Mayor Pro Tem Aaron C. Henry

The forecast is looking better for our area. However, this is a rapidly changing forecast and things could change again. Sandbags will be available until this afternoon. Bring your own shovel and proof of residency.

As the City of Pooler continues to monitor potential impacts from Tropical Depression 9, sandbags will be distributed today, September 28, 10AM-1PM.

⚫Time: September 28th 10AM-1PM
⚫Location: 900 S Rogers St, Parking lot across from Fire Station 1
⚫Quantity: 10 Sandbags per household

Your own shovels and Proof of Residency are required.

Staff are continuing to proactively inspect all drainage systems.
View all Storm related updates for Pooler at
https://www.pooler-ga.gov/Hurricane
You can request to be added to the Pooler Notice release list at
https://www.pooler-ga.gov/NewsReleaseSignUp

This is excellent news for our community!

Memorial Health cleared to open new ERs, St. Joseph’s/Candler responds Memorial Health announced their plans to build two new free-standing emergency departments, one in Pooler and another in Richmond Hill

As promised, I’ve been reaching out to employers and trying to find employment opportunities in the area. If you were impacted by the International Paper closures, these local union apprenticeship programs are strong pathways into skilled, well-paid work. You earn while you train. Many include classroom instruction, on-the-job hours, healthcare, and retirement benefits.

Pick one or two trades that fit your interests or if you have similar or past experience.

- Call and ask about application windows, orientation dates, starting pay, and benefits.
- Ask what to bring to apply (ID, resume, education).
- Veterans or experienced workers be sure to ask about advanced standing or credit for prior hours.

Local programs to contact:

IBEW Local 508 (Electricians)
1526 Dean Forest Rd, Savannah | 912-964-5080 | ibewlocal508.org
Install, maintain, and repair electrical systems to code, including lighting and controls.

UA Local 188 (Pipefitters/Plumbers)
2337 E Victory Dr, Savannah | 912-354-5520 | localunion188.com
Assemble, install, and repair piping, fittings, and fixtures for heating, water, and drainage.

Ironworkers Local 709 (Steel & metal work)
131 Westside Blvd, Pooler | 912-748-5118 | ironworkerslocal709.org
Erect structural steel, pre-engineered buildings, and storage tanks.

SMART Local 85 (Sheet Metal Workers)
Serves our area | 404-758-2689 | smart85.org
Fabricate and install ductwork and equipment. Cut, bend, weld, and finish sheet metal.

IUOE Local 474 (Operating Engineers)
127 Westside Blvd, Pooler | 912-330-9928 | iuoe474.org
Operate heavy equipment for earthmoving, concrete work, and site development.

UBC Local 256 (Carpenters)
40 Telfair Pl, Savannah | 912-318-9332 | southeasterncarpenters.org
Read blueprints, cut materials, and build structures with hand and power tools.

Insulators Local 96 (Piping & ductwork)
105 Sharon Ct, Pooler | 912-748-6282 | No website listed
Install insulation on pipes, ductwork, and mechanical systems for temperature control and efficiency.

If you’re an employer with openings, add them below so we can get the word out to people quickly. Please share this post with anyone you know who has been affected by the IP plant closure.

Stay tuned to my page for more employer opportunities!

Tonight’s storm was extraordinary. Until we have official rainfall totals confirmed by the National Weather Service and NOAA, the best estimates suggest this may qualify as a 500-year event for Pooler.

A “500-year storm” doesn’t mean it happens once every 500 years, it means there’s about a 0.2% chance of it happening in any given year. In plain terms: this was an extremely rare and intense storm.

Georgia Power crews are already responding to power outages across the city, and we still have high tide coming in about an hour. Please be cautious and avoid flooded roads, check on your neighbors, and give first responders and utility crews room to work.

We’ll share confirmed data as soon as it’s available.

In the meantime, if you have rainfall totals that you want to share and you have an accurate rain gauge, please state how much fell during the down burst and your approximate location in the city as a comment or message me directly.

This evening between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. the City of Pooler experienced a significant and fast-moving rain event with rainfall measuring 5.2 inches in one hour, with a peak rate of 7.2 inches.

Due to the intensity and volume of rainfall in such a short period, many streets and low-lying areas have experienced significant flooding. Please be advised that conditions may remain hazardous for several hours as water levels recede.