City to Close Offices Tuesday, Wednesday Due to Winter Storm

______________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jan. 20, 2025

CONTACT:

Office of Communications

[email protected]

City to Close Offices Tuesday, Wednesday Due to Winter Storm

SAVANNAH - The City of Savannah has declared a State of Emergency that will be effective at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 21 due to anticipated impacts from a winter storm.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Chatham County from Monday, Jan. 20 at 2:34 p.m. through Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 12 p.m. A Cold Weather Advisory was issued Monday afternoon and runs through Jan. 22 at 6 p.m. As of Monday afternoon, the forecast indicates a high probability of near-record low temperatures and the possibility of 1-2 inches of snow/sleet Tuesday night.

The City will close administrative offices and facilities at noon on Tuesday. Offices will remain closed all day Wednesday, Jan. 22. Thursday operations will be determined later depending on the impacts of the storm. Emergency services will remain open.

The Incident Management Team for the City has been activated. The Emergency Operations Center will be opened for 24-hour operations beginning on Tuesday.

The City has opened a warming center at the Tompkins Regional Center, 2333 Ogeechee Rd. The warming center will operate on Monday, Jan. 20 from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. as a last resort overnight shelter. Tompkins will reopen Tuesday at 3 p.m. and be open through Wednesday until Thursday at 11 a.m. Pets are welcomed but must remain under owner's control. Capacity is limited.

Sanitation routes will be affected by the closures. Residential garbage collection, recycling collection, and yard waste collection services were already operating on a one-day delayed holiday schedule. Monday's routes will be collected Tuesday morning. Collection route operations for Wednesday through Friday are to be determined. Updates will be provided to the public as available.

Live Oak Public Libraries will close all libraries on Tuesday, Jan. 21 and Wednesday, Jan. 22. Thursday operations are yet to be determined.

For winter weather safety tips and updates, visit savannahga.gov/winterweather.

The City recommends the following precautions be taken ahead of and during extreme winter weather:

• Protect Pipes from Freezing : Insulate exposed pipes and faucets to prevent them from freezing and bursting. Faucets should drip overnight to keep water moving and prevent it from becoming stagnant in the pipes. Drains and outdoor faucets should be closed and faucet covers be used to protect them. Use caulk to seal cracks around pipes on your walls, both inside and outside to help insulate them. Overnight, open all cupboards and vanities which can help keep pipes warm. Residential and Commercial water customers should also drain all irrigation systems ahead of the cold. Irrigation systems should be shutoff at the valve that connects to the City's water supply.
• Stock Up on Essential Supplies : Ensure you have enough non-perishable food, water, prescription medications, and household items (toiletries, pet food, etc.) to last several days in case of power outages or travel disruptions.
• Check Heating Systems : Make sure your furnace, space heaters, and fireplace are in good working condition. Have extra blankets, warm clothing, and sleeping bags available in case the heat goes out. Thermostats should be set to at least 50°F even if the house is vacant.
• Use Space Heaters Safely : Space heaters should have three feet clearance around them at all times; Heaters should be kept away from furniture, curtains, bedding, and clothing; do not use the heater to dry clothes; place the heater on a flat level surface; plug the heater directly into an outlet; do not use extension cords; unplug the space heater when leaving the room or going to sleep; always follow the manufacturer's recommendations when using any heating source.
• Weatherproof Your Home : Seal gaps around windows and doors to prevent cold drafts. Ensure you have enough insulation in your attic and walls to help keep the cold out. To reduce your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be produced by fumes from cars, trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills gas ranges, furnaces and fireplaces, install a batter-operated or battery back-up carbon monoxide detector.
• Plan for Transportation Delays : If you must travel during the storm, prepare for delays. Keep your vehicle's gas tank full and have a backup plan for where to stay if you can't reach your destination.
• Prepare Your Vehicle : Check tire pressure, windshield wipers, and antifreeze levels. If you must travel on the roads, ensure the vehicle is in good working order and keep the gas tank as full as possible to keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Roadway Safety : When driving, increase the following distance from other vehicles when maneuvering over potential ice and snow. Slow way down ahead of turns. If the vehicle begins to lose control and skid do not stab the brakes. Let off the accelerator and turn the wheels the direction you want to go until the vehicle regains traction. If you do not recover from the skid initially and are heading towards a collision, plant your foot on the brakes and do not let up.
• Stay Informed : Monitor weather forecasts and warnings via local news, weather apps, and the National Weather Service. Sign up for local emergency alerts so you can stay updated on storm progress and emergency measures.
• Stay Warm: During extreme temperatures, remain indoors as much as possible. When going outside, wear several layers of loose clothing, protect your ears, face, hands, and feet. Keep exposure to the elements for pets at a minimum and check on elderly or at-risk neighbors who may need assistance.

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