Columbus citizens, community partners showed outstanding response to storm, aftermath

As I survey the damage from Tropical Storm Irma, I realize how fortunate we are that the storm weakened and the southern part of the storm sheared off to the northeast. That is no solace to the families whose homes were damaged and who are still without power. It is amazing, however, to think that the eye of what was once thought to be the “largest and most powerful storm” on record passed right over Columbus. Given what might have been, we are fortunate despite the damage we sustain.

I thank our community for heeding the call to stay indoors and off the streets. We had very few storm-related injuries as a result. As you resume your normal activities and travels, proceed with caution. There are trees down and branches that have yet to fall

We need to thank our Public Safety personnel and first responders, who on 9/11 — a day to celebrate them — were in dangerous weather conditions protecting lives and property and serving our community. We have an outstanding local Emergency Management crew and executive leadership in our city manager, assistant city managers and department heads. Here in Columbus they prepare for these weather (and other emergency) events long before we realize the threat.

Now comes the clean-up and recovery phase of Irma. Our Public Works crews are already out clearing trees and debris from the road and providing normal garbage pick-up service. Rarely are they thanked enough, so if you see them out there in the rain, say “hello” and let them know they are appreciated.

Our partners at Georgia Power and other utilities are hard at work already this morning restoring power and other necessities, like cable!

The media have been tremendous. We are fortunate to have professional, responsible media in our community and they did a great job braving the elements to bring you the information you needed to make decisions and stay safe. We also are glad for our new friends from the Atlanta and national media who thought enough to inquire as to people of, and the conditions in, Columbus.

We want to thank our local Red Cross, its Director Adelaide Kirk, Alex Balkcum (who headed-up the shelters) and all the many, many citizen volunteers who came to work at the shelters and who brought needed items. Rarely in a crisis such as this (tending to some 700 evacuees from Georgia and Florida) has there been such generosity. We had more than was needed to fulfill the mission at hand and we are so very grateful.

This community comes through challenges and thrives because we respect calls for responsible action and calm. We are all connected and a foolish act by one may cause injury to another. You all were amazing in following the information and helping to spread the word when needed. Thank you from a thankful, grateful mayor, and I’m glad you stayed safe and sound.

This story was originally published September 13, 2017 at 2:51 PM with the headline "Columbus citizens, community partners showed outstanding response to storm, aftermath."