NWS: Wet Microburst Caused Trion Storm Damage, Winds May Have Reached 60-70 MPH

The damaging storm that struck Trion Monday afternoon was not a tornado, according to the National Weather Service, but rather a downburst, likely a wet microburst, capable of producing winds estimated at 60 to 70 mph.

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Traffic Change Planned On Rena Street During Finster Fest

Chattooga County EMA is advising motorists about a temporary traffic change near Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Pennville during Finster Fest this weekend.

According to the Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency, Rena Street will temporarily operate as a one-lane road during the festival on Saturday and Sunday, September 19 and 20.

The traffic change is expected to go into effect Saturday morning between 7 and 8 AM and remain in place until the conclusion of the event.

County officials say the adjustment is necessary because of the large number of pedestrians expected to be walking to and from Finster Fest, along with buses transporting festival attendees throughout the weekend.

Motorists traveling through the area are being asked to use caution, watch for pedestrians and be prepared for possible delays.

Finster Fest will be held Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM until 5 PM each day at Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Pennville.

Chattooga County EMA To Host Blood Drive In October

The Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency is teaming up with Blood Assurance for a community blood drive next month in Summerville.

The blood drive will be held Friday, October 9, from 12:30 until 3:30 PM at the Chattooga County EMA office, 170 Farrar Drive in Summerville.

Blood Assurance encourages residents who are able to donate to participate, emphasizing its message of “Give Local, Save Local.” Blood collected through the organization helps provide a local supply for hospitals and patients throughout the region.

Those planning to donate are encouraged to eat a good meal beforehand, drink extra water, avoid energy drinks and bring identification.

As an added incentive, donors who give blood during the month of October will receive a “Blood Donors Are Game Changers” T-shirt, while supplies last.

Appointments can be made using the QR code included on the blood drive flyer.

The Chattooga County EMA blood drive is scheduled for Friday, October 9, from 12:30-3:30 PM at 170 Farrar Drive in Summerville.

Chattooga County CERT Training Gives Residents Skills To Help When Disaster Strikes

When tornadoes, flooding, severe storms or other emergencies strike, firefighters, law enforcement officers and medical crews can quickly find themselves responding to multiple emergencies at the same time. That is where trained community volunteers can become an important part of the response.

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Chattooga County CERT Seeking New Members For September Training

Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency is inviting local residents to learn skills that could help their families, neighbors and community when disaster strikes by becoming members of the county’s Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT.

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Chattooga County EMA/E-911 Announces Logan’s List To Help First Responders Assist Residents With Special Needs

Chattooga County EMA/E-911 is preparing to implement a new voluntary program designed to give emergency responders important information before they arrive at the home of a resident who may have special needs.

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New Georgia Law Requires Registration of AED Locations With Chattooga County 911

Businesses, schools, churches, government agencies and other organizations in Chattooga County that own an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) are now required to register the device’s location with Chattooga County EMA/E-911 under a new state law that took effect July 1.

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Chattooga County EMA Hosting Community Blood Drive July 13

Residents will have an opportunity to help save lives and support local patients during an upcoming blood drive hosted by the Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency.

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Chattooga County EMA/E-911 Hiring Full-Time Communications Officers

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Chattooga County EMA/E-911 is currently hiring for a full-time Communications Officer position at the county’s E-911 Center.

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Chattooga County EMA Hosting Community Blood Drive May 15

The Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency is encouraging residents to roll up their sleeves and help save lives during an upcoming community blood drive.

The blood drive will take place Friday, May 15, from 12:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Chattooga County EMA building located at 170 Farrar Drive in Summerville.

The event is being held in partnership with Blood Assurance under the theme “Give Local, Save Local.”

Organizers encourage donors to eat a good meal before donating, avoid energy drinks, drink extra water, and bring a photo ID to the event.

Blood Assurance is also offering an incentive during the campaign period. Donors participating between May 1st and May 15th will be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card, with one winner selected per community.

Community members can scan the QR code on the event flyer to register or learn more about donation opportunities.