oct. 21 to the American Red Cross flood relief efforts in the community. EMS representatives will be at the restaurant to meet and thank patrons for helping with the fundraiser.

Flood Repair Permitting Open House: This open house will help answer residents' questions about the flood repair and rebuilding permitting process:

·         5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19 at Woodland Park, 6500 Olde Knight Pkwy.

·         7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19 at M.L. Smith Community Center, 5213 Farrow Road, across the street from the Greater St. Luke Baptist Church

The Flood Repair Permitting Open House is designed to answer homeowner and contractor questions about the permitting application process in a one-on-one setting. Flood Repair Permitting Open House attendees can learn whether their property is in a floodplain, pick up a permit application packet, determine their property value and have any questions regarding the application process answered. No permits will be issued at these meetings.

Beware of Mold: Richland County building officials urge residents whose homes were affected by the floods to make sure items such as sheetrock, duct work, insulation or other parts of the home that got wet are thoroughly dried – or replaced. Don’t be fooled because water has receded and surfaces may appear dry. Moisture caught behind walls and under floors can lead to mold growth, which can affect a person’s health. This warning is especially important with the onset of cooler weather because heated homes can aid mold growth.

Richland County Utilities Water Safe to Drink:  Customers served by the Richland County Utilities Department Water System did not experience any interruption in water service or loss of water quality during the recent flood event. Dedicated in February 2012, the system serves about 500 homes and businesses in the Lower Richland community.           

Disaster Recovery Center Locations: FEMA mobile offices are at three Richland Library locations to assist residents affected by the flood with registering for disaster assistance, from 8 a.m.-7 p.m., seven days a week:

·         Richland Library Southeast, 7421 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia

·         Richland Library Eastover, 608 Main St., Eastover

·         Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly St., Columbia

Updates and New Information: Richland County continues to provide the latest flood relief information through updates to its website, www.rcgov.us, and on social media. Twitter: @RichlandSC, Facebook: Richland County