WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — The city of Warner Robins is distributing sandbags to help people prepare for Hurricane Helene.
Each residence is limited to only 10 sandbags, and only Warner Robins residents can claim sandbags for their households.
Public Works Department Director Craig Clifton said they handed out nearly 600 bags during their first day of distribution at 210 Bay Street.
"We got a big storm coming through," said equipment operator Deon Felton. "We've been preparing since Monday, making sure all the machines are up to par. The chainsaws, all that stuff, just making sure everything is ready to work."
They say the Public Works crews were up at 7 a.m. to begin filling and loading.
Jeff Pepper hoped to secure his 10 after hearing about the city's efforts from his church.
"After being here 20 years, I really think this is the first time where they're giving out sandbags," Pepper said. "That shows how people are trying to prepare ... you never know when you might need them."
He was first turned away after crews ran out of bags around 3:15 p.m., before they were set to close.
But after our interview, Pepper was in luck and drove home with his own bags to place in front of his front and back doors.
"This is the first time I used sandbags. It's better to have too much than not enough, that way you can help your neighbor," Pepper said.
The Public Works Department closed its gates at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
They will be open again around 7 a.m. Thursday for their second day of distribution.