With the recent impact of Tropical Storm Debby and subsequent flooding from the Ogeechee River, staying informed and up to date on emergency management efforts is integral for public safety. Often the state and local government agencies for Bryan, Chatham and Effingham counties, as well their police, fire and emergency response departments, communicate through social platforms. If you are not following them or don't have access to the internet, you may not receive vital life- and property-saving information.
Over the past several days, posts like the one below popped up on Facebook, asking why residents were not better informed of flooding potential and where help could be found.
Savannah Morning News has compiled a list of sources and contacts to help coastal residents remain informed. As always, for all police, fire and emergency response organizations listed below, 911 is the emergency phone number citizens should call. Non-emergency phone numbers are provided below.
UPDATE: United Way expands rapid response disaster fund for Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty counties
What To Do: A step-by-step guide to restoring your home after a flood
Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMHSA)
When statewide emergency declarations are made, basic general safety information and links to local resources are compiled here.
- Phone: 404-635-7200 or 1-800-TRYGEMA (1-800-879-4362)
Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Southeast
For highways and state road closures as well as rerouting information
511 Georgia
Statewide road closures and traffic infromation
Bryan County
Counties are the governmental entities responsible for coordinating emergency management and setting up command centers during hurricanes, flooding and other major life-safety events.
Bryan County Fire and Emergency Services
City of Pembroke, Bryan County
Pembroke Police Department
Pembroke Fire Department
City of Richmond Hill, Bryan County
Richmond Hill Police Department
- Email: jsakelarios@richmondhill-ga.gov
Richmond Hill Fire Department
Chatham County
Chatham County is the fifth largest county in Georgia and consists of eight municipalities as well as other unincorporated areas. The municipalities are Savannah, Pooler, Garden City, Bloomingdale, Tybee Island, Vernonburg, Thunderbolt and Port Wentworth.
Chatham County Emergency Management Agency (CEMA)
Chatham County Government
Chatham County Fire Department
Chatham County established a fire services department in July 2024.
Chatham Emergency Services (private contract managed by county government)
The contracted emergency service provider transferred fire services to the Chatham County government in July 2024. Chatham EMS will continue to provide 911 and EMS services for all of Chatham County.
- Phone: 912-354-1011, for dispatch call 912-355-6688
City of Savannah
Savannah Police Department
Savannah Fire Department
City of Pooler
Pooler Police Department
Pooler Fire-Rescue Services
Garden City
Garden City Police Department
Garden City Fire-Rescue Department
City of Bloomingdale
Bloomingdale Police Department
Bloomingdale Fire Department
Tybee Island Government
Tybee Island Police Department
Tybee Island Fire Rescue
City of Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt Police Department
Thunderbolt Fire Department
City of Port Wentworth
Port Wentworth Police Department
Port Wentworth Fire Department
Vernonburg
Police, fire, and emergency management services are provided by Chatham County for Vernonburg.
Effingham County
Effingham County consists of the incorporated cities of Guyton, Rincon (its largest by population) and Springfield (its county seat) as well as other unincorporated areas.
Effingham County Government
Effingham Sherriff’s Department
Effingham Fire & Rescue
City of Guyton
Guyton Police Department
*The city of Guyton contracts with the Effingham County Fire & Rescue for services.
City of Rincon
Rincon Police Department
- Phone: 912-826-5200 or 912-754-8119
Rincon Fire Department
City of Springfield
Springfield Police Department
*The city of Springfield contracts with the Effingham County Fire & Rescue for services.
Relief Organizations
When fellow citizens are caught in the throes of natural disaster or other large-scale emergency situations, here are instrumental nonprofit organizations that often mobilize to help those in need:
- United Way of the Coastal Empire , uwce.org/ , 428 Bull St., 31401. UWCE will often active its Rapid Response Disaster Fund , which is a “partnership with the Emergency Management Agencies in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty counties to support disaster recovery in an emergency.”
- American Red Cross of Southeast Georgia , redcross.org/local/georgia , 41 Park of Commerce Way Building #200, Suite A, 31405. When disasters like the recent flooding event threaten Southeast Georgia residents, the Red Cross “provides onsite and follow up assistance helping clients with a place to stay, food, emotional support, comfort items and clean up kits.”
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Where do you turn for emergency information and services? Here's a list of important contacts
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