The Athens-Clarke County government is prepared to react to damage expected from Tropical Storm Irma. County Manager Blaine Williams says those involved in the process are based at the Emergency Operations Center which has been set up at the Athens-Clarke County Police Department.
“The Emergency Management Administrator runs that, and all the key departments have a representative in that room, along with some our community partners and that way, any type of response is very well coordinator.”
There’s a wide range of agencies comprising that team working to repair storm damage, clear debris, and whatever else is needed.
“Well as you would image the fire department, police department, our transportation and public works department as it relates to signals. The streets crew works with Georgia Power to clean up debris and Georgia Power is a big partner in trying to de-energize lines so we can get the work done. Those are some of the major partners. The Emergency management Agency is is control of coordinating the response.”
So far Williams says the damage consists of several downed trees, but that is expected to change since the heaviest winds are expected tonight and into tomorrow morning.
“So many resources have been pulled toward Texas and Florida,’ Williams said. “Our power companies and other folks have sent folks down there that it’s going to probably take longer than normal to get service restored, but they’re going to be doing the best that they can.”
