The Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and E-911 have announced that they have been awarded several significant grants aimed at enhancing community safety and emergency response capabilities.

The first grant comes from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, funded by the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency. This grant will provide essential funding for the purchase and installation of a tornado siren for the Teloga Community. The siren will be strategically located at the Teloga Volunteer Fire Department. The total cost for this project is $25,916.29, with Chattooga County contributing a cost share of $1,554.98. Additionally, the county has been awarded $1,295.81 for subrecipient management costs associated with the project.  The siren will be tested on the first Wednesday of every month at 12 PM, provided there’s no inclement weather.

In addition to the tornado siren grant, Chattooga County EMA/E-911 has successfully secured two additional grants through the federal FY2024 State Homeland Security Program. One of these grants will focus on enhancing cybersecurity measures within the EMA/E-911 system, ensuring that vital communications remain secure and operational. The second grant will benefit the Chattooga County Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT), providing essential equipment and supplies to support their chain saw teams and communication efforts. The CERT members play a critical role in disaster and emergency response throughout Chattooga County, assisting in various capacities to ensure community safety during crises.

Moreover, the county is currently awaiting approval for another grant through the same program for the Chattooga County Rescue Organization, with officials hopeful for a favorable response soon. Chattooga County has also been awarded the ACCG – Group Self-Insurance Workers’ Compensation Fund Employee Safety Grant, totaling $2,500. This funding will be used in collaboration with Chattooga County Public Works to purchase safety items from a preapproved list. These items, including radios, signage, warning tapes, vehicle and scene lighting, and reflective traffic cones, will significantly enhance the safety of work sites for both employees and citizens in the area.