Hurricane Irma: Fulton BOC Declares State Of Emergency

ATLANTA, GA -- The Fulton County Commission on Wednesday voted to declare a local state of emergency to help tackle the dangerous conditions Hurricane Irma dumped on its jurisdiction. The declaration, which was done on behalf of Fulton County’s 15 cities, directs the Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency to activate the Emergency Operations Plan.

The board's decision follows the recommendation laid out by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency after the storm left a path of destruction in various parts of the state, including Fulton County. The declaration also allows the county to coordinate its response to the storm with federal, state and local authorities.

The resolution seeks Fulton County’s assistance in efforts to protect public health, preserve public safety, minimize damage to property and ensure for the economic benefit of the impacted areas of the county (SIGN UP: Get Patch's Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app).

Watch: FEMA Says Irma Clean-Up Will Be A Complex And Frustrating Process

As the area continues to recover from high rainfall and heavy winds from the storm, City of South Fulton residents who notice downed trees and other road blockages are asked to report them to Fulton County’s Public Works Department at 404-613-3108 to allow authorities to aid in efforts to clear those hazards. North Fulton or city of Atlanta residents are asked to call their respective Public Works departments.

Citizens are also advised to avoid direct contact with downed power line, as they may potentially be live. Law enforcement authorities are asking residents not to call their local police to report property damage. Residents are advised to take pictures of their damage and contact their home insurance providers to allow them to respond.

Image via Johns Creek Police Department