Richmond County deputies watch out for public as ice threat lingers

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - With freezing temperatures and possible ice expected Sunday night, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office deputies were out conducting welfare checks and looking for anyone who may need shelter.

Deputies, along with the Crime Suppression Team and Homeless Operations Task Force, joined to connect individuals with safe shelter.

Saturday night, an abandoned house caught fire, reportedly started by individuals attempting to stay warm, according to the sheriff’s office.

As a result, teams made checking abandoned structures a top priority.

The Richmond County Marshals Office provided support by assisting with building security at the warming locations.

Augusta University Police helped locate several unhoused individuals in need of assistance, and the sheriff’s office says 911 dispatchers played a crucial role by efficiently routing calls for service.

During Sunday’s efforts, deputies say they located a missing 13-year-old runaway female inside an abandoned property and ensured she received the assistance and protection she needed.

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“The safety of every person in Richmond County remains the highest priority. He added that today’s operations are an example of what can be accomplished when deputies, partner agencies, and the public work together to protect those who are most vulnerable. Sheriff Brantley further stated that he is extremely proud of the men and women who stepped forward today and appreciates every partner who helped make a difference during this period of severe weather,” said Sheriff Eugene Brantley.

The May Park Community Center at 622 Fourth St. is open as a warming shelter and staffed with law enforcement and community partners who are ready to help.

If you know someone who may be in danger due to the weather, call dispatchers at 706-821-1080 so deputies can respond.

Deputies also ask everyone to avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. Roads, bridges and overpasses may freeze quickly, especially on hills and curves.

You’re urged to check on elderly neighbors, keep space heaters at least 3 feet from flammable items, and never use stoves or grills to heat your home.

Power outages are possible, so charge your phones and keep extra blankets nearby.

As the winter storm approached, Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson said the city staff had been preparing as a coordinated team.

He said the well-being of community members is their foremost concern.

Leading up to the storm, the city had multiple calls with the National Weather Service and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency.

Johnson noted that in addition to Gov. Brian Kemp’s state of emergency, a local state of emergency document has been drafted in case it’s needed.

Like deputies, he encouraged residents to look out for neighbors and especially the vulnerable, such as seniors and people without reliable heat.

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He also urged people to stay off the roads after ice accumulates unless the travel is essential.

“This city has faced challenges like this before, and we’ve learned that we get through them best when we work together as a community and as a team,” he said.

Also speaking at the news conference was new Emergency Management Director Kymber Keaton.

“Our top priorities with the ice is gonna be weighing down electrical lines and so potentials for power outages, as well as weighing down trees and those toppling over,” Keaton said. “Those are our two biggest concerns. After that is slick roads.”

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She noted that city officials from several departments had come together earlier to discuss their response to the storm.

She said she’s confident in the city staff’s expertise as a result of experience with the 2014 ice storm. She noted that many current employees were with the city at that time.