MEDIA

Local Red Cross loads up as EMA officials make plans

September 2018, Columbia County, Georgia
News 12 WRDW Georgia

COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Georgia Governor Nathan Deal has issued a State of Emergency for all Georgia counties, including Columbia and Richmond Counties. But, so far, no government offices or agencies are set to close down for Hurricane Florence.

Emergency management agencies in both counties have been working hard since Deal’s announcement came down earlier Wednesday.

Columbia County tells News 12 they have officials on standby to help if they’re called to do so, and Richmond County says they’re still drafting a statement but don’t expect any major shifts in operations.

Storm services trucks help in natural disasters from flooding, fire and hurricanes just like Florence. In the trucks are heavy duty supplies like kitchen sets, washer and dryers, and bed sets.

Earlier Wednesday, we saw 50 of the estimated 200 trucks come in to Columbia County to load up and ship out. At the start of the day, drivers knew they'd make the trek to both the Carolinas. As the storm is shifting, that could still change.

EMA teams locally stand firm that they’re not making major moves right now. “No, not right now. We're still making coordinating with our partners to keep the county moving if something hits us,” said Columbia County EMA Director Andy Leanza.

Columbia County says Richmond County has the lead on this, because together they're working with the Red Cross headquarters in Augusta for shelter missions and any other assistance.

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