City of Savannah, GA
10/04/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/04/2024 14:33
Hurricane Helene News Release #15
______________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 4, 2024
CONTACT:
Office of Communications
Hurricane Helene News Release #15
City to suspend state of emergency; Storm debris operations begin
SAVANNAH - City of Savannah recovery operations due to impacts from Hurricane Helene are underway and expected to continue over several weeks. The City of Savannah's state of emergency will expire at 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4.
Debris removal operations began today and are expected to last for the next four to six weeks or until completed. The City estimates there is around 300,000 cubic yards of debris.
Residents are reminded yard waste collection should be limited to containerized materials in paper bags or 32-gallon cans and placed at the regular point-of-collection without blocking the roadway or storm drains.
Limbs and other vegetative debris should be placed on the right-of-way and not on the street for collection. Residents are asked to not place debris near trees, poles, or other structures that may hinder removal. Storm debris should be separated by type: vegetative waste, bulk items, and demolition debris.
Due to the high volume of food spoilage from prolonged wide-spread power outages, the City's Sanitation Department has suspended all recycling services until further notice. Residential refuse collection routes will proceed as normal.
Recycling carts can be used for garbage overflow and left with garbage carts curbside at the normal point-of-collection. If refuse collection was missed this week, residents can file a service request by calling 311, online at savannahga.gov/311or via the SAV311 mobile app.
Property owners are encouraged to reach out to their insurance provider for potential assistance with storm related damages. Insurance providers can often expedite the repair process. Renters and tenants should reach out to their respective landlord or management company.
Property owners and renters can also seek disaster relief assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at disasterassistance.gov.
The City's Development Services Department is waiving all permit fees associated with work to repair damage resulting from Hurricane Helene. The fee waiver will be in effect from Oct. 1 through Nov. 1, 2024.
Residents and businesses in need of repairs caused by the severe weather event can apply for a permit fee waiver from the City in conjunction with a permit application for the work related to repairs. Specific qualifications for the wavier as well as the application, and other recovery resources, can be found at savannahga.gov/helenerecovery.
As of Friday morning, Georgia Power estimated 3,642 outages remain affected 2.2% of the community. Residents are encouraged to consult outagemap.georgiapower.com for more information.
The City is partnering with Georgia Power to assist in sharing information about power restoration. Georgia Power is our public utility power supplier. The City has no direct responsibility for power restoration.
City-owned cemeteries will remain closed through Thursday, Oct. 10 due to cleanup operations. Cemeteries are expected to reopen on Friday, Oct. 11. Some areas may still be taped off due to safety issues. Visitors are urged to follow all guidelines from cemetery personnel when visiting.
For more information on recovery efforts, visit www.savannahga.gov/helenerecovery
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