Storm Preparations for Hurricane Helene
The National Weather Service forecasts that Tropical Storm Helene will reach the metro Atlanta area on Thursday, September 26. The City of Decatur is expected to experience strong winds, heavy rain, and possible flooding, which may lead to downed trees and power outages.
On Tuesday, September 24, public works crews cleared storm drains across the city before the storm arrived. Preparations are underway to ensure City resources are ready to respond to the needs of the Decatur community.
Due to the inclement weather, all City buildings, including City Hall and Parks and Recreation facilities, are closed on Thursday, Sept. 26, and Friday, Sept. 27. All programs and events are canceled. Sanitation and recycling services for Friday, September 27, are rescheduled for Saturday, September 28.
We thank you for your patience as we work to keep our community safe during these rapidly changing and unpredictable severe weather conditions. For updates, visit the City’s website at https://decaturga.com/helene.
Traffic Advisory: All roads are Open
Streets closed to the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene have all reopened.
Important Phone Numbers
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To report any storm-related hazardous conditions and non-life-threatening situations to the City of Decatur non-emergency number, call 404-373-6551.
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To report any life-threatening situations, call 911.
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To report water outages and sewer spills, call Dekalb County Watershed at 770-270-6243.
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To report power outages, call Georgia Power directly at 1-888-891-0938.
Georgia Power’s interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages occur across the state and track estimated restoration times. Customers can visit www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm to check their contact information is updated to receive Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access helpful safety tips and information. Customers can also report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.
Important Reminders
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Register now or update your Smart911 profile at Smart911.com. You can opt-in for severe weather and other notifications and create or update your profile with any special medical concerns (such as a household member who uses medical equipment that requires electricity).
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Avoid parking on the street to keep roadways clear for emergency vehicles, when possible.
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Charge all cell phones and use fresh batteries in emergency radios. Text messages are more reliable than phone calls when contacting loved ones.
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Secure patio and lawn furniture.
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Download the FEMA smartphone app for additional tips and emergency information.
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Check on the seniors in your neighborhood and bring all pets inside.
Important Safety Tips
Before a Storm
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Stay aware by checking local weather conditions and forecasts: http://weather.gov/atlanta.
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Always follow advice from local, state, and federal officials.
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Stock up on non-perishable, shelf-stable foods that don't require refrigeration or freezing.
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Check your emergency kit and family plan. Family emergency plans: Federal Emergency Management Agency: http://ready.gov/hurricanes.
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Unplug major appliances and charge cell phones in case you lose power.
During a Storm
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Take safe shelter inside a sturdy building away from windows and doors.
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Avoid contact with conductors of electricity – appliances, metal objects, and water.
After a Storm
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Never touch any downed or low-hanging wire, including telephone or TV wires that touch a power line.
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Never pull tree limbs from power lines yourself or enter areas with debris or downed trees, as downed power lines may be buried in wreckage.
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Call 911 and Georgia Power immediately if they see a fallen or low-hanging power line.
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Contact the American Red Cross if you are displaced or need assistance at 404-876- 3302.
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Contact a licensed electrician if you have a service line disconnection.