Operating Condition Level Improved: The OPCON Level of Readiness for Richland County has improved to level 5, which is normal, day-to-day operations.

Flood Repair Permitting Open House: Tonight’s two Flood Repair Permitting Open Houses 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

These open houses are designed to answer homeowner and contractor questions about the permitting application process in a one-on-one setting. 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.

Team South Carolina Flood Relief Event in Richland County: Gov. Nikki Haley will host a Team South Carolina flood relief event Tuesday, Oct. 20 from 2 p.m.-7 p.m. at Temple of Faith Church, 2850 Congaree Road, Columbia. During the event, Richland County residents can register for federal financial assistance, learn about home repairs, apply for rent or mortgage assistance, receive a free tetanus shot, get a free clean-up kit and more.

Water Distribution Sites: Richland County continues to operate the following water distribution sites from 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. until further notice:

·         Lower Richland Sheriff’s Department Substation, 2615 Lower Richland Blvd., Hopkins

·         Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, 760 Campground Road, Columbia

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, 1421 Assembly St., Columbia

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 today, Oct. 19, and Wednesday, 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.

Lower Richland Donation Drive: Councilman Kelvin Washington, District 10, has organized a donation drive for the Lower Richland County community. Donors can drop off items from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday at the warehouse located at 1601 Shop Road. Items needed are non-perishable food items, furniture, baby diapers and wipes and bottled water. (At this time, clothes and shoes are not needed.)

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