Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Just as quickly as the path of Fay changes, so do emergency operations in the Coastal Empire.

Emergency crews say they want to be ready and not waste resources at the same time.

The day started off with Chatham Emergency Management briefing city and county elected officials. Soon after, CEMA held a news conference, preparing everyone for what was to come from Fay.

“We are going to expect over the next one to two days 1 to 6 inches of rain and 30-40 mph winds,” said CEMA director Clayton Scott.

They started mobilizing emergency crews, both local and state wide, in the ops center, and with the gusty weather churning our way, power outages seemed to be a guaranteed event.

“If they are depending on electricity for food they should have food that doesn't need to be cooked, if people need medication they should be up to date on their prescriptions,” added Scott.

Yet just as fast as the winds of Fay were expected to blow through the Coastal Empire, CEMA changed its tune.

After an 11 am conference call with the National Weather Service, they say Fay isn't the threat she was first estimated to be.

“The storm has moved a little bit further south. The track has moved further south,” added Scott.

They moved their operational conditions from three back to the less urgent level four, and they closed the emergency operations center just hours after it opened.

Now the leaders say they are closely monitoring the heavy rain hoping not too much falls too quickly. For now they will continue the pattern of watchful waiting.

CEMA recommends everyone get their hands on a weather radio. They said the possibility for tornadoes does exist and it's the best way for them to notify you in the middle of the night.

Georgia Power said they are preparing for any power outages that might occur. They are most concerned about trees and branches falling on lines.

Georgia Power reps say they have contractors and crews on standby.

Anyone with power outages are asked to call Georgia Power as soon as possible, at 1-888-660-5890.

Copyright 2008 by WJCL 22/ABC and WTGS/FOX 28, The Coastal Source