Severe Winter Weather Responses & Resources

In preparation for severe winter weather forecasts for the area beginning the morning of Friday, January 10, 2025, Athens-Clarke County Unified Government (ACCGov) staff continues to closely monitor the winter storm's path and potential impacts on the community.

The ACCGov Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is coordinating response efforts across multiple ACCGov departments, including the Police, Fire, Transportation and Public Works, Central Services, Leisure Services, Public Utilities, Transit, Human Resources, and Communications departments, as well as the Manager's Office and other local, state, and federal agencies as necessary.

Severe Weather Response Updates

ACCGov has created a webpage at www.accgov.com/weather as a clearinghouse for updated information about the storm's effects on Athens-Clarke County, as well as local responses and resources. The site also includes a flyer and information about who to call for urgent issues encountered during the storm, including fallen trees, blocked roadways, traffic signal issues, and more.

This area will be updated before, during, and after the storm. Information and updates will also be posted on the ACCGov main social media channels on Facebook (www.facebook.com/accgov) and X, formerly Twitter, (www.x.com/accgov), as well as on other outlets.

Preparation

Residents are encouraged to take the time beforehand to prepare for potential emergency situations. The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) recommends creating a family communications plan in case members are in different areas when emergency situations occur, preparing a ready kit with supplies for the entire family for three days, and staying informed about severe weather situations.

Additionally, residents should plan for power outages during below-freezing temperatures. The ACCGov EMA recommends residents have on hand flashlights, extra batteries, warm clothing, non-perishable snacks/food items, and any needed medication.

Residents who rely on electricity for medical equipment should make alternate arrangements in case power is out for an extended period of time.

While a ready kit may differ based on the needs of different families, more extensive lists of items to consider for both home and car ready kits are linked through www.accgov.com/weather.

Once winter weather conditions begin, residents are encouraged to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. If travel is necessary, drive slowly, provide plenty of space between vehicles, and allow adequate time to reach the destination.

Closures

An ongoing list of ACCGov closures, road closures, and other area entity closures will be available at www.accgov.com/weather and updated throughout the weekend.

As of 1:00 PM on Thursday, January 9, ACCGov has closed non-essential services on Saturday, January 11. As part of this closure, Leisure Services parks and facilities will be closed except for the Lay Park emergency shelter, Solid Waste's Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) and Landfill will be closed, and Animal Services' Animal Shelter will be closed for visits, adoptions, and drop-offs.

As long as conditions allow on Saturday, Transit will continue to provide services, Solid Waste will continue downtown collections, and Animal Services will continue to provide emergency services for those who call 911.

Additional closures are likely. Visit www.accgov.com/weather for updates.

Water Pipes

Winter weather can mean trouble for home water pipes. Freezing can cause pipes to burst, leaving residences without water and a potentially hefty repair bill.

In addition to winterizing pipes that are outdoors, in crawl spaces, and even indoors during freezing weather, residents should know who to contact in the event of a burst pipe and how to turn off the main water valve. Water mains might be in a basement or under a metal cover in the yard near the street.

In the event of a burst pipe, residents should not call 911 for assistance. Residents can contact the ACCGov Public Utilities Department at 706-613-3495 or 706-613-3481 (after hours) if they need assistance with turning off the water main at the meter. Residents living in multi-family complexes should contact their management company for assistance.

For more tips related to water pipes and winter tips, visit www.accgov.com/weather.

Shelters

In addition to normal sheltering locations through Bigger Vision of Athens, the Salvation Army, Family Promise, and the Athens Area Homeless Shelter, a series of additional resources will be available over the weekend.

Bigger Vision of Athens and the Salvation Army have expanded capacity for emergency sheltering. Additionally, Bigger Vision of Athens is partnering with Athens First United Methodist Church for expanded capacity options. For these services, residents can visit Bigger Vision of Athens at 95 North Avenue or call 706-340-6062.

ACCGov will also activate an additional emergency shelter located at Lay Park (297 Hoyt Street) that will operate from Friday, January 10 at 8:00 AM until Sunday, January 12 at 7:00 AM.

Two pop-up warming sites will also be stationed in tents in the parking lots of Bigger Vision of Athens (95 North Avenue) and Advantage Behavioral Health Systems (240 North Avenue). Although these sites are not sleeping locations, they will be equipped with heaters and open 24 hours a day from Friday morning through Sunday morning.

Shelter updates will be available at www.accgov.com/shelter.

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