Unlike many Georgia counties, Gilmer County avoided severe damaged from Hurricane Helene.
Along with several north Georgia counties, it was originally in the path of the storm, which veered to the right after making landfall Thursday and reaching Georgia early Friday.
“We were going to be on the right side of the storm and were making preparations for that,” said Sharon Courson, Gilmer County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) director. “We had meetings with several of our leadership (departments) in the county. We were definitely prepared for the worst, but we were fortunate to end up on the left side of the storm.”
Other than some culvert issues and downed trees, the storm brought little damage to county roads, confirmed Ryan Steingruber, public works director.
“Mainly, we’re dealing with tree down issues, and we’re getting to them as fast as we can. We’ve had a few that involved power lines. We’ve certainly dealt with worse (storms) the past few months,” said Steingruber.
By Friday, there were around 3,000 Amicalola EMC customers without power, far less than in other recent storms.
Georgia Power, on the other hand, stated that Helene was the most destructive hurricane in its history damaging infrastructure across the state including more than 5,000 damaged power poles and 425 miles of wire needing to be replaced.
Gilmer Fire and Rescue reported a few downed trees and power lines and a little minor flooding here and there, but no significant damage.
“Our call volume was way down. I think most people in the county stayed home, which was good,” said Jason Bryant, deputy fire chief.
Georgia has been officially declared a major disaster area, making federal funds available to several counties including Appling, Brooks, Coffee, Columbia, Jefferson, Liberty, Lowndes, Pierce, Richmond, Tattnall and Toombs.
Damage assessments by The Federal and Georgia Emergency Management Agencies are still being done in other areas of the state. After they are completed, more counties will likely be eligible for assistance.
The Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office, Fire and Rescue and Emergency Management Agency have teamed up for a supply drive to assist south Georgia counties that sustained severe hurricane damage.
The supplies being collected include bottled water, canned goods and other nonperishable food, adult and children-strength ibuprofen and acetaminophen, diapers, wipes and other essential hygiene products.
The goal is to pack a trailer full of supplies and make the delivery by this Friday. Donations will be accepted until 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4.
Drop-off points
for the drive are:
﹣ Gilmer County Courthouse, 1 Broad Street, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.;
﹣ Gilmer County Detention Center, 106 Brett Dickey Memorial Drive;
﹣ Gilmer County Fire and Rescue Station #1, 325 Howard Simmons Road and
﹣ Gilmer County Airport, 455 Sunlight Road, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
“We have talked to officials in south Georgia, and they are begging for water, so let’s join together and help south Georgia out. We are aware that other counties are sending items to North Carolina, and we understand there is a local drive to assist Florida and North Carolina. These states are absolutely in need, however, we are focusing on our neighbors in south Georgia,” said Sheriff Stacy Nicholson
“We’re encouraging people to donate because it is for disaster relief. I’ve been in contact with so many people from across the whole southeast, and they are really desperate for supplies. There is a list of needs a mile long, so any help we can offer them would be greatly appreciated,” said Courson.