NEWS

Weather Event | Tropical Storm Debby Updates & Resources

8/22/2024 14:19 – CHATHAM COUNTY RELEASES ASSISTANCE INFORMATION: Chatham County residents impacted by Tropical Storm Debby and the flooding from the Ogeechee River can find relief and support from several local agencies dedicated to helping those in need. The Resource Center at Compassion Christian Church is still open and serves as a central hub for many of these resources. Residents who have already visited the Resource Center are encouraged to return, as new resources are now available at the Adult Ministry Center of Compassion Christian Church located at 50 Al Henderson Blvd. Address verification is required for services. Operating hours are Thursday, August 22: 7-9 a.m. and 4-8 p.m. and Saturday, August 24: 7-9 a.m. and 4-8 p.m. Residents are encouraged to visit the center to access some of the services provided by the following organizations:

  • Catholic Charities USA
    Beginning case management for those with longer term needs. Qualified individuals are those whose primary homes were damaged and did not have flood insurance.
  • Coastal Empire Disaster Recovery Committee (CEDRC) and Crisis Cleanup
    Crisis Cleanup is coordinating volunteer efforts for debris removal, muck-outs, and other essential clean-up tasks in affected areas. Phone: (844) 965-1386
  • American Red Cross
    Individual assistance for homes that have been identified as having major damage or destroyed, through the Red Cross damage assessment process.
  • Salvation Army
    Providing cleanup kits, food boxes, emotional and spiritual care, and clothing vouchers.
  • Compassion Christian Church
    Spiritual Care & Community Services on Sundays at 9 & 11 a.m. For locations and more information Compassion Christian.com or call (912) 925-9657.
  • Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia
    Providing food boxes and cleaning supplies donated through their drop off collection points.
  • United Way Disaster Relief Fund
    Providing financial assistance for those who had verified damage to their homes. Phone: 211
  • Inspiritus
    Working through Crisis Cleanup to offer debris removal, muck and gut, mold sanitation, and chainsaw services wherever needed most.
  • Samaritan’s Purse
    National organization deployed to this area and offering debris removal, muck and gut, and mold sanitation.To request a work order, call 833-747-1234.
  • Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief
    Offering debris removal, muck and gut, and mold sanitation. Accepting work orders via phone and email.
    912-429-5727 and [email protected].

These organizations are working together to ensure that all affected residents receive the support they need to recover and rebuild their lives. For more information, please contact any of the agencies listed above or visit the Resource Center at Compassion Christian Church.


8/20/2024 14:55 – CRISIS CLEANUP & DAMAGE REPORTING CONTINUES: Crisis Cleanup is a collaborative disaster work order management platform that improves coordination, reduces duplication of efforts, improves efficiency, and improves volunteers’ experience. If you need assistance with clean up of damages from Tropical Storm Debby, call the Crisis Cleanup Hotline at 844-965-1386. Should you have damages to your home, business, or any other property, it’s important to report them promptly so they may be included in the area’s damage assessment, which helps determine which programs will be activated and the level of aid provided. You can do so by visiting https://damage-assessment-gema-soc.hub.arcgis.com/ and selecting the Report Damage button.


8/16/2024 16:16 – STATE OF EMERGENCY EXTENDED: Governor Brian Kemp has extended the State of Emergency order for all counties in Georgia, to assist with response efforts from Tropical Storm Debby’s impact. The State of Emergency went into effect at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 3, 2024 and will expire at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.


8/16/2024 15:42 – DEBBY SUMMARY: At the August 12, 2024, City Council Meeting, Mayor Karen Williams and Interim City Manager Matthew Saxon presented a summary of the City’s activities before, during, and after Tropical Storm Debby. The video is available here.


8/6/2024 17:29 – COUNTY CURFEW LIFTED: Per Chatham Emergency Management Agency, there is no county curfew in place this evening. The flash flood warning has been extended to 10:30 p.m.


8/6/2024 15:41 – COMMUNITY DAMAGE REPORTING: Public Works and Public Safety teams continue to assess neighborhoods that remain affected by flooding and urge residents to avoid traversing flooded areas where possible. To assist Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) with gaining a broader picture of the storm’s effects, report damage here.


8/5/2024 11:57 – COUNTY & CITY-WIDE CURFEW DECLARED: Due to the severe weather conditions affecting our region, a curfew is hereby imposed county-wide, including within Pooler city limits. This decision has been made to ensure the safety and security of all residents during this period of inclement weather. Curfew Details: Effective August 5, 2024 from 10:00 p.m. to August 6, 2024 at 6:00 a.m. The curfew will be reevaluated based on the condition of the roads and the overall safety of travel within the city and county. Updates regarding the curfew status will be communicated through local news channels, social media, and official county and city communications/websites. Purpose: The curfew is implemented to prevent unnecessary risks to life safety, facilitate emergency response efforts, and allow road crews to clear and maintain safe passage on roads. Compliance: It is imperative that all residents adhere to this curfew for their safety and the safety of others. Law enforcement agencies will enforce this order to ensure compliance.


8/5/2024 11:14 – CITY HALL CLOSURE: Due to the threat of severe weather conditions, Pooler City Hall will be closed Tuesday, August 6 and Wednesday, August 7, 2024. Pending any unforeseen weather or safety issues, we anticipate resuming normal business hours Thursday, August 8, 2024.


8/5/2024 11:07 – SANDBAG STATION CLOSURE: Sand supplies have been exhausted and the sandbag station is now closed.


8/5/2024 10:47 – CITY COUNCIL MEETING POSTPONED: Mayor Karen L. Williams cancels the August 5, 2024 City Council Meeting. A Special Called Meeting for the same agenda, including the Millage Rate Public Hearing, will be held on Monday, August 12 at 6:00 p.m. at Pooler City Hall.


8/5/2024 9:57 – SANDBAG FILLING STATION: The sandbag station is open and operational. It will open today during daylight hours until supplies run out or weather becomes unsafe.


8/4/2024 17:24 – SANDBAG FILLING STATION TO RESUME OPERATIONS MONDAY: As of 5:24 p.m. today, our current supply of sand has been exhausted. However, we anticipate replenishing our stock by 8:00 a.m. tomorrow morning (Monday, August 5).


8/4/2024 17:00 – DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY: Mayor Karen L. Williams issues a Declaration of Emergency for the City of Pooler, Georgia.


8/4/2024 10:36 – SANDBAGS AVAILABLE FOR RESIDENTS: The City of Pooler’s Public Works Department will offer free sand and bags for pickup on Sunday, August 4, starting at 1:00 p.m., while supplies last. Residents must provide proof of residency and each household is limited to 10 bags. Residents are required to fill their own bags, but City staff will be on hand to provide assistance to those in need of extra support. Shovels and scoops will be provided, but you may bring your own if preferred. The sandbag filling station will be set up at the Pooler Recreation Center parking lot, located at 900 South Rogers Street.


8/3/2024 16:51 – MONITORING IN PROGRESS: As we continue to monitor the incoming storm, the City is taking proactive measures to ensure public safety and minimize potential impact. With forecasts predicting heavy rainfall and possible flooding, we have intensified efforts to monitor and prepare for a weather event. Public Works crews are inspecting canals and drainage systems to ensure they are clear of debris and fully operational, while Police and Fire-Rescue remain on alert, ready to respond swiftly to any emergencies that may arise.


8/3/2024 – RESOURCES: As a reminder, the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Residents are urged to stay informed about weather updates and heed any advisories or orders issued by local authorities. Visit https://ready.chathamcountyga.gov for storm updates within Chatham County. 

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