March 17, 2008

Cleanup in many areas continues after Saturday's powerful storms affected several counties of the CSRA.

Here is some new information as of 5:30 pm Monday.

All Area Three schools in Aiken County, South Carolina that were closed Monday will be open to students Tuesday. They should report at their normal times.

In Jefferson County, Georgia the three schools that were closed Monday will also be open Tuesday. Those schools are Wrens Elementary and Wrens Middle, plus Jefferson County High School.
All bus routes have been cleared.

Experts from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and
Georgia Emergency Management Agencyy (GEMA) are expected in
Jefferson County Tuesday. One team is looking at power lines, bridges and public buildings. Another is looking at indivdual assistance. They will join the Jefferson EMA to determine local areas of damage as they do their evaluations.

In South Carolina, at least 3500 insurance claims have been filed with private insurers as of Monday afternoon. The insured property damage is over $13 million dollars, with the average claim between $3000 and
$5000. The South Carolina Insurance News Service continues to encourage homeowners to contact their insurance companies.

The American Red Cross is also opening a shelter at Midland Valley High School, 227 Mustang Drive, in the Graniteville area. It will be open at 5:30 pm Monday for anyone who needs assistance in that area.

In Jefferson County, the Augusta Red Cross has set up a disaster center at Wrens Baptist Church, 500 North Main Street. The center will be open from 9am to 5pm through Wednesday, March 19. If you live outside Jefferson County in Georgia and need assistance, you should call the Augusta Chapter at 706 724-8481. The Georgia Southern Baptist Relief Team is also providing services in the Wrens area.

Water service has been restored to an estimated 1000 customers in the Bath Water District. However, the system is not at full pessure.
Experts from DHEC are testing the water. In the meantime, people should boil water for one minute before drinking or cooking until further notice.

South Carolina Electric and Gas estimates 400 customers were still without power. They live in Bath, North Augusta and the Pine Log Road area. Aiken Electric Cooperative says it has restored service to all customers.

Cleanup continues on O'Bannion Court with relief services and utility crews working there.

Stay with News 12 for updated information as it's received.