PGA: Unified Command press release

Tuesday, August 7, 2012
11:44 AM

To media partners:

Emergency response agencies cooperating to make this week’s PGA Championship on Kiawah Island safe for everyone are warning all visitors and those working the event to prepare for hot, muggy conditions.

Yesterday during practice rounds, crews treated 58 spectators on site, almost all of them for heat-related health issues. Fortunately, only one had to be transported to a nearby hospital.

Visitors are strongly encouraged to remain hydrated as weather conditions today are expected to again be extreme on the course. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-to-high 80s with humidity values near 70 percent.

Warning signs for heat-related illness can be found at http://firstaid.webmd.com/understanding-heat-related-illness-symptoms.

Traffic note:

As the week goes on the traffic is expected to increase with attendance.

• Outbound traffic heading toward Charleston is encouraged to take River Road to Maybank Highway. Outbound traffic heading to destinations other than Charleston may continue up Bohicket Road and Main Road to US 17. This will reduce some of the congestion experienced yesterday.
• Those attending the event are also encouraged to consider adjusting their departure times to avoid regular rush hour traffic.
• For mapping, routing and parking information, visit www.pga2012.com.
• Additional signage is in place to assist drivers coming and going from the area.

Scott Hawkins
Public Information Director
SC Forestry Commission
(803) 896-8820
(803) 360-2231 (cell)
shawkins@forestry.state.sc.us