BEAUFORT, S.C. (AP) — One coastal South Carolina county has started issuing passes to allow people to reenter areas evacuated because of a hurricane or other disaster.

Beaufort County said residents or business owners can go online on the county's website to apply for a reentry pass. They are only valid for this year.

Officials only allow people back into the county if they have the pass. They are issued in a tiered system. The first people allowed back are public safety workers, then essential workers, residents and finally property owners.

The system allows county workers to assess safety after a hurricane and have an orderly return.