Message from
Camden County
Emergency Management Agency
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Recent experience with Hurricanes Matthew and Irma has taught Georgia residents statewide that we are at risk of both direct and indirect severe impacts should a storm make landfall anywhere in our region. With the Atlantic hurricane season starting on June 1st, the Camden County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) urge residents to take the time now to prepare, plan, and stay informed about hurricanes.
As a coastal state, and more importantly a coastal county, storms that form in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico have the potential to bring strong wind, tornadoes, storm surge, and inland flooding across Georgia. In an effort to educate residents on these potential hazards, GEMA's
Ready Georgia campaign supports State and Local Hurricane Preparedness.
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By planning ahead, you'll ensure that you and your loved ones are safe and secure. You'll also save yourself time, money, and worry. We hope you enjoy and gain valuable knowledge by reading the Hurricane Guide provided by the Camden County Board of County Commissioners and your Camden County Emergency Management Agency.
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Alberto
Beryl
Chris
Debby
Ernesto
Florence
Gordon
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Helene
Isaac
Joyce
Kirk
Leslie
Michael
Nadine
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Oscar
Patty
Rafael
Sara
Tony
Valerie
William
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The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) updated their
hurricane season forecast for 2018 in August. The update predicts 9-13 named storms (35 mph+ winds). Out of those, 4-7 storms may become hurricanes (74 mph+ winds) and 0-2 may reach major hurricane intensity (111 mph+ winds of Category 3 strength and higher).
Conditions in the ocean and the atmosphere are conspiring to produce a less active Atlantic hurricane season than initially predicted in May, though NOAA and FEMA are raising caution as the season enters its peak months.
“There are still more storms to come – the hurricane season is far from being over. We urge continued preparedness and vigilance,” said Gerry Bell, Ph.D., lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.
The emergency preparedness measures that you take in preparing for any severe weather event will greatly increase your family's chances for survival. Personal preparedness is everyone's responsibility. The more prepared we are as individuals the better enabled we will be to not only survive but also to assist others less fortunate.
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The
Ready Georgia website allows users to create a personalized Ready Kit checklist and communications plan, making it simple to take those first steps toward being prepared. There is also detailed information about hurricane-related hazards, as well as tips on how to protect your home and find local evacuation routes.
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Prepare for Hurricanes
- Compile a portable Ready Kit of emergency supplies in case you have to evacuate.
- Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a hurricane. A hurricane watch means a hurricane is possible in your area. A hurricane warning means a hurricane is expected in your area. If local authorities advise you to evacuate, leave immediately.
- Prepare to secure your property.
- Cover all of your home's windows with pre-cut plywood or hurricane shutters to protect your windows from high winds and keep all trees and shrubs well-trimmed.
- Make sure that you are Tech Ready as your wireless device may be your greatest resource during an emergency situation.
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Stay Informed
- Local authorities may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do. However, you should watch TV, listen to the radio, or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as it becomes available. Camden County will send out notifications to the public via CodeRED. Information will also be available through the Camden County EMA and the Camden County social media pages.
- Be alert for tornadoes and flooding. If you see a funnel cloud or if local authorities issue a tornado warning, take shelter underground or in an interior room away from windows. If waters are rising quickly or local authorities issue a flood or flash flood warning, seek higher ground.
- Stay away from downed power lines to avoid the risk of electric shock or electrocution.
- Do not return home until local authorities say it is safe. Even after the hurricane and after flood waters recede, roads may be weakened and could collapse. Buildings may be unstable, and drinking water may be contaminated. Use common sense and exercise caution.
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Evacuation procedures are intended to move people in a timely and orderly fashion. Affected residents are encouraged to depart in phases according to their evacuation zone.
Zone A is considered highest risk and includes Cumberland Island, other barrier islands, and low-lying areas that are vulnerable to flooding or isolation due to rising water. These areas area generally 1 to 10 feet above mean sea level. This is typically all areas east of US Highway 17.
Zone B includes areas that are 10 to 20 feet above mean sea level. This is generally all of Camden County west of US Highway 17.
Plan to Evacuate
- Plan how you will leave and where you will go if you are advised to evacuate.
- Information on Georgia evacuation routes and road conditions may be found at Georgia 511.
- Identify several places you could go in an emergency- a friend's home in another town or a hotel or motel in a different city.
- Be familiar with alternate routes and other means of transportation out of your area.
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Camden County and the cities of Kingsland, St. Marys, and Woodbine have partnered together to utilize
CodeRED to provide emergency notifications and severe weather warnings to their residents.
Camden County residents can register their homes to receive notifications and severe weather warnings as they are issued by local officials or the National Weather Service (NWS) in Jacksonville, Florida. Due to advances in technology these warnings are now issued just for the threatened area.
Camden County residents can register their address and telephone numbers to receive a message from the
CodeRED messaging system warning them of emergencies or impending severe weather within seconds of being issued by local officials or the NWS.
You can register landlines or cell phones. A TDD/TTY option is available for the hearing impaired. There is also a text messaging function available for cell phone users.
Weather Warning is a feature of
CodeRED that requires no action from local officials. As the warnings are issued by the NWS, Code Red will automatically send warning to the phone numbers that are registered to receive this service.
To register your address and phone number(s) for emergency notifications you must enter your information with
CodeRED. If you are unsure if you are registered, we encourage you to register again.
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Document and Insure Your Property
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Flood Insurance is an important component of preparing for potential tropical weather. A flood insurance policy generally takes effect 30 days after purchase, and homeowners and renters insurance do not typically cover flood damage.
Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States, and it can occur almost anywhere — not just in high-risk areas. On average, 25 to 30 percent of all flood claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are for properties outside high-risk flood areas.
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The Camden County Health Department maintains a
Hurricane Registry for those with functional, access, or medical needs who need transportation and have
no resources such as family, neighbors, or friends to help them evacuate if a hurricane is threatening our community. Residents must apply to the Registry in advance to receive transportation services. The Registry will stop accepting applications 72 hours prior to the arrival of topical storm force winds, so residents are encouraged to apply now.
To apply, residents should call the Camden County Health Department at 912-576-3040 (Woodbine) or 912-882-8515 (St. Marys). Applications are
available online.
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Camden County Unified Hurricane Re-Entry Plan
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The Camden County Unified Hurricane Re-Entry Plan for Camden County, Camden County Schools, Camden County Sheriff's Office, City of Kingsland, City of St. Marys, City of Woodbine, and Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay has been updated for the 2018 Hurricane Season and is
available on the Camden County website.
The re-entry plan balances the need for protection of the community while allowing residents and businesses to begin recovery. Local law enforcement will staff re-entry check points to restrict access. When conditions allow, access will occur in
five phases, although modifications to phased implementation could occur if determined necessary. Essential Public and Private Sector Personnel are required to possess a
State of Georgia Disaster Re-Entry Permit.
Application for these permits is through Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA).
Re-entry phases will be communicated primarily through the Camden County CodeRED Emergency Alerting system. All residents should ensure they maintain up-to-date
CodeRED registration at all times.
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Camden County Emergency Management Agency | Camden County Board of Commissioners
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