Elbert County Emergency Services

Charles Maxey is RETIRED!!!

It is official...Charles Maxey has retired from Elbert County EMS! Below are some pictures from his retirement reception on August 2, 2011. Enjoy the life of leisure Papa!!!

Our Condolences

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Josh Carrington and his family on the passing of Josh's grandmother, Janet Carrington who passed away on Saturday, July 23. Services will be held on Tuesday, July 26, at 12 noon in the chapel of Hicks Funeral Home, with visitation at 11am, prior to the service. Details of the arrangements can be found at Hicks Funeral Home Website here.

Granite Step Donated

Thank you to Joey Roberts and Old South Granite Company for the donation of this granite step outside one of our support buildings.

Extrication Equipment Donated

Rocker panel extrication tool supports have been donated by Whilow Electric. Thanks!

Power Outages from Storms???

In the event of power outages due to severe weather, please call your provider directly instead of 9-1-1: City of Elberton (706) 213-3278, Georgia Power (888) 891-0938, or Hart EMC (800) 241-4109. We don't have a special hotline and we can't get the power restored any faster than when you call directly. We also cannot tell you when your power will be restored as your utilities provider is the only source for that information.

In the case of Special Medical Circumstances where Medical Devices such as ventilators need power, you should contact your Utilites Provider and ask to be placed on a Priority List for power restoration. This usually must be accompanied by documentation from your Physician as to the need.

Elbert County Pre-Disaster Mitigation Public Hearing

On Wednesday, June 22, 2011, the first of two public hearings will be held for the Elbert County Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan Update at the Elbert County Government Complex in the Commission Meeting Room at 12:00 p.m. This hearing will be facilitated by Northeast Georgia Regional Commission (NEGRC) staff. For more information you can access the flyer for this event here or contact Julie Williams at 706-283-2003 or email jwilliams@elberton.net.

Extreme Heat Awareness and Safety
Prepared by Elbert County Emergency Services

Temperatures that hover 10 degrees or more above the average high temperature for the region and last for several weeks are defined as extreme heat. Humid or muggy conditions add to the discomfort of high temperatures.
Extreme heat brings with it the possibility of heat-induced illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Signs and symptoms may include: (heat stroke) extremely high body temperature; red, hot, and dry skin with no sweating; rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; and/or nausea; (heat exhaustion) heavy sweating; paleness; muscle cramps; tiredness; weakness; dizziness; headache; nausea or vomiting; fainting; cool and moist skin; fast and weak pulse; and/or fast and shallow breathing.
If you see any signs of severe heat stress, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the affected person. Get the person to a shady area, cool the person rapidly by placing in tub or shower of cool water, spraying with cool water from a garden hose, etc., monitor body temperature, do not give the person alcohol, and get medical assistance as soon as possible.
Elderly people are more prone to heat stress than younger people, in that they do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature. They are also more likely to have a chronic medical condition that upsets normal body responses to heat and/or take prescription medicines that impair the body's ability to regulate its temperature or that inhibit perspiration.
What you should do if the weather is extremely hot:

Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.
Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
Drink plenty of water. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.

You can find this and other helpful information concerning the dangers of extreme heat and how to prepare yourself www.gema.ga.gov. There you will find additional links to the CDC and FEMA. You can also contact the Elbert County EMA at (706) 283-2003.

Drowning Doesn't Look Like Drowning

This enlightening article on what drowning looks like may change the way you watch your children the next time they go swimming. You can find the article at MarioVittone.com.

Also, we are now on FACEBOOK. When you have an opportunity...drop by and check us out.