Chatham County is home to Savannah and Georgia's primary Atlantic coast hurricane exposure. Matthew in 2016 forced mass evacuations and caused significant flooding and beach erosion. The county's historic district sits on a bluff above sea level but surrounding low-lying communities face serious storm surge risk from direct hurricane strikes. The Savannah River also creates significant inland flood risk.
// Preparedness Recommendations
- Evacuation routes inland should be identified in advance.
- Store at least 72 hours of food and water.
- Elevate critical belongings above flood level.
- Have backup power ready in case of grid failure.
// Recommended Supplies
Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.
- Emergency Food Supplies
- Water Filtration & Storage
- Backup Generator
- Solar Backup Power
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// Risk Intelligence
| Threat Score | 8 / 10 High Risk |
| Primary Hazard | Hurricane / Storm Surge |
| Secondary Hazard | Flooding |
| FEMA Flood Zone | Zone AE (High Risk) |
| Federally Declared Disasters | 52 |
| Last Major Event | Hurricane Matthew (2016) |
| Event Frequency | Major event every 4–5 years |
// Emergency Operations
| Emergency Mgmt Phone | (912) 201-4500 |
| Emergency Shelters | 28 designated facilities |
| Evacuation Routes | I-16 West, US-17 North, US-80 West, US-278 West |
// County Profile
| County | Chatham County GA |
| State | Georgia (GA) |
| Population | 298,952 |
| Area | 440 sq miles |
| FEMA Region | Zone AE (High Risk) |
// Major Cities
// Cities in This County
// Other Georgia Counties
// Nearby Infrastructure Risks
Critical infrastructure facilities within or near this area that could affect civilian safety during emergencies, conflict, or infrastructure failures.
Infrastructure risk data is for emergency preparedness awareness. Facility locations are publicly known. Always follow official emergency guidance.