Chairman Ben Casey signed a State of Emergency for Camden County. Additionally, an evacuation has been ordered for Zone A, which consists of Cumberland Island and Little Cumberland Island.
Earlier this year the Camden County Board of Commissioners approved new hurricane evacuation zones for Camden County. The county now features four zones to better reflect risk and evacuation management. Camden County residents, regardless of zone, should strongly consider voluntary evacuation in low lying areas. Locations that have flooded in the past are likely to flood during this tropical event. Residents in manufactured housing should consider relocating to a stronger structure.
The Chairman of the Board of Commissioners has exercised, for such periods as the State of Emergency exists, these emergency powers to perform and exercise such powers, and duties as may be necessary to promote and secure the safety and protection of the public, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 38-3-27 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT and Official Code of Camden County Chapter 22: CIVIL EMERGENCIES (PDF). This State of Emergency Declaration shall remain in effect until rescinded.
Based on storm speed and track, Idalia is forecast to impact our community beginning some time early, Wednesday, August 30, 2023. Impacts may include sustained strong wind, downed trees, loss of power, and an increasing threat of tornadoes. Households should review their emergency plans and check their emergency supply kits. It’s now time to take necessary action to protect life and property. More preparedness information is available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s ready.gov.
Local residents are also encouraged to visit the National Hurricane Center, www.nhc.noaa.gov, and the National Weather Service Office in Jacksonville, www.weather.gov/jax, as trusted sites for weather related information. In addition, Camden County residents are urged to sign-up for the CodeRED Emergency Notification System by visiting www.camdencountyga.gov/CodeRED. CodeRED is critical during situations like this as a direct method of communication from Camden County EMA to your landline, cell phone, or email. TDD/TTY service is also available. Participants will be notified in the event of emergency situations or critical community alerts.
Camden County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), the Camden County Sheriff’s Office, and in partnership with the cities of Kingsland, St. Marys, and Woodbine, along with Camden County Schools, and the National Weather Service (NWS) will coordinate incident response and public communications. Local residents should continue to monitor Camden County Website, Public Information Hub, and Camden County EMA Facebook for updates.