Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Chatham County curfew is no longer in effect, effective immediately, as per county sources.
The Chatham County Commission Chairman has the authority under the Chatham County code section 4-302, which mirrors State law, to make decisions regarding the State of Emergency and curfew. The decision to extend the curfew was for the safety of citizens county wide," says a County spokesperson.
"Cathy Hill, Georgia Power Coastal Region Vice President, has assured the Chairman that 90% of power will be restored to Chatham County residents by 10 p.m. tonight. With that assurance, the County will lift the curfew today. However, the State of Emergency will continue while we have citizens in shelter facilities," the spokesperson says.
"Chatham County has not received an Individual Assistance declaration at this time; however, we expect to hear more on that matter from FEMA by the end of the week."
The Chatham County Commission Chairman has the authority under the Chatham County code section 4-302, which mirrors State law, to make decisions regarding the State of Emergency and curfew. The decision to extend the curfew was for the safety of citizens county wide," says a County spokesperson.
"Cathy Hill, Georgia Power Coastal Region Vice President, has assured the Chairman that 90% of power will be restored to Chatham County residents by 10 p.m. tonight. With that assurance, the County will lift the curfew today. However, the State of Emergency will continue while we have citizens in shelter facilities," the spokesperson says.
"Chatham County has not received an Individual Assistance declaration at this time; however, we expect to hear more on that matter from FEMA by the end of the week."
Sunday, October 9, 2016
CEMA and County Commission Chairman Al Scott confirm that evacuees can return to Chatham County beginning at 5 p.m. today (Sunday). However the countywide curfew is in effect from 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
NO ID will be required for reentry. As of about noon today CEMA decided to skip past Phase III of the reentry protocol and rescinded an earlier directive that ID would be required
Bridges to Tybee still closed as of this writing however officials say state of Georgia may give all-clear for bridges to reopen later today.
This is by no means a guarantee of restoration of basic services. There is no guarantee the road to your home will be clear, as officials are currently focuses on clearing primary routes at this point.
Officials urge evacuees to wait until Monday to ease traffic flow.
NO ID will be required for reentry. As of about noon today CEMA decided to skip past Phase III of the reentry protocol and rescinded an earlier directive that ID would be required
Bridges to Tybee still closed as of this writing however officials say state of Georgia may give all-clear for bridges to reopen later today.
This is by no means a guarantee of restoration of basic services. There is no guarantee the road to your home will be clear, as officials are currently focuses on clearing primary routes at this point.
Officials urge evacuees to wait until Monday to ease traffic flow.
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Bullet points from this morning's CEMA press conference:
Evacuees should NOT come back until all-clear is given which might be days. Exit ramps into Chatham County from major highways are blocked at County line to restrict ANY access back into county except for crews/authorized personnel.
"All residents who left, if you come back it's probably going to be to a house without power or water or sewer service," said Savannah Mayor Eddie DeLoach. "It's logical for you to stay outside of Chatham County until we say all is clear for you to come back. There will be stops at the county line. Don't make this an issue."
"You might be stuck on the highways for hours or days if you try to come back before we give the all-clear," echoed the County Manager.
No time frame given for return.
Drivers License is proof of reentry when time comes, despite rumors to contrary.
Storm Surge NOT as bad as expected on Tybee. So far no reports of death/injury on Tybee for those who remained.
For those still in Chatham you won't be allowed to islands area right now.
Sav/Chatham Public Schools closed Monday and Tuesday and maybe longer.
Do NOT call 911 for trees down, that is strictly for emergencies. Call 311 for debris concerns.
Curfew is dusk-to-dawn now but County reserves right to extend to daytime.
Police officers out patrolling along with National Guard to prevent theft, property damage.
Evacuees should NOT come back until all-clear is given which might be days. Exit ramps into Chatham County from major highways are blocked at County line to restrict ANY access back into county except for crews/authorized personnel.
"All residents who left, if you come back it's probably going to be to a house without power or water or sewer service," said Savannah Mayor Eddie DeLoach. "It's logical for you to stay outside of Chatham County until we say all is clear for you to come back. There will be stops at the county line. Don't make this an issue."
"You might be stuck on the highways for hours or days if you try to come back before we give the all-clear," echoed the County Manager.
No time frame given for return.
Drivers License is proof of reentry when time comes, despite rumors to contrary.
Storm Surge NOT as bad as expected on Tybee. So far no reports of death/injury on Tybee for those who remained.
For those still in Chatham you won't be allowed to islands area right now.
Sav/Chatham Public Schools closed Monday and Tuesday and maybe longer.
Do NOT call 911 for trees down, that is strictly for emergencies. Call 311 for debris concerns.
Curfew is dusk-to-dawn now but County reserves right to extend to daytime.
Police officers out patrolling along with National Guard to prevent theft, property damage.
Chatham Emergency Management Agency is initiating Phase I of reentry to Savannah after Hurricane Matthew. Evacuees will not be allowed back in Chatham County unless they are part of that protocol.
Major road closings, including I-95, have been initiated to control traffic flow into the county.
Storm response will shift to rendering the area safe for follow-on first responders. The first people to re-enter the storm-affected area will be first responders and private sector utility providers such as power companies.
Other entities responding in Phase I include:
• Law Enforcement
• Fire Services
• Search and Rescue Resources
• Emergency Medical Services
• Government Officials
Law enforcement officers will be staged at entry points to ensure those who enter the storm-affected area are properly credentialed.
Storm surge related to Hurricane Matthew set a record, with measurements at Tybee Island showing 12.5 feet. The previous record was set in 1979 when Hurricane David pushed sea levels to 12.2 feet.
Highest measured sustained winds in Chatham County reached 48 mph on the coast. Highest measured gusts reached 80 mph at 2:43 a.m. Saturday on Tybee Island.
Georgia Power reports 133,755 customers without power in Chatham County.
Major road closings, including I-95, have been initiated to control traffic flow into the county.
Storm response will shift to rendering the area safe for follow-on first responders. The first people to re-enter the storm-affected area will be first responders and private sector utility providers such as power companies.
Other entities responding in Phase I include:
• Law Enforcement
• Fire Services
• Search and Rescue Resources
• Emergency Medical Services
• Government Officials
Law enforcement officers will be staged at entry points to ensure those who enter the storm-affected area are properly credentialed.
Storm surge related to Hurricane Matthew set a record, with measurements at Tybee Island showing 12.5 feet. The previous record was set in 1979 when Hurricane David pushed sea levels to 12.2 feet.
Highest measured sustained winds in Chatham County reached 48 mph on the coast. Highest measured gusts reached 80 mph at 2:43 a.m. Saturday on Tybee Island.
Georgia Power reports 133,755 customers without power in Chatham County.
Friday, October 7, 2016
Effective this evening, a dusk to dawn curfew will be in full effect throughout Savannah and all of Chatham County indefinitely.
Chief Lumpkin says "the curfew will be enforced and it is for everyone. We will arrest people for curfew violation."
The National Guard has 70 Military Police officers on hand helping Savannah/Chatham Metro Police in a support role during the storm.
The curfew was enabled by local states of emergency officially declared by Savannah Mayor Eddie DeLoach and County Commission Chairman Al Scott.
Chief Lumpkin says "the curfew will be enforced and it is for everyone. We will arrest people for curfew violation."
The National Guard has 70 Military Police officers on hand helping Savannah/Chatham Metro Police in a support role during the storm.
The curfew was enabled by local states of emergency officially declared by Savannah Mayor Eddie DeLoach and County Commission Chairman Al Scott.
"U.S. 80 at the Bull River Bridge has been closed to traffic due to the approaching Hurricane. No automobiles will be allowed onto Tybee Island," a City spokesperson says.
Emergency personnel have pulled off Tybee, "and will not respond to calls for service through the hurricane."
Emergency personnel have pulled off Tybee, "and will not respond to calls for service through the hurricane."
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Savannah Mayor Eddie DeLoach signed a “Declaration of Local Emergency” this afternoon, "triggering the local emergency operations plan and allowing the Mayor to restrict travel and loitering to protect the public and their property," a City spokesperson says.
The Declaration also authorizes the Mayor to request assistance from the County Chairman and Governor, "if needed to supplement local efforts to save lives and protect property, public health and safety, or to avert or lessen the threat of a disaster."
"While the Declaration allows the Mayor or his designee to set curfews and impose re-entry restrictions on certain areas, that authority has not been exercised at this time," the spokesperson says.
The Declaration also authorizes the Mayor to request assistance from the County Chairman and Governor, "if needed to supplement local efforts to save lives and protect property, public health and safety, or to avert or lessen the threat of a disaster."
"While the Declaration allows the Mayor or his designee to set curfews and impose re-entry restrictions on certain areas, that authority has not been exercised at this time," the spokesperson says.
As soon as practicable, GA Dept. of Transportation says it will initiate contra-flow plans for I-16 to assist in hurricane evacuation. ALL lanes of I-16 will be converted to westbound only to Dublin, Ga., a safety protocol put in place after the problematic Hurricane Floyd evacuation in 1999.
Be aware however that your exit options will be drastically limited.
Be aware however that your exit options will be drastically limited.
Gov. Nathan Deal appears to have superceded the Chatham Emergency Management Agency and has called for a full mandatory evacuation of all Georgia counties east of I-95 effective immediately.
GA DOT has contra-flowed I-16 to make all lanes flow westbound. Be aware your exit options off I-16 through to Dublin will be very limited.
Savannah Mayor Eddie DeLoach said in a statement, "We have opened inland shelters. They are listed on the City’s website at savannahga.gov, and on Savannah Government Television, Comcast Channel 8. These shelters will not be comfortable. They are shelters of last resort, for those who have no other alternative. If you can, find your own place inland to ride out the storm. Make room in your own house for friends and loved ones. If you need to use public shelters, and cannot get there on your own, make your way to the Savannah Civic Center. Buses will be available to take you to one of the shelters. If you can’t make it to the Civic Center, make your way to the nearest Chatham Area Transit Bus Stop. Starting at noon, they will take residents to the Civic Center."
Hurricane Matthew remains a threat to Chatham County. Hurricane Matthew is traveling north at 12 MPH.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 40 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 160 miles.
"Any person that elects not to evacuate should be prepared to ride out the storm in a secure area with three days’ non- perishable provisions and adequate drinking water, given the potential for loss of power for 72 hours or greater," CEMA says.
"Significant coastal flooding is possible mid to late week. High surf, large breaking waves are also possible," CEMA says.
As of this writing at approximately 9 a.m. Georgia Dept. of Transportation still has NOT shifted I-16 to full all-lanes-westbound mode. We will keep you posted.
The American Red Cross has opened a number of shelters across Georgia including the following:
· Bibb County: Hephzibah Children’s Home, 6601 Zebulon Rd, Macon, GA 31220
· Bibb County: North Macon Park, 815 North Macon Park Drive, Macon, GA 31220 (opening at 10 a.m.)
· Colquitt County: First Baptist Church, 400 Main St, Moultrie, GA 31768
· Emanuel County: Swainsboro Rec. Dept., 632 McLeod Bridge Rd, Swainsboro, GA 30401
· Lowndes County: Park Avenue Methodist Church, 100 E. Park Ave., Valdosta, GA 31602
· Peach County: Peach County Fire Station 6, 1770 US Hwy 341, Fort Valley, GA 31030
· Richmond County: Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church, 1330 Monte Sano Ave, Augusta, GA 30904
"If someone is going to a shelter, they should bring any prescription medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, important documents and other comfort items. They should also include any special items for children such as diapers, formula and toys, and items needed by family members with unique needs," CEMA says.
Citizens with functional medical needs (FMN) should call the Chatham County Public Health Department at 912-691-7443 for help with finding resources.
Georgia Power has activated their emergency center. They have initialized preparedness efforts and are ready to respond to any power outages when safe to do so.
For the most up-to-date information, check www.chathamemergency.org and www.chathamcounty.org
GA DOT has contra-flowed I-16 to make all lanes flow westbound. Be aware your exit options off I-16 through to Dublin will be very limited.
Savannah Mayor Eddie DeLoach said in a statement, "We have opened inland shelters. They are listed on the City’s website at savannahga.gov, and on Savannah Government Television, Comcast Channel 8. These shelters will not be comfortable. They are shelters of last resort, for those who have no other alternative. If you can, find your own place inland to ride out the storm. Make room in your own house for friends and loved ones. If you need to use public shelters, and cannot get there on your own, make your way to the Savannah Civic Center. Buses will be available to take you to one of the shelters. If you can’t make it to the Civic Center, make your way to the nearest Chatham Area Transit Bus Stop. Starting at noon, they will take residents to the Civic Center."
Hurricane Matthew remains a threat to Chatham County. Hurricane Matthew is traveling north at 12 MPH.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 40 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 160 miles.
"Any person that elects not to evacuate should be prepared to ride out the storm in a secure area with three days’ non- perishable provisions and adequate drinking water, given the potential for loss of power for 72 hours or greater," CEMA says.
"Significant coastal flooding is possible mid to late week. High surf, large breaking waves are also possible," CEMA says.
As of this writing at approximately 9 a.m. Georgia Dept. of Transportation still has NOT shifted I-16 to full all-lanes-westbound mode. We will keep you posted.
The American Red Cross has opened a number of shelters across Georgia including the following:
· Bibb County: Hephzibah Children’s Home, 6601 Zebulon Rd, Macon, GA 31220
· Bibb County: North Macon Park, 815 North Macon Park Drive, Macon, GA 31220 (opening at 10 a.m.)
· Colquitt County: First Baptist Church, 400 Main St, Moultrie, GA 31768
· Emanuel County: Swainsboro Rec. Dept., 632 McLeod Bridge Rd, Swainsboro, GA 30401
· Lowndes County: Park Avenue Methodist Church, 100 E. Park Ave., Valdosta, GA 31602
· Peach County: Peach County Fire Station 6, 1770 US Hwy 341, Fort Valley, GA 31030
· Richmond County: Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church, 1330 Monte Sano Ave, Augusta, GA 30904
"If someone is going to a shelter, they should bring any prescription medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, important documents and other comfort items. They should also include any special items for children such as diapers, formula and toys, and items needed by family members with unique needs," CEMA says.
Citizens with functional medical needs (FMN) should call the Chatham County Public Health Department at 912-691-7443 for help with finding resources.
Georgia Power has activated their emergency center. They have initialized preparedness efforts and are ready to respond to any power outages when safe to do so.
For the most up-to-date information, check www.chathamemergency.org and www.chathamcounty.org
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
The Chatham Emergency Management Agency in coordination with local government has issued a voluntary evacuation order for islands east of the Wilmington River beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday.
There is NO countywide evacuation at this time, due to current forecasts indicating an eastward turn of Hurricane Matthew.
The major issue anticipated for most citizens is possible power outage. Officials recommend having three days worth of food and water in contingency for those who decide to stay.
"Citizens can expect, at a minimum, gale force winds from Tybee Island to east of I-95," CEMA says. "Weather conditions could unexpectedly deteriorate and gale force winds could increase in speed. Any person that elects not to evacuate should be prepared to ride out the storm in a secure area with three days’ non- perishable provisions and adequate drinking water, given the potential for loss of power for 72 hours or greater."
Tybee Island has already issued a voluntary evacuation effective 3 p.m. Wednesday.
Most local events have been canceled/postponed, including the Tybee Island Pirate Fest (new date not determined), Midnight Garden Ride (rescheduled for Oct. 21), Oktoberfest on River Street (rescheduled for Oct. 28-30), First Friday Art March (canceled).
There is NO countywide evacuation at this time, due to current forecasts indicating an eastward turn of Hurricane Matthew.
The major issue anticipated for most citizens is possible power outage. Officials recommend having three days worth of food and water in contingency for those who decide to stay.
"Citizens can expect, at a minimum, gale force winds from Tybee Island to east of I-95," CEMA says. "Weather conditions could unexpectedly deteriorate and gale force winds could increase in speed. Any person that elects not to evacuate should be prepared to ride out the storm in a secure area with three days’ non- perishable provisions and adequate drinking water, given the potential for loss of power for 72 hours or greater."
Tybee Island has already issued a voluntary evacuation effective 3 p.m. Wednesday.
Most local events have been canceled/postponed, including the Tybee Island Pirate Fest (new date not determined), Midnight Garden Ride (rescheduled for Oct. 21), Oktoberfest on River Street (rescheduled for Oct. 28-30), First Friday Art March (canceled).
