Critical Worker Pass Information

Your agency/company/organization / facility has been provided a number of CRITICAL WORKFORCE DISASTER RE-ENTRY PERMITS. You need to know:

As conditions allow following a major disaster which caused the Glynn County Command Policy Group to order the mandatory evacuation of the County, a controlled and restricted  re-entry into the affected area (back home) will begin. The affected area may be limited in size, may include all of Glynn County, or possibly extend to multiple counties in the region. There will be local and state law enforcement officers and other security personnel posted on all roads and highways checking the identification and justification of those attempting to return.

It is your responsibility as the Requesting Authority to make sure the permits issued to your agency/company/organization or facility are used only by those individuals authorized to be in the affected area during Phase I and II. Individuals not authorized access will be delayed at the controlled entry points mentioned above. Therefore, transportation arrangements for returning responders during Phase I and II must be independent of those persons not authorized to re-enter prior to Phase II. This includes the authorized responder’s family members and friends. Individuals not authorized in the area during Phase I and II may be subject to prosecution.

LIFE-SAFETY issues are conditions that if not addressed by properly trained and equipped personnel would pose a continuing or additional risk to the public’s health and welfare. Examples of LIFE-SAFETY issues are (but not limited to): blocked roadways, damaged bridges, downed (energized) power lines, natural gas leaks, releases of other gas or solid hazardous materials, uncontrolled fires, unstable buildings, flooding, etc.

When conditions allow, The Glynn County Command Policy Group will announce the beginning of Re-Entry. The Re-Entry phases are as followed:

Phase 1: Render Safe Task Force Team Re-Entry

 Phase 1 is the initial phase of re-entry. During this phase, teams from state and local response agencies, as well as private sector utility providers, will gain access to impacted areas. The primary objective of operating personnel during this phase is to render the area safe for the first responders who will follow them to conduct life safety operations.

Phase 2: Emergency Response and Life Safety Workforce Re-Entry

 Phase 2 will consist of personnel conducting life safety operations in impacted areas. These operations include, but are not limited to, search and rescue, emergency medical services, fire suppression, hazardous materials control and containment, preliminary damage assessment, essential relief staff to critical medical facilities, and immediate utility restoration to critical incident facilities.

Personnel entering impacted areas during Phase 2 should be prepared to present a State of Georgia Disaster Re-Entry Permit, employee credentials (marked vehicle, ID badge, etc.), as well as a valid state-issued identification card, to public safety personnel controlling access.

Phase 3: Essential Public and Private Sector Personnel Re-Entry

 Phase 3 will consist primarily of individuals in the public and private sector that can restore essential operations, services and commerce in support of re-entry by the general public. These systems and networks include, but are not limited to, petroleum distributors, food distributors, non-emergency medical facilities (such as dialysis centers), pharmaceutical providers, members of the media, medical facility support staff, and local government essential workers. Validation of issuance of re-entry permits for this phase will require close coordination among state and local emergency management and with local public safety officials to ensure that the appropriate individuals and private sector partners are being allowed to access damaged areas.

Personnel entering during Phase 3 are required to possess a State of Georgia Disaster Re-Entry Permit, employee credentials (marked vehicle, ID badge, etc.), as well as a valid state-issued photo identification card, to public safety personnel controlling access. Individuals working as contractors or subcontractors for an organization or business approved for Phase 3 re-entry are also required to have an employer authorization letter.

Phase 4: Local Residents, Property Owners, and Business Owners

 Phase 4 will consist of local residents and those who own property or businesses in the impacted areas. The time frame of this phase is dependent upon the extent of the damage caused by the hazard and the status of recovery and restoration operations in the preceding phases. During Phase 4 re-entry, access may be limited to certain portions of impacted counties, and restrictions may be in place only allowing access during daylight hours.

Residents and individuals attempting to gain access during this phase will be expected to present valid state-issued photo identification that includes an address in the impacted area; or, valid state-issued photo identification along with a property deed, recent utility bill verifying an address, current voter registration card, recent property tax statement, business credential, or paystub from a local business. No State of Georgia Disaster Re-Entry Permits are issued for Phase 4 re-entry.

Phase 5: Open to Public with Limited Access

 In Phase 5, local officials will determine that a county or portions of the county are relatively safe for entrance by the general public. Restrictions may remain in place for a period of time limiting access to daylight hours.

 However, even after LIFE-SAFETY issues have been dealt with, conditions in Glynn County will still be far from back to normal. There is a very real possibility it will take weeks to restore basic utilities such as electricity, water, and sewer services. Living conditions throughout the County may be difficult at best. Prepare now.

 Please use the link to apply for the Critical Worker Pass through the GEMA website this year. https://gema.georgia.gov/re-entry  For more information contact the EMA office at 912-554-7734.