As Hurricane Helene approaches, swift water rescue teams across Georgia are on alert, preparing for the potential impact of record-breaking rainfall and flooding. Gwinnett County's readiness is in full swing with local emergency crews, including fire departments, strategically placing rescue boats and coordinating response plans. FOX 5 Atlanta reports that these preparations are crucial due to the county's history of flooding.
Teams in Gwinnett County are "ready to deploy" with resources distributed between the north and south ends, near major tributaries, Captain Ryan McGiboney with Gwinnett County Fire and EMS said. Concerns are not only for rivers, but also for smaller creeks that are prone to rapid flooding during such storms. The push, for readiness extends to citizens, who are urged to activate community alerts on their phones, stock up on essentials, and stay at home during the storm, avoiding any interaction with floodwaters, as per FOX 5 Atlanta.
In neighboring DeKalb County, the fire and rescue department's SWIFT water rescue team stands prepared as well. At least 12 specially-trained firefighters are ready to respond with equipment designed for fast-moving water situations. According to 11Alive, DeKalb has four boats dedicated to swift water rescues, and the fire station crews are equipped with SWIFT water rescue bags complete with personal flotation devices and suits.
"These individuals will go out and we have different equipment they can use via boat and PFDs (personal flotation devices) to be able to get into the water to rescue people," DeKalb Fire Rescue Captain Jaeson Daniels told 11Alive. While the department doesn't have extraordinary measures in place for the incoming severe weather, residents are warned against driving through water-covered roads, as depths can be deceiving and dangerous.
Both counties are actively coordinating their efforts, with metro counties including Atlanta also making similar preparations. Emergency teams across the region remain on high alert as Hurricane Helene draws closer, and residents are advised to exercise caution, follow local weather alerts, and prepare for the storm's landfall.
