FAQ
What areas does Appling County Emergency Management Agency serve?
We serve Baxley, GA and the surrounding areas.
What does Appling County EMA Do??
The Appling County Emergency Management Agency is dedicated to protecting the lives, property, and well-being of the citizens of Appling County through comprehensive emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts.
Is Appling County Emergency Management Agency a volunteer organization?
Yes, Appling County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) relies on volunteers to help with disaster mitigation and emergency response
What are the different type of weather alerts?
There are 3 different types of weather alerts. They are as follows:
- Advisory: Issued when a hazardous weather event is occurring, imminent, or likely. These are for less serious conditions that cause significant inconvenience, but could become life-threatening if caution is not exercised (e.g., Wind Advisory or Winter Weather Advisory).
- Watch: Issued when the risk of a hazardous weather event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location, or timing remains uncertain. It is a signal to "be prepared" and monitor the forecast.
- Warning: The highest level of alert, meaning dangerous, life-threatening weather is imminent or already occurring. People in the affected path must take protective action immediately.
What are the Common Weather Hazard Types?
The most common weather hazard types are:
- Tornado: A tornado has been sighted or is indicated by radar. Immediate shelter in a basement or interior, windowless room is required.
- Severe Thunderstorm: Issued for severe weather that poses a threat to life or property, often bringing large hail, damaging winds, or torrential downpours.
- Flash Flood: Issued for sudden, life-threatening flooding, usually caused by heavy, intense rainfall or dam failures. Move to higher ground immediately.
- Winter Storm & Blizzard: Issued for heavy snow, sleet, or ice accumulations, and significant wind or cold. Travel may become impossible or extremely dangerous.
- Heat & Cold: Extreme Heat Warnings or Extreme Cold Warnings (formerly Wind Chill Warnings) are issued when temperatures reach hazardous, potentially fatal levels.
- Wind & Coastal Flood: Issued for sustained high winds that can knock down power lines or coastal storm surges that threaten oceanfront properties and evacuations.
Has there ever been a Tornado in Appling County?
Yes. There has been 17 recorded tornadoes in Appling County Georgia since 1954. There have been 8 EF0 tornadoes causing 3 injuries, 7 EF1 tornadoes causing 4 injuries, and 2 EF2 tornadoes causing 2 injuries. In total 17 tornadoes with 9 injuries since 1954.
When was the last Tornado in Appling County?
The last recorded Tornado in Appling County was December 30, 2021 at 4:54PM. The Path Length was 0.61 miles and the Path Width was 300 yards. A tornado began to decrease down to an EF0 as it tracked over the Jeff Davis and Appling county border. The last tornado damage found was along Alma Highway where a couple of softwood trees were snapped and branches broken ranging from 1 to 3 inches in diameter. This is the end of the tornado track.
Can I get more information on Tornadoes in Appling County?
Yes, You can get more information on Appling County tornadoes from the Tornado Path Website.
When is Hurricane Season?
Hurricane season begins in June and runs through November. Most residents of Georgia can feel the effects of major storms and hurricanes that form in the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, but residents along the coast are, of course, the most vulnerable.
How often do hurricanes hit Georgia?
Fewer hurricanes have hit Georgia directly (due to its location and shorter coastline) than other states in the Southeast, with an estimated return period of 10–11 years. The last system to make landfall in the state at hurricane intensity was Hurricane David in 1979.