The City of Douglas is busy preparing for the winter storm that is fast approaching. According to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, FL, Douglas and Coffee County will be in a Winter Storm Warning effective until 6pm Wednesday, January 29th. Rain will be changing to freezing rain and sleet, which may produce ice accumulations which would result in dangerous driving conditions on icy roads and bridges. The Public Safety Departments of the City of Douglas and Coffee County are teaming together to prepare for 24 hour around the clock safety and care for citizens.
“As the Mayor of Douglas, I want to commend our City departments for their prompt ability to organize and prepare for this winter storm, which is rare to South Georgia. In our effort to be prepared, we are asking citizens to be mindful of the dangerous conditions this storm may produce. Therefore, we must advise citizens that if conditions are too extreme, public safety workers may be delayed in responding to your emergency. We ask that citizens have patience and understanding as the City works to provide safety response during the next 48 hours. Should a customer lose residential power, contact our 311 Customer Care Center and report the problem and if possible, team up with a family member or friend who has alternative heating until the storm passes or repair is completed. If there is a need for a local shelter to open, Red Cross will be the decision and will push the notice out to EMA and local officials.”
Some of the steps City Public Safety and Utility Departments are taking to make sure they are prepared include: gathering chain saws, sand, and scheduling employees for 24 hour shifts. The Police Department, Fire Department, Electrical, Public Works, and the 311 Customer Care Departments will be operating around the clock. The City of Douglas plans to be open to provide emergency services and public safety, but other non-essential offices will be closed due to inclement weather conditions. Transwaste will not run normal trash service on Wednesday, January 29th, and the transfer station will be closed due to the extreme weather conditions. Transwaste will work through Saturday to make up sanitation collection for the week.
For extreme emergencies, citizens should call 9-1-1 and for any City related Utilities emergency, please dial 3-1-1 to reach a City of Douglas Customer Care Service Specialist or call 384-3302.
