CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — A plastic bag wrapped in duct tape prompted a brief evacuation Wednesday morning at the Habersham County office of the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services before authorities determined it posed no threat.
Habersham County Sheriff Robin Krockum told Now Georgia the suspicious package turned out to be a plastic bag containing trash.
“There was nothing to it,” Krockum said. “It had duct tape wrapped all around it making it look suspicious.”
According to the Georgia Department of Human Services, a Habersham County maintenance worker reported the suspicious package at approximately 8:25 a.m. at the DFACS office, 1045 Grant St.
Habersham County 911 confirmed receiving the call at 8:28 a.m.
Several staff members were evacuated from the building, although there were no clients in the lobby at the time, according to DHS Director of Communications Ellen Brown.
Brown told Now Georgia local firefighters and law enforcement responded, and the building was cleared for reentry by 8:41 a.m., approximately 10 minutes after emergency responders arrived.
“We are grateful for their quick response,” Brown said.
According to Brown, staff immediately returned to normal operations after the all-clear was given.
When Now Georgia arrived at the scene later Wednesday morning, no law enforcement officers were present and the DFACS office had reopened and resumed normal business.
Habersham County DFACS Director Cara Galloway referred questions to the state Department of Human Services.
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