Savannah Standard

The City of Savannah is continuing its recovery efforts following the impact of Hurricane Helene. The city remains under a state of emergency, which was declared on September 25, allowing the activation of the Emergency Operations Plan. Emergency services and government operations are actively responding to the needs of affected residents.

City Manager Joseph A. Melder has implemented a measure under City Ordinance 3-3008 that permits the Development Services Department to waive all permit fees for repairs related to damage caused by Hurricane Helene. This waiver will be available from October 1 through November 1, 2024. Residents and businesses requiring repairs due to the storm can apply for this fee waiver alongside their permit application. More information on qualifications and applications can be found at savannahga.gov/helenerecovery.

As of Thursday, October 3, an operational update from the city indicates that 339 structures have been affected by the hurricane, with varying degrees of damage: 15 minor, 96 major, and eight destroyed. The estimated cost for public assistance is over $10.5 million.

Sanitation and debris collection efforts are underway with approximately 300,000 cubic yards of debris across the city. Contracted debris operations are set to begin on Friday while residential refuse collection and street sweeping continue as normal. However, recycling services have been suspended.

Community centers in Savannah are mostly operating on regular hours except for Woodville Center and Windsor Forrest Regional Center due to power outages. Temporary comfort and charging centers have been established at Tompkins Regional Center and Grant Center Gymnasium from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., along with several neighborhood charging stations throughout the city.

Traffic conditions remain challenging with five roads impacted and eight traffic signals out of service. Residents are encouraged to report any broken tree limbs via the city's hotline at 311 as all city-owned cemeteries remain closed.

Resources available for residents include information on gasoline availability, debris cleanup assistance through Crisis Cleanup, FEMA Individual Assistance, and reporting price gouging incidents.

Georgia Power reports approximately 11,917 power outages affecting about 7.4% of the community as of October 3.

Public safety calls related to the event include a total of 940 calls received by Savannah Police Department, 4,456 by Savannah Fire Department, and 452 calls made to the city's helpline at 311.

Residents seeking updates specific to Savannah's recovery efforts are encouraged to follow @cityofsavannah on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.