Crews are preparing for the storm

Baldwin Public Works crews have been preparing for the impending storm for more than two days, according to Baldwin Public Works Director Scott Barnhart. “We have been preparing since Monday,” he said. Their preparations are no different than other road teams in the region.

Barnhart has worked in the public construction sector for over 25 years. Preparing for an approaching storm is a given. Growing up on the Florida coast meant he was prepared for the occasional hurricane.

Prepare

Since the rain began, construction crews have been driving through the city looking for places where water is standing on the streets and cannot drain away. Barnhart said once those areas are identified, crews will shovel openings in the shoulder to allow water to drain off the road and protect motorists from hydroplaning.

Crews checked ditches and cross drains to clear any blockages that could prevent water from flowing out. They pay particular attention to ditches and cross channels in areas that typically cause problems during heavy rain events.

Water and sewage

Other areas that some would not think of include maintaining other services such as water and sewer. Barnhart said sewer crews are checking the manholes and making sure they are clear and free of debris.

He also increased the level of water tanks in the city as a precautionary measure. It benefits the city in two ways, Barnhart said. For one thing, when the wind blows in, the extra water increases the weight of the tank, helping to keep it on the ground. The second reason is the availability of additional water in the event of a major water main break due to street flooding or falling trees pulling water pipes out of the ground.

equipment

Another aspect of preparing for the storm is ensuring that all of the department’s equipment is maintained, fueled and loaded when the wind finally picks up. Barnhart said all chainsaws have been serviced and new chains installed and are ready to go when needed.

He said they would have road barricades ready in case a road needed to be closed. Barnhart said he didn’t get crews to pre-stage them in the city’s troubled areas because the wind might blow them away.

Additional resources

Barnhart said he has already contacted additional resources in case the storm is worse than his crews can handle. He has contacted two tree removal companies and has their phone numbers in case the need arises. He also contacted a construction company to be available should the city have water or sewer issues.

Security

For Barnhart, crew safety is his biggest concern. He said if the storm becomes too dangerous, his crews will be stationed at their workshop and respond with fire, EMS and emergency law enforcement personnel until the storm subsides somewhat.

During the storm event, Barnhart said that while his teams are on the lookout for downed trees and flooding, they will notify central dispatch of any issues they encounter, whether it’s the closure of a road due to trees blocking the road , or floods. After notification of operational readiness, the emergency services begin clearing the road if possible.

His advice to the public during the storm event is simple. “If you don’t need to be outside, don’t be outside,” Barnhart said.

Habersham County Public Works Director Jerry Baggett said the county had crews prepared for the storm that was expected to hit overnight. “We have six crews responding to the storm this evening. They all have vehicles that are ready for immediate use. We also have all trucks and equipment full of fuel and ready to go if needed,” he said.

Baggett assures the public that county crews are prepared for any issues that arise. “We are prepared for the roads to be washed out, with so much rain and wind it will most likely happen. However, we won’t know how to assess the damage until it occurs, but again, we have teams and equipment ready to address any issues that arise.”

He added, “In addition to public works, we also have employees from Habersham County Emergency Services and the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office assisting the teams. “Anyone who works in storms is trained for these situations and knows the precautions needed to stay safe on the job,” Baggett said.