Jeff Davis County, Georgia

STORM INFORMATION PHONE NUMBER:
Jeff Davis EMA has set up an information line to assist residents with storm information and help answer your questions. Please call: 912-375-6628.

Follow the Jeff Davis EMA Facebook page for current information regarding storm cleanup efforts, meal and supply distributions and other pertinent information. 

POWER OUTAGES:

Satilla REMC is communicating with Jeff Davis EMA every morning about where they are working. We will post the areas of where they are working on Jeff Davis EMA Facebook page. Jeff Davis County does not have control or dictate where the power companies will be restoring power next. If you are experiencing a power outage, report it 24/7 online, directly from the Satilla REMC app, or by calling (888) 738-6926. 

For more information about Satilla REMC Power Outages, Outage map, Preparation and Safety, click here

REPORT HOME DAMAGE IN JEFF DAVIS COUNTY:

Hurricane Helene Home Damage? Help Us Paint the Full Picture

If your home was impacted by Hurricane Helene, we need your help! Jeff Davis County is gathering information to better understand the full scope of damage across our community. By self-reporting the damage to your property, you’ll help ensure the county has an accurate picture to guide recovery efforts.

📝 Report your home damage here:
Self-Report Hurricane Helene Damage

Your input is crucial for shaping the future response and making sure the right resources are directed where they are needed most. It only takes a few minutes to fill out, and your report will make a big difference.

ASSISTANCE WITH TREE AND HOME DEBRIS REMOVAL: 

Crisis Cleanup is an organization that will connect volunteers with citizens to help with cleanup efforts. They offer FREE volunteer help cleaning up after Hurricane Helene. If you need assistance cleaning up your property, call the Crisis Cleanup Hotline at 844-965-1386 or sign up online for their assistance.

SIGN UP FOR CRISIS CLEANUP BY CALLING: 844-965-1386. Or ONLINE at https://crisiscleanup.org/disasters

COMMUNITY DISTRIBUTION CENTERS: 122 Kirkland Still Road (Fairgrounds). Supplies available for pick up include: Water and Meals-Ready-to-Eat (MREs). Open 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM Monday to Thursday.

DEBRIS PICK UP:

If you have the ability, please move all vegetative debris to the curbside where it will be collected and moved off the property. Place debris on the curbside. Phillip and Jordan contractors will be picking up curbside storm-related debris starting October 8th. Please follow the guidelines and tips by reviewing the image above.

All Hurricane Helene storm related debris can be placed on the curbside. Debris haulers will pick it up.

FEMA Assistance: 

FEMA has programs available where individuals and businesses can apply for assistance if they were impacted by disasters. To find out more information, please visit: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/

The FEMA Helpline (800-621-3362) may be able to provide additional referrals. 

FEMA Individual and Household Assistance Program

Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides financial and direct services to eligible individuals and households affected by a disaster, who have uninsured or under-insured necessary expenses and serious needs. IHP assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by a disaster. The assistance is intended to meet your basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts. 

US Small Business Association Disaster Assistance

FEMA partners with other agencies to help meet the needs of disaster survivors. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners and renters in a declared major disaster area. You don’t need to own a business to apply for SBA assistance.

                                                           *FUNDS YOU GET FROM SBA MUST BE REPAID OVER TIME.*

SATILLE REMC FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Below is a list of FAQs from Satilla REMC about power outages related to Hurricane Helene:

1. Q – When will I have power?
A --We can’t give you a specific time because of the complexities of multiples outages. (More details with the unique challenges that rural cooperatives, such as Satilla EMC, face during major storms is listed in earlier post)

2. Q – Why does my neighbor have power, and I don’t?
A --Each outage is uniquely different. Some members may have power restored while others nearby remain without it due to issues with their service lines or equipment. Crews follow a structured process, starting at the substation, then moving to distribution feeders and tap lines, before finally addressing individual service connections, the last step in the restoration process.

3. Q—When will crews reach my area?
A -- Satilla has over 7,000 miles of power lines in nine rural counties --just because you don’t see the crews doesn’t mean they are not working on your outage. The cause of an outage may be miles from an affected home or business.

4. Q –Prepaid Balance Information
During normal circumstances, our prepaid metering system estimates power usage when meter readings are unavailable. When communication with the meter is restored, the system will reconcile. If overestimated, it will credit the account the amount of overbilling. If underestimated, it will bill the account for the unbilled usage. However, during this extended outage, we are going to suspend the daily billing process. When enough restoration has been made to our system, your account will be billed for any usage since last billed.

5. Q—I have solar panels on my home. Why don’t I have power?
A-- In most cases you will not have energy from your solar panels during an outage unless you have also installed a battery storage system. Solar panels alone will not serve as a backup generator. Solar panels produce direct current (DC) electricity. This must be converted to alternating current (AC) in order to be utilized in your home. The inverter on your system makes this conversion and requires an energy source to operate.

6. Q—Am I responsible for trimming trees off my line?
A – Do not go near or touch a tree that is touching a power line. If a tree is too close to a power line, wait for us to clear it.