911 Board Hears About Lightning Strike at County Building

The Effingham County 911 Board Tuesday discussed damage from a lightning strike Saturday morning.

911 System Administrator Tina Daniels said both the 911 and the County communications systems were impacted, but City and County backed each other up until things could get back to normal and said there was no loss of service. 

Daniels said she would ask those in charge of the hardware of the system to attend 911's August meeting to discuss any damage that occurred. Board members also asked that a report be made at the August meeting on progress on the countywide communication system being developed for rural fire protection districts. 

There was some discussion about citizens who report emergency situations on Facebook Messenger, which is not a good option since it doesn't have the immediate response available through phoning 911.

911 Board member Larry Thies, the City's Emergency Management Agency coordinator, asked whether the county's Dive Rescue Team could serve as a damage assessment team in case of natural disasters or similar emergencies? The thought is the quick response to emergencies that could result from the Team's availability would be beneficial in terms of getting assistance from State or Federal agencies. The idea will be pursued.