All Gwinnett County government offices, with the exception of those operations required for the comfort and safety of the citizens of the County, will be closed Monday, February 20 for the Presidents’ Day holiday. County offices will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, February 21.

A Magistrate Court judge is available 24 hours a day at the Gwinnett County Detention Center, including holidays.

Presidents’ Day is not a trash and recycling holiday. The Gwinnett County Solid Waste and Recycling Call Center will be closed February 20, but hauler call centers will be open. Residents can search for their solid waste hauler to get their hauler’s contact information.

(Suwanee, Ga., February 16, 2012) - Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center in partnership with Spectrum is providing a caring and enriching environment where children with autism and other cognitive disabilities can experience a wide variety of Creative Thearapy Programs. These programs include music, dance, and a variety of art media taught in a safe, friendly, and structured learning atmosphere. Children will explore and discover their creative capabilities, fostering ongoing social and educational development. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to attend and siblings can also join in the fun.

Art and dance therapy programs help children with autism and other cognitive disabilities develop social skills; improve self-esteem, mental, and physical symptoms; and reduce pain, anxiety, and muscle tension. Dance and music therapy specifically can calm and stimulate, aid communication, socialization, and enhance posture and coordination as well as improve confidence and self-esteem.

To register or for more information on the various Therapeutic Recreation Programs, or if you are interested in volunteering, visit www.gwinnettparks.com or call 770-417-2200.

                  Creative Therapy Programs
                  Dance, all ages, Wed., Feb. 15 - Mar, 14, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. $32/person
                  Dance, all ages, Wed., Mar. 28 - Apr. 18, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. $32/person
                  Painting/Drawing, age 5-up, Wed., Feb. 22 - May 28, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. $50/person
                  Pottery Wheel, age 12-up, Thurs., Apr. 5 - May 10, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. $50/person

(Lawrenceville, Ga., Feb. 16, 2012) - All Gwinnett County government offices, with the exception of those operations required for the comfort and safety of the citizens of the county, will be closed Monday, Feb. 20 for the Presidents' Day holiday. All offices will resume regular working hours on Tuesday, Feb. 21.

A Magistrate Court judge is available 24 hours a day at the Gwinnett County Detention Center, including holidays.

Haulers will follow their normal trash and recycling pickup schedule on the week of the Presidents' Day holiday. The Gwinnett County Solid Waste and Recycling Call Center will be closed Feb. 20, but hauler call centers will be open. Residents can visit www.gwinnettcounty.com to get their hauler's contact information.

(Lawrenceville, Ga., Feb. 17, 2012) – Gwinnett Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash presented the annual State of the County address to a gathering of community and business leaders on Feb. 15 at the Gwinnett Center in Duluth. The annual luncheon is hosted by the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and the Council for Quality Growth. A video recording of the speech is now available on demand at www.tvgwinnett.com. The speech will also air frequently on TVgwinnett, the county’s government access cable channel, beginning at 8 p.m. today.

Nash opened her address with thanks to county and city officials for their willingness to work together and approve the service delivery strategy agreement on Feb. 7. Nash pointed out how the county’s firm foundation from past leadership and investments have made Gwinnett attractive to businesses. "I'm not pretending we have no challenges. However, we already have the key to continued prosperity in our hands, building on the firm foundation this community has created to this point," she said. Nash took the time to thank businesses whose efforts have increased employment by more than 3 percent over the last year, and video testimonials highlighted businesses who recently decided to invest in Gwinnett.

She also mentioned the financial stability of the county. The Board adopted a balanced 2012 budget that does not use reserves or make additional cuts in services despite the declining tax digest. “We are stretching our dollars in some areas so that we can fund critical and mandatory functions,” she said.

Nash announced several initiatives that the county will take on in 2012, including Operation Good Neighbor. The program is intended to combat the decline in properties and neighborhoods that the county cannot handle directly by organizing private sector and volunteer efforts. Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful has agreed to lead the way for other organizations to participate in the program. Nash also unveiled the start of the Volunteer Gwinnett program, designed to engage residents in volunteer activities to support government operations and potentially save money.

“As I look to the future, I know we will work together to strengthen the county and will accomplish our common goals,” she said. “We’ve done it before here in Gwinnett, and with all of us working together, we can do it again.”

The Presidential Preference Primary and Nonpartisan Election will take place on Tuesday, March 6. Advance voting for the election will take place now through March 2 at the Elections Office located at 455 Grayson Highway in Lawrenceville from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. Voting will also take place on Saturday, February 25 at the Elections office and at satellite locations from February 27 to March 2. Please visit www.gwinnettelections.com for locations. Voters can request an absentee ballot for the general election through March 2. A completed application must first be received before an absentee ballot is issued. Call the Voter Registration and Elections division at 678.226.7210 to request an application or complete the form online. For more information, visit www.gwinnettelections.com or call 678.226.7210. The election results will be available on the County website and TVgwinnett on election night.

Board Chairman Charlotte Nash delivered her State of the County address (read the text) on Wednesday, February 15 at the Gwinnett Center during the annual State of the County luncheon hosted by the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and the Council for Quality Growth.

"I'm not pretending we have no challenges. However, we already have the key to continued prosperity in our hands, building on the firm foundation this community has created to this point," she said.

The State of the County address will be available for viewing on Friday, February 17 beginning at 8:00pm on TVgwinnett, which is accessible online, on demand and on the government access cable channels of Charter, Comcast, and AT&T- U-verse.

Gwinnett Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash announced the official launch of the countywide volunteer program, Volunteer Gwinnett, during the annual State of the County address on February 15 and called on residents, businesses, and organizations to get involved.

The Volunteer Gwinnett program offers an easy way for interested residents and businesses to read about countywide volunteer opportunities, sign up online, track service hours, and submit project requests. The program also includes a standardized training and registration process along with events to recognize volunteers for their service. In addition, each County department, agency, and office has designated staff to manage their volunteer opportunities and volunteers, and Volunteer Gwinnett volunteers will have the unique opportunity to learn firsthand how local government impacts the community.

While some departments already have active volunteer programs in place, the comprehensive Volunteer Gwinnett program was developed in response to an Engage Gwinnett committee recommendation to engage residents in volunteer activities to support government operations and potentially save money. “This program gives every resident an opportunity to give back to our community in a meaningful way, gain valuable experience, and help us keep expenses down,” said Chairman Nash.

Many County departments already use volunteers to assist with events and daily activities, but this is the County’s first centralized volunteer program. “Last year, volunteers donated 471,000 valuable hours, and with the launch of the Volunteer Gwinnett program, we hope it will be easier for more residents to get involved and find ways to use their talents,”said Kay Sibetta, Volunteer Gwinnett Coordinator.

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to implement a countywide volunteer program in August 2011, establishing a goal to reach one million volunteer hours per year by 2015.

For more information and access to Gwinnett’s volunteer network, visit www.volunteergwinnett.net.

(Lawrenceville, Ga., Feb. 15, 2012) - Gwinnett Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash announced the official launch of the countywide volunteer program, Volunteer Gwinnett, during the annual State of the County address today and called on residents, businesses and organizations to get involved.

The Volunteer Gwinnett program offers an easy way for interested residents and businesses to read about countywide volunteer opportunities, sign up online, track service hours and submit project requests. The program also includes a standardized training and registration process along with events to recognize volunteers for their service. In addition, each county department, agency and office has designated staff to manage their volunteer opportunities and volunteers, and Volunteer Gwinnett volunteers will have the unique opportunity to learn firsthand how local government impacts the community.

While some departments already have active volunteer programs in place, the comprehensive Volunteer Gwinnett program was developed in response to an Engage Gwinnett committee recommendation to engage residents in volunteer activities to support government operations and potentially save money. "This program gives every resident an opportunity to give back to our community in a meaningful way, gain valuable experience and help us keep expenses down," said Chairman Nash.

 Many County departments already use volunteers to assist with events and daily activities, but this is Gwinnett's first centralized volunteer program. "Last year, volunteers donated 471,000 valuable hours, and with the launch of the Volunteer Gwinnett program, we hope it will be easier for more residents to get involved and find ways to use their talents," said Kay Sibetta, Volunteer Gwinnett Coordinator.

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to implement a countywide volunteer program in August 2011, establishing a goal to reach one million volunteer hours per year by 2015.

For more information and access to Gwinnett's volunteer network, visit www.volunteergwinnett.net.

A new Animal Task Force began reviewing current animal-related ordinances and services, developing best practices, studying the role of the Animal Advisory Committee, and making recommendations to Gwinnett commissioners at its first meeting on December 27. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at 7:00pm at the Animal Welfare and Enforcement Center, 884 Winder Highway in Lawrenceville. All meetings are open to the public with some designed to get input and comments.

Gwinnett has reduced the euthanasia rate at the shelter over the past few years, but the number of incoming animals has been rising in the economic downturn. The Board of Commissioners charged the 17-member task force with developing both short and long-term strategies to increase adoptions, improve animal welfare, and protect human safety. The review and recommendation process will take about four months.

Task force members, appointed by commissioners, include members of cat, dog and large animal rescue groups and representatives of agricultural and animal-related businesses. For more information, visit the Animal Task Force webpage.

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners appointed an Animal Task Force to identify short and long term strategies to improve the services offered by the County's Animal Welfare and Enforcement Unit and the Animal Welfare Center.

To assist with this effort, the Animal Task Force wants your feedback on the operation of the Gwinnett County Animal Welfare Center. Please select the following link to complete a brief survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/6SQRQKC.

Chief Superior Court Judge David Barrett of the Enotah Judicial Circuit has signed a consent order approving the settlement reached by Gwinnett County and Gwinnett cities on February 7, 2012. The consent order signed February 8 by Judge Barrett replaces his earlier rulings issued in September 2011 and October 2009. The Clerk of the Gwinnett Superior Court has entered the signed consent order as a final order. Gwinnett County is in the process of withdrawing its appeal and other petitions that are pending with the Georgia Supreme Court. These actions mark the end of the Service Delivery Strategy (SDS) litigation between Gwinnett County and Gwinnett's cities.

The consent order requires the establishment of four new service districts and outlines the funding mechanisms for Fire and Emergency Medical Services; Police Services; Loganville Emergency Medical Services; and Planning, Development, Zoning and Code Enforcement Services. Under the settlement terms, Gwinnett County will provide services, such as police and fire, only to cities that elected to participate in the special service district for each service.

As required in the consent order, these service districts were created on February 7 by the adoption of resolutions and joint resolutions by the County and participating cities. However, the service districts will not be effective until January 1, 2013. Beginning in 2013, property owners in those cities that opted out of certain service districts will not pay county property taxes for services provided to the service districts by the County. There will be no changes in county property tax billing in 2012; however, the change in service providers is effective immediately.

The consent order also directs the lifting of sanctions that have prevented the parties to the lawsuit from receiving state loans, grants and permits, but the order and associated documents must be filed with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs in order to activate removal of the sanctions.

"I am pleased that we were finally able to come to an agreement among ourselves rather than have to either abide by the trial court's ruling or continue the lengthy and uncertain appeal process," said Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash. "The settlement is much preferable to the trial court ruling." The original court order required the creation of eight service districts as of January 1, 2012, and created multiple operational issues. It could have necessitated a millage increase in 2012 for almost all property owners in Gwinnett County due to lack of transition time prior to implementing the service districts.

State law requires that cities and counties operate under an SDS agreement that defines the services to be provided by each jurisdiction and sets out how those services are funded. The last SDS agreement was to be revised in 2009, but the County and the municipal governments failed to agree on a plan going forward. A lawsuit was filed by Gwinnett County in March 2009. The dispute went to trial in August 2010. In September 2011, the trial judge issued an order, which was appealed by the County. Despite the ruling by the Court and the appeal by the County, the cities and the County continued to work toward settlement.

"It's worth repeating that countless hours of negotiations and a great deal of hard work went into reaching this settlement," said Gwinnett County Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash. "The issues surrounding service delivery and funding would not have been resolved without the commitment of all the elected officials involved - mayors, council members and commissioners."

District 1 Commissioner Shirley Lasseter said, "We are thrilled to get this matter behind us so we can focus on other important business."

"I am thankful to Chairman Nash and the 15 mayors for working hard to reach an agreement as well as the countless staff members who were part of the effort," said District 2 Commissioner Lynette Howard. "This settlement keeps our community from being subjected to a trial court ruling that would have undermined economic efficiencies and created untenable consequences for everyone involved. This settlement avoids an appeals process that could have continued for years."

"When I took office last year, I recognized SDS as one of the most pressing issues facing the County," said District 4 Commissioner John Heard. "I am pleased that we have finally resolved the matter so that the County and the cities can provide the best possible services at the least possible cost. This benefits the citizens of our cities and the citizens of Gwinnett County, who, by the way, are the same taxpayers."

Be prepared for floods
Floods are the number one severe weather-related killer in the United States. In Georgia, they are number two, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Many communities experienced severe flooding in 2009 caused by rains and heavy thunderstorms in the spring and fall. Hundreds of homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed, and 10 people lost their lives.

Floods can be slow or fast rising but generally develop over a period of days. Flash floods usually result from intense storms dropping large amounts of rain within a brief period. They occur with little or no warning and can reach full peak in only a few minutes. Neighborhoods located in low-lying areas are particularly at risk for flooding. However, those near bodies of water or downstream from a dam also are vulnerable.

Nearly half of all flood-related deaths occur when people drive into floodwaters and their vehicle is swept away. Turning around instead of driving through the flooded area can prevent most of these fatalities. It is difficult to determine how deep the water is or the condition of the road when it is flooded, particularly at night, when vision is limited. Few people realize that only 6 inches of water can knock over an adult and a mere 2 feet of water can sweep away most vehicles.

Friday, February 10 is Flood Safety Day. Governor Nathan Deal, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security (GEMA), and NWS encourage residents to learn how to prepare for and respond to floods. Below is some information to help you develop a plan and be ready to act before a flood or flash flood threatens you or your family:

Know what to expect

• Know your area's flood risk -- if you are unsure, call your local emergency management agency office or planning and zoning department, or visit www.floodsmart.gov
• If it has rained hard for several hours or rained steadily for several days, prepare for the possibility of flooding
• Monitor NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for the latest weather forecasts, or download the Ready Georgia mobile app

Reduce potential flood damage

• Avoid building or buying a home in a floodplain
• Raise your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded
• Consult a professional for further information about damage reduction measures that you can implement

Floods can take several hours or days to develop

• A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area
• A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area

Flash floods can take only a few minutes or a few hours to develop

• A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area
• A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon

Prepare a Family Disaster Plan

• Check to see if you need flood insurance. Visit www.floodsmart.gov to learn more about your risk and the National Flood Insurance Program
• Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe deposit box
• Make an evacuation plan. Decide in advance where you will go – you may choose a hotel, or stay with family or friends -- and what route you will use to get there Determine an alternative route in case roads are blocked
• Your family might not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will reconnect. Choose a meeting place outside of your neighborhood in case your family is apart and unable to return home due to flooded road
• Determine an out-of-town contact. It may be easier to text or call long distance if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service. Everyone should have emergency contact information in writing or programmed into their cell phones
• Keep a car, hand-crank, or solar charger to charge cell phones when the power goes out
• If you do not have a cell phone, keep a prepaid phone card
• Plan ahead for your pets. Emergency shelters cannot accept pets due to health reasons, so it’s important to find a pet-friendly hotel or make arrangements with family or friends in advance

Assemble a ready kit that includes:

• First aid kit and essential medications
• Canned food and can opener
• At least one gallon of water per person per day
• Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
• Items for infants
• Special items for elderly or disabled family members, such as extra eyeglasses, medications, insurance information and items for service dogs
• Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas, and water if authorities advise you to do so (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on)

When a Flood WATCH is issued

• Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home
• Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued

When a Flood WARNING is issued

• Closely monitor NOAA Weather Radio, local radio or television for the latest weather forecasts
• If told to evacuate, do so immediately

When a Flash Flood WATCH is issued

• Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice

When a Flash Flood WARNING is issued

• If you think flooding has begun, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape, so act quickly
• Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive through or around barricades; they are there for your safety
• If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground

WHAT: Gwinnett County District 3 Commissioner Mike Beaudreau will host his monthly constituent meeting.

Gwinnett County’s Commission District 3 covers the eastern part of the county from the Highway 78 corridor north to I-85 and includes the cities of Snellville, Loganville, Grayson, Dacula and Auburn.

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

WHERE: Fire Station 30
1052 Ozora Road
Loganville, Ga. 30052

(Lawrenceville, Ga., Feb. 8, 2012) - Chief Superior Court Judge David Barrett of the Enotah Judicial Circuit has signed a consent order approving the settlement reached by Gwinnett County and Gwinnett cities on Feb. 7. The consent order signed yesterday by Judge Barrett replaces his earlier rulings issued in September 2011 and October 2009. The Clerk of the Gwinnett Superior Court has entered the signed consent order as a final order. Gwinnett County is in the process of withdrawing its appeal and other petitions that are pending with the Georgia Supreme Court. These actions mark the end of the Service Delivery Strategy (SDS) litigation between Gwinnett County and Gwinnett's cities.

The consent order requires the establishment of four new service districts and outlines the funding mechanisms for Fire and Emergency Medical Services; Police Services; Loganville Emergency Medical Services; and Planning, Development, Zoning and Code Enforcement Services. Under the settlement terms, Gwinnett County will provide services, such as police and fire, only to cities that elected to participate in the special service district for each service.

As required in the consent order, these service districts were created on Feb. 7 by the adoption of resolutions and joint resolutions by the County and participating cities. However, the service districts will not be effective until Jan. 1, 2013. Beginning in 2013, property owners in those cities that opted out of certain service districts will not pay county property taxes for services provided to the service districts by the County. There will be no changes in county property tax billing in 2012; however, the change in service providers is effective immediately.

The consent order also directs the lifting of sanctions that have prevented the parties to the lawsuit from receiving state loans, grants and permits, but the order and associated documents must be filed with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs in order to activate removal of the sanctions.

"I am pleased that we were finally able to come to an agreement among ourselves rather than have to either abide by the trial court's ruling or continue the lengthy and uncertain appeal process," said Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash. "The settlement is much preferable to the trial court ruling." The original court order required the creation of eight service districts as of Jan. 1, 2012, and created multiple operational issues. It could have necessitated a millage increase in 2012 for almost all property owners in Gwinnett County due to lack of transition time prior to implementing the service districts.

State law requires that cities and counties operate under an SDS agreement that defines the services to be provided by each jurisdiction and sets out how those services are funded. The last SDS agreement was to be revised in 2009, but the County and the municipal governments failed to agree on a plan going forward. A lawsuit was filed by Gwinnett County in March 2009. The dispute went to trial in August 2010. In September 2011, the trial judge issued an order, which was appealed by the County. Despite the ruling by the Court and the appeal by the County, the cities and the County continued to work toward settlement.

"It's worth repeating that countless hours of negotiations and a great deal of hard work went into reaching this settlement," said Gwinnett County Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash. "The issues surrounding service delivery and funding would not have been resolved without the commitment of all the elected officials involved - mayors, council members and commissioners."

District 1 Commissioner Shirley Lasseter said, "We are thrilled to get this matter behind us so we can focus on other important business."

"I am thankful to Chairman Nash and the 15 mayors for working hard to reach an agreement as well as the countless staff members who were part of the effort," said District 2 Commissioner Lynette Howard. "This settlement keeps our community from being subjected to a trial court ruling that would have undermined economic efficiencies and created untenable consequences for everyone involved. This settlement avoids an appeals process that could have continued for years."

"When I took office last year, I recognized SDS as one of the most pressing issues facing the County," said District 4 Commissioner John Heard. "I am pleased that we have finally resolved the matter so that the County and the cities can provide the best possible services at the least possible cost. This benefits the citizens of our cities and the citizens of Gwinnett County, who, by the way, are the same taxpayers."

Celebrate this Valentine's Day by joining other couples at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, on Tuesday, February 14 from 10:00am to 4:00pm in the old Justice of the Peace Office (Room 103) where Magistrate Court judges will perform Valentine's Day wedding ceremonies or perform special ceremonies to renew wedding vows.

Couples who are getting married must obtain a valid marriage license prior to February 14 and bring the original marriage license to the ceremony. Contact Probate Court at 770.822.8250 for information on obtaining your marriage license. Couples who are renewing their wedding vows do not need to bring a copy of their wedding license. All services are free and no appointment is necessary.

For more information about the wedding ceremonies, please contact Chief Magistrate George Hutchinson at 770.822.8081 or george.hutchinson@gwinnettcounty.com.

Plan in advance to keep your family safe during a tornado
In 2011, the United States experienced the largest tornado outbreak on record. Georgia was pummeled by 15 tornadoes on April 27 – 28, killing 15 people and injuring 143 across the state. The most powerful twister to hit Georgia was an EF-4 storm that roared through Catoosa County, killing eight and injuring at least 30. That storm, with winds in excess of 175 mph, was one-third of a mile wide and was on the ground for 13 miles before finally dissipating in Tennessee.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), tornadoes are the number one severe weather-related killer in Georgia. With tornado season fast approaching, Governor Nathan Deal, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security (GEMA), and NWS urge all residents to prepare now for these violent storms. To help Georgians prepare for these dangerous storms, NWS will issue a statewide tornado drill on February 8, and GEMA asks that all schools, households, and businesses to participate in the drill. GEMA also encourages residents to get ready for tornadoes by purchasing and programming a NOAA Weather Radio.
Remember, a storm can strike suddenly and it may occur when family members are in different places. The best thing to do to protect yourself and your family is to have a plan of action before a threatening tornado develops.

Prepare in advance for a tornado

• Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify tornado hazards: A tornado watch means a tornado is possible in your area; a tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted in your area, and you need to take shelter immediately
• Determine in advance where you will take shelter in case of a tornado warning
• Prepare a Ready kit of emergency supplies, including a first aid kit, NOAA weather radio, and a three-day supply of food and water

Plan to take shelter

• If local authorities issue a tornado warning or if you see a funnel cloud, take shelter immediately
• Storm cellars or basements provide the best protection
• If underground shelter is not available, go into an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible
• In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible
• Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls. Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they attract debris
• A vehicle, trailer or mobile home does not provide good protection. Plan to go quickly to a building with a strong foundation, if possible
• If shelter is not available, lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location
• Stay in the shelter location until the danger has passed

Stay informed about tornadoes

• Local authorities may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do. However, you should listen to NOAA Weather Radio, watch TV, listen to the radio, or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they become available
• After a tornado, be sure to remain out of damaged buildings and stay clear of downed power lines
• Help injured or trapped people. Check on others who may require special assistance, such as the elderly, children, and people with disabilities

The state’s emergency preparedness campaign, Ready Georgia, offers families a free, interactive online tool that takes the guesswork out of getting prepared. By visiting www.ready.ga.gov, families can take less than an hour to enter pertinent information and get a customized family communications plan and emergency supply checklist.

Never underestimate the power of a thunderstorm
Because they are so common, Georgians often don’t realize the hazards thunderstorms can bring. However, all thunderstorms are dangerous because they can produce strong winds, lightning, tornadoes, hail, and flooding. The typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter and lasts an average of 30 minutes. Nearly 10 percent of thunderstorms are classified as severe, meaning they have winds of 58mph or higher, hail at least three-quarters of an inch, and may produce a tornado.

The biggest threat from severe thunderstorms is damaging straight-line winds and large hail. These winds occur, on average, 19 days each year in Georgia, in every month of the year. However, they are most frequent in the spring and summer months, peaking in July.

Tuesday, February 7 is Thunderstorm Safety Day. Governor Nathan Deal, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security (GEMA), and the National Weather Service (NWS) encourage all Georgians to recognize severe weather, develop a plan, and be ready to act when threatening weather approaches:

To prepare for a thunderstorm, you should do the following:

• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm
• Remember the 30/30 lightning safety rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder

What you should do if a thunderstorm is likely in your area:

• Postpone outdoor activities
• Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer there than outside
• Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide no protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage
• Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades, or curtains
• Avoid showering or bathing. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity
• Use a corded telephone only for emergencies. Cordless and cellular telephones are safe to use
• Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage
• Monitor NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for the latest weather forecasts, or download the Ready Georgia mobile app

Avoid the following:

• Natural lightning rods such as tall, isolated trees in an open area
• Hilltops, open fields, the beach, or a boat on the water
• Isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas
• Anything metal — tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles

Be safe when lightning strikes
Lightning strikes the ground 25 million times each year in the United States, and all too often the consequences are deadly. An average of 55 people are killed each year in the United States and approximately 300 people are injured. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), in Georgia, it is the number three weather-related killer. Moreover, it was a bolt of lightning that ignited the Honey Prairie Complex blaze in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge last spring, which consumed more than 300,000 acres.

Lightning occurs mostly during the warmer months of June through September, but it can strike at any time there is a thunderstorm. It has the potential to travel more than 10 miles away from a thunderstorm, and yes, it can strike twice.

Thursday, February 9 is Lightning Safety Day. Governor Nathan Deal, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security (GEMA), and NWS encourage all Georgians to take precautions to avoid being struck by lightning. When you are outdoors, be aware of current local weather forecasts. Always stay alert for signs of approaching thunderstorms. Lightning is nature’s warning signal that a thunderstorm is in its most violent state and that you should seek shelter immediately.

Before lightning strikes

• Keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of light, or increasing wind. Listen for the sound of thunder
• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately
• Monitor NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for the latest weather forecasts, or download the Ready Georgia mobile app

When a storm approaches

• Find shelter in a building or car. Keep car windows closed and avoid convertibles
• Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity; unplug appliances and avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances (Leaving electric lights on; however, does not increase the chances of your home being struck by lightning)
• Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any purpose
• Turn off the air conditioner; power surges from lightning can overload the compressor, resulting in a costly repair job
• Draw blinds and shades over windows. If windows break due to objects blown by the wind, the shades will help prevent glass from shattering into your home

If caught outside

• If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees
• If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately!

Protect yourself outside

• Go to a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles, or metal objects. Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding
• Be a very small target! Squat low to the ground. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible
• Do not lie flat on the ground. This will make you a larger target!

After the storm passes

• Stay away from storm-damaged areas
• Listen to the radio or television for information and instructions

If someone is struck by lightning

• People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely
• Call for help. Get someone to dial 911
• The injured person has received an electrical shock and may be burned, both where they were struck and where the electricity left their body. Check for burns in both places. Being struck by lightning can also cause nervous system damage, broken bones, and loss of hearing or eyesight
• Give first aid. If breathing has stopped, begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped beating, someone trained in CPR should begin chest compressions. If the person has a pulse and is breathing, look and care for other possible injuries. Learn first aid and CPR by taking an American Red Cross first aid and CPR course; call your local Red Cross chapter for class schedules and fees

 

House District 107 Special Election
The House District 107 Special Election took place on Tuesday, February 7. To view the results of the Georgia House District 107 Special Election, click here. Results are from Gwinnett County only and do not include Walton County totals.

To view the results of the Georgia House District 107 Special Election, click here. Results are from Gwinnett County only and do not include Walton County totals.