Sen. Bill Heath: Legislative Week 3 Halted by Winter Storm

Your Georgia Desk:

Legislative Week 3 Halted by Winter Storm

Sen. Bill Heath (R–Bremen)

This week, the majority of North Georgia was shut down as a result of the winter storm that paralyzed the state for an entire three days. On Tuesday morning, the Senate convened with business as usual under the Gold Dome but was quickly cut short as bad weather began to move into the area.

Around 12:00 p.m., the scene outside the State Capitol began to look like a winter wonderland as snow accumulated on the statues, capitol steps and along the freshly-manicured capitol grounds.  The last time our Gold Dome saw this type of weather event was back in 2011 during the first several days of the 2011 Legislative Session.

As a result of these extenuating weather circumstances, the Governor issued an Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency in Georgia which mobilized a statewide response plan and activated state agencies and resources.

Shortly thereafter, reports of hazardous driving conditions and paralyzing ice began flooding into state and national media outlets. Many of these same media outlets were quick to criticize the state’s response and make the winter storm into a political showdown between the state and city government. As opposed to focusing on the countless stories of heroism and good ole’ Southern charm that was demonstrated by everyday citizens across Georgia, the media choose to promote a carefully-crafted political narrative.

As the day unfolded, my thoughts and prayers were with the countless citizens of my district and those throughout Northern Georgia who were trying to make it home safely to be with their families. In what usually takes me a little over an hour, my commute to Haralson County quickly turned into a 4+ hour drive. Even though I felt this was unusually long, it was nowhere near the time many Georgians spent in their vehicles. Many people were required to sleep in their cars overnight or abandon them completely along the side of the interstate.

I am extremely thankful for the safety of my family and have received numerous reports of our community here in the 31^stSenate District coming together to serve those in need and engage in acts of kindness. It was so encouraging to hear stories of complete strangers opening up their homes and businesses to provide food and supplies to stranded motorists along the highways. This demonstration of generosity is what our state does best. As nature threatened to devastate an entire city and the surrounding region, “human” nature rose to the challenge to turn an unpleasant situation into a show of hospitality toward our fellow Georgians. Teachers stayed overnight at schools to comfort kids, grocery and local convenience stores opened their doors to allow people to seek shelter, and good Samaritans braved extremely cold temperatures to assist with traffic obstructions.

It seems that the norm these days is to look for someone to blame rather than asking the question, “What should I have done differently?” The weather is often unpredictable, but seldom is it worse than the forecast by the National Weather Service.

I’m sure no one imagined the winter storm would turn into the nightmare it did. One million people were trying to get on the road at the same time the roads were beginning to ice, which crippled all of North Georgia’s major thoroughfares and interstate arteries.  Maybe the schools could have been cancelled for the day but there is great pressure upon the systems to educate our children and many parents depend upon the schools for childcare. Secondly, many Atlantans and those who work within the city traveled to work knowing full well a winter storm was heading in our direction. Combine this with the time of day the storm hit and you’ve got the recipe for the perfect storm.

While many were quick to say this storm was unexpected, the National Weather Service and local channels were calling for at least an inch of snow or more for our region. As much as some might want to blame the government, it is our responsibility to make sure we are prepared for life’s storms.

During the winter months, it is important to stay tuned to weather reports and make the appropriate arrangements when inclement weather is heading our way. I can’t stress the importance of being proactive before a storm strikes; fill up your gas tank, stock up on basic necessities at the grocery store and make sure you have a few extra dollars in your wallet. These actions will go a long way toward navigating through times of crisis.

Also, most workplaces are flexible and understand the importance of keeping workers safe and off the roadways during bad weather. A successful preparedness plan begins with you. We must all do our part to ensure the safety of our families as well as those in our communities.