A number of elected officials spoke Tuesday to address the public regarding the upcoming winter storm set to move into Bulloch County Tuesday evening.
“We know there is weather coming, but we don’t know the extent of it. We’ve heard snow accumulation up to 2-4 inches, potentially some ice along with it. It’s going to be cold,” Bennett said, reiterating that the cold
Travel will be challenging, he said. This part of the state doesn’t have equipment to clear the roads, leading to a potentially hazardous situation. “We want to make sure people stay safe. That is our primary focus right now. We want to encourage people to stay home and shelter in place.”
Bennett said the county is working with the state to ensure the county has access to supplies and resources, should the county need them.
- Prevent price gouging and price fixing
- Prevent people from illegally soliciting repairs without the proper permits
- Allows the county so suspend ordinances and make emergency purchases for supplies, if necessary
- County has not enacted a curfew – upon decision of county commissioners and the county sheriff.
“We think people are going to do the right thing and stay home. We want people to stay off the roads. We don’t want you putting law enforcement, EMS and fire in danger either,” Bennett said. “We’re asking for your cooperation over the next couple of days….If you don’t have to be out there, we encourage you to stay home.”
Statesboro Mayor Jonathan McCollar also addressed citizens, urging people to have the items available to keep their families safe and warm. The police department and fire department are staffed and ready to respond, he said, but also urged people to stay off the roads as first responders work to clear the roads after the storm has passed.
McCollar gave a rundown of safety on generators, space heaters, and tips to prevent freezing pipes.
“We’re asking everyone to stay safe, stay warm. Our city staff are prepped and ready to go. Statesboro, God bless you. Bulloch County, God bless you.”
Bulloch County EMA Director Corey Kemp spoke on a weather update as of 6:00 a.m, saying the county is expecting the arrival of the storm around 4:00 p.m. Tuesday. “I will ask you to shelter in place around 4:00 p.m., if that’s okay with y’all.”
He reiterated that there is a warming station at Pittman Park United Methodist Church and will stay open until 10:00 p.m., with no re-admittance after 10:00 p.m. A second and third shelter are on standby in the event that they become necessary.
Regarding 911, Kemp urged people not to call 911 if there is a loss of power. Instead, he said, contact the utility provider directly.
Sheriff Noel Brown said the county needs people to help by staying home. He encouraged people to get what they need now and be prepared to stay home for four to five days.
“Enjoy your snow on private property. When you go out on public roadways, it becomes my problem,” he said.
County Public Works Director Dink Butler asked people to shelter in place. “It will be challenging enough with the roads. Please, please, leave it so we can get around and do our jobs.” He said staff are doing pre-treatment where they can and emergency crews will be staged as the storm moves in. Butler said the airport will be closed as the accumulation begins.
“As the conditions worsen, the only response will be issuing at that time will be life and death issues…Check on your neighbors. And just practice God’s love.”
