Missing Man Located Safely

On Friday evening, June 16 th , a call came into the Towns County 911 Center of an elderly man who had wandered off from a residence on Hickory Cove Lane in Hiawassee. Towns County Sheriff’s deputies, along with personnel from the Towns County Fire and Rescue responded to the scene. The missing person was identified as George Chastain, age 87, of Starkville, Mississippi. The missing man was at the residence on Hickory Cove Lane visiting and was last seen at 8:00pm.

Towns County Sheriff’s Office and Fire and Rescue personnel searched the immediate area around the residence, but they were unable to locate the missing person. A CodeRED telephone alert was sent out to the Upper Bell Creek Area to notify the residents to be on the lookout for the missing person. He was last seen wearing a yellow shirt and tan khaki pants and described as 5’7” in height and 150 pounds. The Towns County Sheriff’s Office’s bloodhound was used to search the area, along with another bloodhound from Blairsville. A heavy rain had occurred prior to the bloodhounds arriving on the scene and the dogs were unable to locate the missing person.

A helicopter with heat-seeking thermal imaging was requested from the Georgia State Patrol Aviation Unit and arrived on the scene to fly the area surrounding the residence. The helicopter was unable to locate the missing person.

On Saturday morning, as ground searchers were planning to search the area further, the missing person was located by a neighbor and returned to the residence.

CodeRED delivers notifications by phone calls to landlines and cell phones, emails, texts, social media, and/or mobile alerts. CodeRED is compatible with TDD/TTY devices for those with hearing impairments. Individuals and businesses may add as many phone numbers, emails, and texts numbers you’d like. Registering for CodeRED is quick and easy. There is no charge to register for or use CodeRED and your personal information will be kept confidential. If you would like to be included in this automated alert system to receive emergency alerts, go to this web address and sign up using your landline telephone or cell phone numbers: https://public.coderedweb.com/cne/6B4D39EC2439

Add the following numbers to your caller ID:

4070 State Hwy 339, Young Harris, Ga. 30582 (706) 896-4444 Fax (706) 896-3349

866-419- 5000 – EMERGENCY CALLS

855-969- 4636 – GENERAL CALLS

800-566- 9780 – WEATHER WARNINGS

As well, residents and visitors alike can receive enhanced public safety alerts no matter where you are located via the CodeRED Mobile Alert app – a free public safety app for both Android and iPhone users. The CodeRED Mobile Alert app delivers community and emergency alerts to individuals targeted within an impacted geographical area so that you may also receive timely notifications when you’re on the road, away from home.

If you are currently a CodeRED subscriber who has already registered your mobile phone to receive notifications from Towns County, you will continue to receive calls. However, if you download the CodeRED Mobile Alert app, you will also be able to receive alerts via your smartphone anywhere in the country, including Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Alaska.

To download the free CodeRED Mobile Alert app, visit the Google Play or iTunes store.

SUMMER SAFETY TIPS

Summer is a time for outdoor play, renewing friendships, reliving memories, and trying new activities. So you and your family will also have a safe season, the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association offers the following summer safety guidelines:

 Never allow a child to swim unsupervised. If your child is going with a friend to swim, be sure to speak with the adult in charge. Don’t be afraid to ask if they know CPR. Children can drown quickly, and in very small amounts of water. Even a brief span of inattention can be fatal. Take the opportunity to evaluate your child’s ability and general comfort in the water. Make sure your child knows the safety rules.

 Hydration is important for all ages, particularly in the summer. A dehydrated person can become weak, faint, and vulnerable. Make sure you allow at least eight glasses of water per day for each person, more if you’re involved in athletics or strenuous activities. If you’re traveling, freeze water in reusable containers to pack in a cooler. The ice will thaw gradually, but the water will stay cooler and more refreshing during the long, hot summer days.

 When schools are not in session, children often spend more time on the computer or in front of the television. Make sure your computer has an Internet filter (available from many family-oriented websites), and that you have activated the parental controls on your television. Teach your child never to give out their name, address, or other identifying information to anyone on the Internet. Make an effort to become acquainted with the parents of your children’s friends. Don’t be afraid to ask them what their guidelines are for their child’s Internet and television use.

 Set outdoor boundaries for your child. A good way to establish these limits is to take a tour of the neighborhood with your child and determine what areas are off limits. Perhaps you live near a highway or a busy intersection that might be designated “out of bounds” because of the risks they present to your child. Often, places with water, such as creeks, streams, and ponds are also out of bounds. Entering unfamiliar homes without a parent should always be out of bounds. Discuss these boundaries with your child and make sure they understand.

 Get to know your child’s camp counselors, coaches, troop leaders, ministers, and teachers. When you speak to the adults in your child’s life, establish yourself as your child’s parent. If time allows, consider offering to volunteer or help out in some capacity. Not only will you enjoy the time you spend engaged with your child in summer activities, but you can watch their interaction with others and monitor their activities.

As your sheriff, it is my goal to help keep our community a safe place to live, work, and raise a family. Never hesitate to call upon your Sheriff’s Office for assistance. I hope that each of you have a safe summer season.