Sanford Says State Ready For Hurricanes

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Gov. Mark Sanford says South Carolina is better prepared to handle evacuations and preparations for a hurricane than it was five years ago, when Hurricane Floyd threatened.

Sanford met Tuesday with emergency officials, law enforcement directors and social service agencies to discuss what would need to be done if a hurricane threatened the state.

Sanford said the biggest problem is that much of the National Guard's equipment, like generators and bull dozers, has been sent overseas with deployed troops.

Army National Guard Col. Dale Ellenburg says the state has agreements with private companies to provide the necessary equipment.

But, he pointed out that other states have similar agreements, so South Carolina would have to act quickly.