Baldwin Public Works crews have been preparing for the incoming storm for more than two days, according to Public Works Director Scott Barnhart. “We’ve been preparing since Monday,” he said. Their preparations are no different than other road crews in the area.
Barnhart has worked in the public works sector for over 25 years. Preparing for an incoming storm is second nature. Growing up on the Florida coast prepared him for the occasional hurricane from time to time, as well.
Preparing
Since the rain began, public works crews have been driving around the city identifying places where water stands in the road and can’t shed off. Barnhart said that once those areas are identified, crews will shovel openings on the shoulder to allow water to run off the road to prevent drivers from hydroplaning.
Crews have been checking ditches and cross drains to clear any blockages that may prevent water from draining. They pay special attention to ditches and cross drains in areas that typically give them problems during heavy rain events.
Water and sewer
Other areas that some wouldn’t think of is keeping other services operational such as water and sewer. Barnhart said that sewer crews are checking manholes and making sure they are clear and free of debris.
He also increased the level of the water tanks in the city as a precautionary measure. It benefits the city in two ways, Barnhart said. One is that with the wind coming in, the additional water adds weight to the tank to help keep it grounded. The second reason is having the additional water on hand in the event of a major water main break due to roads washing out or trees falling and pulling water lines out of the ground.
Equipment
Another aspect in preparing for the storm is having all of the department’s equipment serviced, filled with fuel, and loaded for when the winds do eventually come in. Barnhart said that all of their chain saws have been serviced and new chains installed and are ready to go when needed.
He said that they have road barricades ready to be used in the event they have to close a road. Barnhart said that he didn’t have the crews pre-stage them in the city’s trouble areas due to the wind possibly blowing them away.
Additional resources
According to Barnhart, he has already contacted additional resources should the storm be worse than his crews can handle. He has contacted two tree removal companies and have their on call numbers should the need arise. He also contacted a construction company to be available should the city have issues with water or sewer problems.
Safety
For Barnhart, crew safety is his utmost concern. He said that should the storm get too dangerous, his crews will stage at their shop and respond with fire, EMS, and police personnel for emergencies until the storm subsides a little.
During the storm event, Barnhart said that as his crews are out looking for trees down and flooding, they will inform central dispatch of any issues they encounter, whether it’s closing a road due to trees blocking the road or flooding. After dispatch has been notified, crews will begin clearing the road if possible.
His advice to the public during the storm event is simple. “If you don’t have to be out, don’t be out,” Barnhart said.
Habersham County Public Works Director Jerry Baggett said that the county had crews ready for the storm that will be coming in overnight. “We have 6 crews on call for the storm this evening. They all have vehicles ready to go at moment’s notice. We also have all trucks and equipment gassed up and ready to go as needed,” he said.
Baggett assures the public that county crews are ready for issues as they arise. “We are prepared for roads to wash out, with this much rain fall and wind it will most likely happen. However, we will not know how to assess the damage until it happens, but again we have crews and equipment ready to fix issues as they arise.”
He adds, “Along with Public Works, we also have Habersham County Emergency Services and Habersham County Sheriff’s Office personnel out lending a hand to help out crews. Anyone who is out working in the storm has been trained for these kinds of situations and knows the precautions needed to take to remain safe while on the job,” Baggett said.
