News Release

Fort Pulaski Flagpole Safety Alert

Date: March 19, 2018
Contact: Joel Cadoff, 912-665-1323

UPDATED 3/29/2018

SAVANNAH, GA – The storms from the past year and a half, especially the EF-2 tornado that struck the park in May, 2017, have taken a great toll on the Fort Pulaski flagpole. During recent investigative work by structural engineers, additional corrosion to the guy wire system that supports the garrison flagpole was discovered. Due to the size of the flagpole and the way it is anchored to the fort, it has been determined that during high wind events, the flagpole poses a significant danger to park staff and visitors. The flagpole will be removed until repairs are made.

Until the flagpole is removed, temporary closures of the fort may be necessary. During weather events where sustained winds of 25 M.P.H. or thunderstorm warnings are present the historic fort will temporarily close.

The rest of the park is not affected by this alert and will remain open. As always, visitors are asked to remain aware of weather alerts while using trails as conditions can deteriorate rapidly. If the fort is closed due to wind conditions, no admission fees will be charged. 

The National Park Service continues to look for sustainable ways of preserving and maintaining nineteenth century Fort Pulaski in the twenty-first century. The staff of Fort Pulaski National Monument appreciates the patience of our visitors and members of the local community as storm recovery efforts moves forward.

Fort Pulaski National Monument is located on U.S. Highway 80, 15 miles east of Savannah. For more information, please visit the park website at www.nps.gov/fopu or call [phone]. You can also follow the park on Instagram at www.instagram.com/FortPulaskiNPS, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/FortPulaskiNPS, or like the official Fort Pulaski National Monument Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FortPulaskiNPS.
 

-NPS-