The City of Savannah Responds to Hurricane Helene’s Aftermath
Hey there, Savannah! We know these past few days haven’t been easy for our community, and we want to bring you the latest updates on how our great city is tackling the challenges brought on by Hurricane Helene. After the storm swept through, Savannah declared a state of emergency on September 25, and recovery operations are now in full swing. The city is committed to ensuring that everyone affected gets the assistance they need.
Assessment and Damage Report
As of October 3, officials have reported that a total of 339 structures experienced some level of damage. Here’s the breakdown:
- 15 with minor damage
- 96 suffering major damage
- 8 completely destroyed
The estimated public assistance cost is soaring over $10.5 million, reflecting the extent of the challenge we’re facing as a community.
Support for Residents
In light of the damage, Savannah’s City Manager, Joseph A. Melder, has made a significant move. Starting from October 1 and lasting until November 1, 2024, the city will waive all permit fees for repairs stemming from the hurricane. This means if you need to fix your home or business, you can apply for this waiver when submitting your repair permit application. More details on this and other recovery resources are available on the city’s official website.
Sanitation and Debris Cleanup
Sanitation services have continued their normal operations, but while residential refuse collection moves along as usual, recycling services have been temporarily suspended. There’s a big cleanup effort underway, with an estimated 300,000 cubic yards of debris across the city. Cleanup crews are expected to be on the ground starting this Friday to help clear the way for residents’ safe return.
Community Centers Open for Comfort
Even amidst the chaos, the city is doing its best to provide comfort to those affected. The Community Centers are open for residents (with some exceptions due to power outages). If you need a place to recharge—both your devices and your spirit—here are some of the locations offering temporary comfort and charging stations:
- Tompkins Regional Center (2333 Ogeechee Rd.)
- Grant Center Gymnasium (123 West St.)
- Daffin Park Pool (Afternoons from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
Additionally, several splash pads in the area are operational from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., providing a refreshing way to cool down. Here are some to check out: Hudson Hill, Hull Park, and many more!
Traffic and Road Conditions
For those navigating the city, be aware that as of now, 5 roads remain impacted and 8 traffic signals are out. It’s always a good idea to stay updated on road conditions and traffic reports as the recovery continues. Residents are encouraged to report any broken limbs or downed trees by contacting the city through their 311 service.
How to Help and Stay Informed
While recovery efforts are the priority, there are lots of resources at your fingertips! Whether it’s through reporting price gouging or seeking assistance from FEMA, it’s crucial we all stay informed. The community is stronger when we help each other. Here are a few essential links:
- City Resources
- Gas Availability Tracking
- Dewbris Cleanup Assistance
Lastly, if you’re looking for ways to stay connected during this recovery phase, the city suggests following their social media pages—be sure to check them out for real-time updates and resources.
Stay strong, Savannah! Together, we will emerge from this challenge even stronger.
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HERE Hilton Head Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Hilton Head community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Hilton Head Our team includes lifelong Hilton Head residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent listings of historic homes 0 , Hilton Head’s Gullah heritage and coastal culture 6 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Technical College of the Lowcountry programs) 10 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and...
