Middle Georgia Emergency Management Crews Proud of Snowstorm Prep

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Thousands of middle Georgia drivers hit the road again Thursday. Emergency management crews all over the area are breathing a sigh of relief, and patting themselves on the back for what they call a job well done.

As the snow melts, EMA crews are still covering their bases, this time, they’re breathing a little easier.

“We’ll always try to stay prepared for any type of disaster whether its natural or man-made,” Don Druitt, Macon-Bibb’s EMA Director said.

He and his team worked around the clock to make sure severe weather didn’t get the best of the county.

He monitored weather predictions from the very beginning.

“And from that point forward, they were able to stay ahead of the curve, get out on the streets and be able to manage the salt and sand,” Druitt said.

There were about 110 vehicle accidents reported in Macon-Bibb County during the snowstorm. In Houston and Monroe Counties there were less than 50.

Images and video from Atlanta told a different story. One report from Wednesday totaled accidents at around 800. Druitt says it isn’t time to compare who did what better, in terms of preparation, but it was a learning opportunity for the entire state.

“I think there needs to be an assessment of lessons learned and we’re willing to lend any of our team to assist if it was required. But overall, we look at these events and look at a reassessment and try to put best practices in place,” Druitt said.

And even though the snow may have melted away, residents still need to be on alert.

“We’re asking people not only in the driving mode, but in the walking mode to be careful of those areas that may refreeze,” Druitt said.