LOWNDES CO. – An update from Lowndes County EMA regarding the aftermath and continued efforts following Hurricane Debby.
Release:
While the degree of damage in Lowndes County and the cities of Valdosta, Hahira, Lake Park, Remerton and Dasher is yet to be determined, remember that every storm stands alone. Please don’t assume that a process or procedure announced during Hurricane Idalia will be the same for Hurricane Debby. Governor Kemp’s Emergency Declaration for Hurricane Debby is not the same as the federal declaration that provided financial assistance in the aftermath of Idalia. You should contact your insurance agent and/or landlord if your property is damaged. Only hire licensed contractors. Licensed and reputable contractors will not ask for payment upfront. Most importantly, tree surgeons should take any vegetative/tree debris with them. Do not allow debris to be left on your property. Local officials have received no indication that federal aid will be available for debris removal. Personnel are currently assessing damage from the aftermath of Tropical Storm Debby. Lowndes EMA will move swiftly to provide information to our federal partners concerning any available aid considerations. With regards to power restoration, crews have already restored a large number of customers since they were able to safely begin work. Their goal is to have the majority of service restored by the end of the day today but the extent and severity of damage in some areas will mean that some areas might not be fully restored for a couple of days. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Lowndes County, Georgia: On behalf of Lowndes County Emergency Management Director Ashley Tye, please find Tuesday update regarding Hurricane Debby.
On Monday, August 5, 2024, Hurricane Debby impacted Lowndes County with several inches of rain and tropical storm-force winds, causing power lines and trees to fall across the county.
WEATHER: Throughout the day on Tuesday, Lowndes County, will likely see off and on light rain. It will also be very windy, with sustained winds of 20mph and gusts of up to 30. While this should not be catastrophic, residents need to be aware that it could result in some additional trees and limbs falling, especially in places that were weakened by the storm and are just barely holding on. Residents should be mindful of their surroundings so no one gets injured by falling debris.
As people begin to get out and move around, they are encouraged to use extra caution as there could still be roads covered with water, water could have undermined roads (especially dirt roads), or there could still be trees across roads that crews either haven’t cleared or have not been reported yet. Lowndes County has made it through with no reported storm-related injuries.
SAFETY
Most fatalities and injuries happen after severe weather events. We encourage all residents to practice chainsaw safety. When operating a chainsaw, it is important to wear proper protective clothing and glasses, choose the proper size of chainsaw to match the job, operate, adjust, and maintain the saw according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and check around the tree or pole for hazards, such as nails, power lines, or cables, before cutting. Be aware that trees may continue to fall over the next several days.
POWER
Power company personnel continue to work around the clock to restore power. As of now, approximately 24,000 customers in Lowndes County are without power, but that number changes on a minute by minute basis as crews are actively restoring power. Residents are encouraged, for safety reasons, to refrain from attempting to address utility lines themselves. Downed lines are very dangerous and should be considered live until addressed by power personnel.
Residents should exercise caution as generator use continues. Generators should be housed in a well-ventilated area, not an enclosed area such as a garage. Also, please make sure power cords are not left in standing water. Follow manufacturer suggestions for operating generators. If using a generator, make sure your main breaker is turned off. If someone has not turned the main breaker of the home or business off so that the location is isolated from the grid, the generator could send power beyond the location and injure or kill the utility worker trying to restore power.
DEBRIS REMOVAL
Lowndes County Public Works will not provide curbside debris pickup. Residents in the unincorporated area of Lowndes County should contact their service provider for instructions on how to dispose of debris. Residents inside the city limits of Valdosta, Remerton, Hahira, Lake Park, and Dasher should follow the directions of each city regarding disposing of storm debris. Burning is not allowed inside city limits. Please contact Waste Management regarding any questions you may have on debris drop-off at their landfill.
If anyone hires a tree contractor, they must haul off the debris as part of their service. If debris is placed at the right of way it will be the homeowner’s responsibility to pay for pick up or have it hauled off.
REPAIRS
If your home or business needs repair, please make sure that anyone working on your property is a licensed contractor. Licensed contractors should be able to provide a copy of their occupational tax certificate (business license), proof of insurance, and a contract that outlines the work to be done, cost, and a time by which the work will be completed. A reputable contractor should not ask for payment up front. There is no indication that there is going to be any financial or FEMA assistance at this time. Residents with damage should contact their insurance agent for directions on obtaining estimates. Renters should contact their landlords. Anyone without insurance is private pay.
CITY OF VALDOSTA UPDATE
Contractors and Debris Removal
According to the City of Valdosta Ordinance 82-33, trees, large bushes, or shrubbery that are trimmed by anyone other than a resident, or by commercial trimmers or tree surgeons, will not be picked up by the city. This ordinance underscores the importance of proper disposal methods and the efficiency of city services. It is important to note that volunteer groups assisting residents in debris removal will be recognized the same as residents under this ordinance. The City of Valdosta acknowledges the invaluable contributions of these volunteer groups in supporting our community members during cleanup efforts. However, it should be clarified that this recognition does not extend to tree surgeons. All persons, excluding residents, who engage in trimming or cutting trees, large bushes, or shrubbery within the city limits are required to responsibly dispose of the resulting debris. This includes any residue from the trimmed vegetation.
Residential Debris Removal
To ensure that residents’ debris is cleared as quickly as possible, the city advises residents to move debris to the right-of-way.
Residents are strongly encouraged to cut down yard debris into four-foot sections for efficient removal by the city’s equipment.
Drinking Water
There were no issues with the drinking water facilities. There were no disruptions of the drinking water or water distribution throughout the city. The Utilities Central line crews are in town checking lines throughout the city.
Sanitation Pick Up
Please note that our Public Works Sanitation Division will resume Monday’s route of service on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024. All routes will be delayed by one day.
Hurricane season is active through November 30, and residents are encouraged to stay prepared and follow local emergency management and weather reports continually throughout the season. For more information, please contact Lowndes County Public Information Officer Meghan Barwick at 229-671-2491 or meghan.barwick@lowndescounty.com.
