EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

            

Decatur County Emergency Management Agency Co-Directors:
Fire Chief Charlie McCann, 229-248-3012
E-911 Director Tonya Griffin, 229-248-3860
For emergencies, call 911

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30
 

Click here for NOAA government weather information.

Click here for tips on general emergency preparedness.

Click here for FEMA hurricane preparedness/recovery information, or GEMA, Georgia Emergency Management Agency.

Click here for information on pandemic flu and other community health risks (Go to the "home" drop-down menu on the Georgia Health District 8 site and select the Preparedness category.)

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Response Center, Oil and Toxic Chemical Spills:
Phone: 202-267-2675
Toll Free: 1-800-424-8802

NRC Web Site

Regional EPA Emergency Operations Center
Phone 404-562-8700.

Note: The spill hotlines are for emergencies ONLY, including threats to human health, aquatic or amphibious animals, drinking water and public safety.

Georgia Poison Control Center
Phone: 1-800-282-5846

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission site

During a flood

From information at www.southwestgeorgiapublichealth.org

 If a flood is likely in your area, you should:

• Listen to the radio or television for information.
• Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
• Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.

If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following:

• Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.
• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:

• Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
• Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.

Driving Flood Facts

The following are important points to remember when driving in flood conditions:

• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
• A foot of water will float many vehicles.
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV’s) and pick-ups.

 

After a flood

www.southwestpublichealth.org

 

           

The following are guidelines for the period following a flood:

• Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink.
• Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
• Avoid moving water.
• Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
• Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.
• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
• Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
• Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
• Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.

 

 

To return to the Department and Agencies page, click here.