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Friends and Neighbors,
Over the last 24 hours, we saw a direct hit from Hurricane Matthew. The storm surge from Hurricane Matthew set a record, with sea levels at Tybee Island pushed to 12.5 feet. I am here in the First District and can report that there are downed trees and power lines, flooding, and debris. The situation is still very dangerous, so please stay where you are until it is safe.
While this is devastating for our area, I've lived in Southeast Georgia my entire life and I know one thing to be true - we will get through this, and we will do it together as a community. There are already tremendous response efforts underway, and I want to thank our first responders, emergency workers, and medical personnel for everything they have already done and will do.
As response efforts continue, I want to make sure you are prepared with critical information:
Reentry:
I know everyone is eager to return home, but please wait for the green light from local safety and law enforcement officials. If you are in a safe place, stay there. Most injuries and fatalities happen after a storm and we cannot let that happen to us.
There are several resources available to check on the status of reentry for your area:
Chatham County Reentry Hotline: 912-644-8811
Click here for Glynn County emergency information
Click here for Chatham County emergency information
Click here for Georgia Emergency Management information
Important Assistance Numbers:
If you need assistance or have questions about Hurricane Matthew, call 1-800-TRY-GEMA (1-800-879-4362) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For medical or health related questions, call 1-866-PUB-HLTH (1-866-782-4584).
If you are in immediate danger call 911, but please reserve 911 for emergencies only.
Power Outages:
Visit www.GeorgiaPower.com/storm to sign up for outage alerts and report and check the status of outages. You can also call 888-891-0938 24 hours a day to report and check the status of an outage.
Traffic and Roadway Conditions:
Visit 511ga.org or call 511 for the latest information on roadway conditions or to report flooding, road, or bridge damage.
Shelters:
American Red Cross shelters remain open and continue to accept evacuees. Click here for more information.
Important Safety Tips for the Days Ahead:
- Do not drive or stand in flood water. Most of the water is contaminated.
- Do not touch downed power lines or objects in contact with downed lines. Report electrical hazards to the police and the utility company.
- Be especially careful during a loss of electrical power, as the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire increases at that time.
- Never use a generator inside a home, basement, shed or garage even if doors and windows are open.
- Keep generators outside and far away from windows, doors and vents. Read both the label on your generator and the owner's manual and follow the instructions.
- If using candles, please use caution. If possible, use flashlights instead. If you must use candles, do not burn them on or near anything that can catch fire.
- Never taste food or rely on appearance or odor to determine its safety. Some foods may look and smell fine, but if they have been at room temperature too long, bacteria causing food-borne illnesses can start growing quickly. Some types of bacteria produce toxins that cannot be destroyed by cooking.
Again, please stay safe and informed. As always, my staff and I are here for you in what ever capacity you may need. Please do not hesitate to contact us.
-Buddy
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