Emergency Management conducts flood damage assessment
News, Press Release October 14, 2020
PRESS RELEASE
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — White County continues to assess damage to public infrastructure as a result of heavy rainfall and flooding over the weekend. White County Emergency Management damage assessment teams spent most of the day Monday evaluating damage to roadways, bridges and culverts. Nineteen separate assessments were completed.
Currently, the public works department is estimating the actual cost of repairs, and GEMA field personnel are assessing sites in various areas of White County. The attached map shows the locations of evaluated sites.
Some homes did receive flooding, especially along the river, this resulted in rescues of persons trapped within these short term rental locations. On James Drive, a family of six had to be rescued, 2 adult and 4 children as their cabin was surrounded by water. See attached picture. On Megan Drive, 2 adults were rescued. Both homes were flooded when water from the river came out of its banks.
Unofficial reports of rainfall amounts from 7.75” to 11.5” occurred within the area.
Two private lake dams were effected, Patton Lake and Mountain Lake located on the eastern side of White County. Both of these dams are being evaluated for repairs and there are no concerns with further erosion problems at this time. The Mountain Lake Dam must be repaired as soon as possible, as there are homes on the southeast side of the lake that cannot be accessed due to the damage. Georgia Safe Dams program has been notified of these two sites.
During the early morning hours on Sunday through Sunday afternoon extra personnel had to be called in to assist in the response efforts to these incidents.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
National Preparedness Month starts today
News, Press Release September 1, 2020
PRESS RELEASE
(ATLANTA) – September is National Preparedness Month and the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) is working with local emergency management agencies to encourage citizens across the state to prepare themselves and their families for natural and man-made disasters. This year’s National Preparedness Month theme is “Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today.”
“During National Preparedness Month, Georgians should develop or review their emergency plans to ensure their household is ready for natural and man-made disasters,” said GEMA/HS Director Homer Bryson. “They should also consider how COVID-19 may affect their plans, and adjust them accordingly.”
Taking a single step each week toward developing a plan will increase household and community responsiveness when severe weather and other emergencies occur. The themes each week during National Preparedness month are:
Week 1: September 1-6 Make a Plan
Week 2: September 6-12 Build a Kit
Week 3: September 13-19 Prepare for Disasters
Week 4: September 20-26 Teach Youth About Preparedness
For tips and tools to get your family and community ready for a disaster, visit www.gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia. Additional preparedness information is also available from your local EMA director at 706-865-9500.
White County Public Safety will be posting informative information and videos on their Facebook page all month.
https://www.facebook.com/whitecountyema
As part of the Office of the Governor, GEMA/HS works with local, state and federal governments, in partnership with the private sector and faith-based community, to protect life and property against man-made and natural emergencies. In addition, GEMA/HS employees are on 24-hour call statewide to assist local authorities when disaster strikes. GEMA/HS’s External Affairs [email protected]
(404) 635-7000
@Georgia EMA
Facebook.com/GEMA.OHS
www.gema.ga.gov
Ready Georgia campaign helps Georgians prepare for disasters. Go to gema.ga.gov for information on developing a custom emergency plan and Ready Kit.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
DPH preparations for potential spread of COVID-19
News February 27, 2020
ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is working closely with the CDC, and state partners to prepare for a potential outbreak of COVID-19 in the U.S., including Georgia. The goal is to quickly identify cases of COVID-19 and take the appropriate public health action to reduce its spread and protect the general public. It is important to note that at this time, the overall risk of COVID-19 to the general public remains low.
“We urge Georgians to prepare for hurricanes or flooding or take measures to prevent flu, so preparing for an outbreak of COVID-19 is no different,” said Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H., DPH commissioner. “DPH is working to make sure our health systems, first responders and county health departments have the resources they need to respond to a COVID-19 outbreak.”
DPH already has a detailed pandemic flu plan that was developed in partnership with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, the Georgia Department of Education and other state agencies, and will be adapted for a COVID-19 outbreak in the state. DPH has responded to other serious disease outbreaks, including Ebola and Zika virus and each instance has provided new insight and guidance and highlighted the need to be as prepared as we can be.
DPH Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) is providing CDC information and guidance about COVID-19 to all health care and hospital facilities throughout Georgia, and holding weekly calls with the entire public health and hospital/health care community to update information and answer questions.
DPH epidemiologists are on-call 24/7 to help health care providers evaluate individuals presenting with symptoms of COVID-19 to ensure that possible cases are managed safely, support laboratory testing and implement recommendations from the CDC. In the event of COVID-19 in Georgia, epidemiologists would also be monitoring outbreaks and recommending control strategies, including guidance regarding testing and isolation.
Should it become necessary, DPH may recommend appropriate community mitigation measures for affected communities, such as temporary closure of child care facilities and schools/colleges and universities, school and workplace social distancing measures, and postponement or cancellation of mass gatherings. Additionally, businesses should consider ways to implement strategies to reduce the impact of a potential COVID-19 outbreak on their workforce, including teleworking and cross-training employees on essential job functions.
The same measures that are urged to prevent the spread of any respiratory virus are increasingly important for all Georgians:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cough or sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue to cover it, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
The best prevention against the flu is vaccination. Flu is still widespread and active in Georgia – it’s not too late to get a flu shot.
Passenger screening at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport is ongoing. This is to identify people coming from China who may have been exposed to and are at risk of developing COVID-19, and to provide appropriate assessment and monitoring to protect the general public.
COVID-19 is rapidly evolving and guidance is subject to change. The preparations currently underway in Georgia are based on the best scientific information we have from the CDC. DPH will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation, and work with state partners and health care communities to incorporate the most up to date guidance in our planning and preparation efforts.
DPH will continue to update Georgians through our website
https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus, our Facebook page and our Twitter account. It is important to remember that the most accurate and timely information regarding this outbreak is available through DPH or the CDC’s website https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
About the Georgia Department of Public Health
The Georgia Department of Public Health is the lead agency in preventing disease, injury and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing for and responding to disasters from a health perspective. For more information about DPH, visit www.dph.ga.gov.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
WCPS, GEMA encourage winter weather preparedness
News November 30, 2019
CLEVELAND, Ga. –Georgia continues to prepare and be better equipped for each winter season, and this year is no different White County along with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, are encouraging Georgians to take time to get ready for possible inclement weather emergencies this winter.
“Winter Weather Preparedness Week is a great time for White County residents, businesses and schools to prepare for all potential winter hazards,” said David Murphy, Director of Public Safety. “Since winter weather all over Georgia can be unpredictable, we’re hopeful that our residents will prepare now for potentially dangerous storms so if or when extreme weather hits, they won’t be caught off guard.”
Winter Weather Preparedness Week will encourage White County citizens’ awareness of winter weather hazards, a better understanding of winter weather terminology and preparation for severe winter weather. Each day concentrates on different aspects of severe winter weather and provides critical information for preparedness. The focus for each day is as follows:
Monday, Dec. 2: Winter Weather in Georgia — learn about winter weather hazards that can impact the state of Georgia;
Tuesday, Dec. 3: Winter Weather Terminology — learn about winter weather alerts (watches, warnings and advisories) and what they mean;
Wednesday, Dec. 4: Winter Weather Preparedness Tips — learn how to best prepare for winter weather events, and put together a Ready kit while making a plan before winter weather strikes;
Thursday, Dec. 5: Winter Weather Driving Tips/Safety — learn best practices for driving (if necessary) in winter weather conditions and how to pack a mobile Ready kit;
Friday, Dec. 6: Winter Weather Outlook for 2019-20 season Families can visit gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia to learn how to prepare for emergencies, create family communications plans and more. To learn about specific risks in your area, contact us at 706-865-9500.
As part of the Office of the Governor, GEMA/HS works with local, state and federal governments, in partnership with the private sector and faith-based community, to protect life and property against man-made and natural emergencies. In addition, GEMA/HS employees are on 24-hour call statewide to assist local authorities when disaster strikes. GEMA/HS’s www.gema.ga.gov Ready Georgia campaign helps Georgians prepare for disasters. Go to gema.georgia.gov for information on developing a custom emergency plan and Ready kit.
Gov. Kemp announces Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Day
News October 31, 2019
News Release
ATLANTA — Governor Brian Kemp, in coordination with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency and the National Weather Service, is declaring Nov. 6, as Georgia’s Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Day and encouraging schools, businesses and individuals to take part in the severe weather exercise/tornado test at 9:30 am.
“Hurricane season is ending, but the threat of severe weather isn’t over,” said GEMA/HS Director Homer Bryson. “We typically see storms, including tornadoes, in late October through November, so this is an opportunity to provide our citizens with information and help educate them on how to better prepare for severe weather.”
In support of this day, many schools and businesses will be conducting their own severe weather exercise/tornado “TEST” which will be triggered by the NOAA Weather Radio’s Routine Weekly Test. All six National Weather Service Forecast Offices will issue this special routine weekly radio test simultaneously across the state around 9:30 AM.
To help Georgians prepare for severe weather, GEMA/HS’s Ready Georgia campaign offers resources and information residents can use to be informed about potential threats, develop a communications plan and create an emergency supply kit.
Employers can use the Ready Your Business guide to create custom contingency plans, and children can visit the ReadyKids page for age-appropriate information, videos and games. Your county emergency management agency is also a great resource for information or tips to help you and your family stay prepared.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Schools, businesses will conduct severe weather exercise Nov. 6
News October 29, 2019
CLEVELAND, Ga. — Wednesday, Nov. 6, the National Weather Service along with state and local emergency preparedness partners Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), will recognize Georgia’s Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Day. Many of you already know, Georgia (and the Southeast region) sees a secondary peak of severe weather typically in late October through November.
In support of this day, many schools and businesses will be conducting their own Severe weather exercise/tornado “TEST” which will be triggered off of our NOAA Weather Radio’s Routine Weekly Test (RWT – product ID). All 6 National Weather Service Forecast Offices will issue this special RWT simultaneously across the state around 9:30 a.m. There will be no “all clear” message(s) and no additional RWT (weather radio) product will be issued later in the day.
In the coming days, additional information about Severe Weather Preparedness can be found on our web pages and social media outlets (Twitter / Facebook).
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Ransom worm virus hits White County school system
News March 7, 2018
School Supt. Dr. Jeff Wilson
CLEVELAND, Ga. – White County School Superintendent Dr. Jeff Wilson said the system’s computer program was attacked by the ransom worm virus Monday.
The school system’s IT staff believes the attack could have originated somewhere in eastern Europe.
“Our tech guys reported something strange was going on Monday morning,” Wilson said. “Their quick work avoided what could have been a major crisis. Only two or three of our software programs were affected. The good news is that no student or staff data was compromised. They did not go after financial data or social security numbers.”
Wilson said the system has a very good firewall but added that this is the same virus that got into the NASA and CIA systems: “So, they are very good at this.”
Wilson added, “Typically, you would have to be in our system to break into our system.” The attack, he speculated, could have been facilitated by a student or teacher who needed to access information from home, allowing the hackers to open up an outside window into the system.
As of Wednesday, the system’s IT Department was working to correct the problem.
“We’re still investigating ways to prevent this kind of attack. We’re working with Georgia Emergency Management Agency’s (GEMA) forensic people. They are extremely interested in this kind of attack,” Wilson said. “They told us there were several other systems in Georgia that have been hit.”
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Flood Safety Preparedness Week begins Monday
News March 8, 2019
For Immediate Release:
March 8, 2019
News Release
CLEVELAND,Ga. — Flooding can happen anytime it rains, with little or no time to prepare and evacuate with your loved ones. White County Public Safety partners with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency for Flood Safety Preparedness Week on March 11-15. The week encourages residents and their families to prepare for the event of flooding.
Each day during the week will focus on a different flood safety tip, the dangers of flooding and how Georgians can prepare before flooding happens. White County Public Safety is encouraging all residents to dedicate time to practicing emergency response procedures and learn how to deal with floods,
“Floods and flash floods can reach full peak in only a few minutes,” said David Murphy, Director of White County Public Safety. “By taking steps to prepare before it strikes and knowing evacuation routes, you can ensure that you and your family stay safe. White County residents are urged to work through communication plans and safety measures at home so they will be ready if or when a flooding event happens.”
Flood Safety Preparedness Week begins with Flood Safety, Preparedness, and Awareness Day on March 11. Each day offers a different tip on how to prepare.
Monday, March 11 – Flood Safety, Preparedness, and Awareness
Tuesday, March 12 – Turn Around, Don’t Drown
Wednesday, March 13 – Flood Hazards
Thursday, March 14 – NWS Water Resources and Services
Friday, March 15 – Partner Services
For more information about Flood Safety Preparedness Week and events occurring locally, visit www.whitecounty.net or contact 706-865-9500
Deal Expands State of Emergency to Include ALL 159 Counties
News, State & National September 10, 2017
Acting on a recommendation from the state’s Emergency Operations Command and ahead of heavy rains, strong wind and potential flooding from Hurricane Irma, Gov. Nathan Deal today expanded the emergency declaration to include an additional 65 counties. The state of emergency now includes all 159 counties in Georgia. State government will be closed Monday and Tuesday for all employees except essential personnel.
Following a briefing from officials and visit with emergency responders, Deal will hold a media avail tonight at the State Operations Center at 6 p.m.
Follow this link to read the executive order.
For more information on hurricane preparedness, visit the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency website.