Chatham County Health Department holds press conference on floodwater safety

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – The Chatham County Health Department leadership staff held a press conference on Friday both to inform the public and address concerns regarding floodwater safety.

Chatham County Commission Chairman and Board of Health member Chester A. Ellis was joined by Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) Director Dennis Jones, Chatham County Mosquito Control Director Ture Carlson, Chatham County Health Department Administrator Dr. Chris Rustin and Coastal Health District Health Director Dr. Bonzo Reddick. The press conference came nearly two weeks after Tropical Storm Debby’s initial landfall.

Ellis opened with thanks to each of the members of the department as well as the resilience of Chatham County’s citizens. He also acknowledged and commended Compassion Christian Church for their resource center.

Jones assured that water levels are receding in the county but there are still areas impacted by the heavy rainfall. Highway 17 over the Ogeechee River is still closed pending a bridge inspection by the Department of Transportation.

On Thursday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), and Small Business Administration (SBA) performed damage assessments based on individual assistance. At this time, there is no FEMA individual assistance declaration, which for the county would reach a financial threshold of $1.3 Million in assistance. For the state of Georgia, that threshold begins at $20 Million.

Reddick then addressed floodwater health risks, including the temptation for children to play in the water. Floodwater may contain human and animal waste or may conceal sharp objects beneath the surface. Another issue of concern is mosquitos, which are drawn to standing water.

For those who experience cuts, the Department of Health will collaborate with Compassion Christian Church to issue tetanus vaccinations on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Rustin spoke about property damage, advising the public to dump any container of water around their home. Mold and mildew are likely if there is water inside the home. These contain toxins that should not be breathed in, so personal protective equipment (such as masks and gloves) is encouraged. Do not mix bleach with ammonia when cleaning your home. Water wells should be flushed and disinfected.

Aerial spraying is underway daily for mosquitos in the county, with West Nile Season serving as a backdrop for Debby. Vector, Nuisance, and Southern Home Mosquitos are all perpetrators of health hazards.

Ellis closed the conference with a reminder of Chatham County’s sense of community.

“Be compassionate[…]Don’t go off,” Ellis said. “There is still one Chatham County.”