As of 11:00 AM, Sunday, September 29, 2024
As the remnants of Hurricane Helene continue to bring rain to Clinton County, the
recovery efforts are making significant progress. Local agencies remain focused on restoring power and addressing storm-related damage.
Key updates include:
Power Outages: At its peak, 5,502 customers were without power at 9:25 PM on Friday, September 27, 2024. Currently, 1,526 customers (8.59% of the county) remain without power, with 1,458 AES and 68 Duke Energy customers still affected. BPA reports Blanchester power restored early Saturday morning for its residents. Power restoration efforts are prioritizing larger outage clusters first to restore service to the maximum number of residents as quickly as possible.
Road Conditions: Nearly all roads have been reopened. Some remain closed, or single lane travel, due to downed lines, poles, and debris, which are awaiting action by utility provider crews.
911 Calls: Clinton County’s 911 centers handled 381 calls combined on Friday, September 27, 2024, with the majority occurring between 1:00 PM and 11:59 PM, representing about 10% of the county’s monthly average in just 11 hours. This surge in calls primarily related to storm-related incidents such as downed power lines and debris.
Debris Removal: Five requests (two completed) for assistance have been received from senior, low-income, or handicapped residents. These requests have been forwarded to American Regulators USA Disaster Response, who are working to assist with debris cleanup.
Greatest Post-Storm Threats:
Food Safety: Many refrigerators have been without power for 4-6 hours or longer, raising concerns about food spoilage. Residents are urged to discard perishable items to prevent foodborne illnesses.
Recovery Injuries: Common recovery-related injuries, particularly from overexertion and improper chainsaw use, have been reported. Residents are reminded to use caution during cleanup and to follow safety protocols when operating chainsaws.
Generator Safety: Residents using generators are reminded to never operate them indoors or in enclosed spaces, including garages, to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Always place generators at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, or vents.
Candle Use & Fire Risk: If using candles during power outages, be extremely cautious to prevent fires. Never leave candles unattended, keep them away from flammable materials, and use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns whenever possible.
Recovery efforts continue, with a focus on power restoration and clearing roadways. Stay tuned for further updates as Clinton County works to fully recover from the storm.
- - - Note - - -
As we continue recovering from the impact of Hurricane Helene, it's important to remember that disaster recovery is a community effort. Please take the time to check in on your family members, especially those who may be vulnerable, such as seniors or those with medical conditions. Also, being a good neighbor during times like this can make all the difference—lend a helping hand, share resources, and offer support to those around you. Together, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our entire community as we rebuild and move forward. Stay safe, Clinton County!
From your Friends & Family at Clinton County EMA
[END]
Comments