The Rabun County Office of Emergency Management and Rabun County Board of Commissioners issued a local state of emergency for Rabun County on Thursday at noon.
The declaration for the local state of emergency was ordered Thursday, Dec. 22, at noon and expires on Monday, Dec. 26, at noon, according to the declaration signed by Greg James, chairman of the Rabun County Board of Commissioners.
Snowfall is expected in Northeast Georgia and Thursday, Dec. 22, at nightfall weather is expected to drop to 17 degrees. The high for Friday, Dec. 23, will be 21 degrees and drop to 6 degrees at night. Christmas Eve will be a high of 26 degrees and low of 13 degrees in Clayton. Christmas Day will be 36 degrees for a high and 18 degrees for a low. Up to 2 inches of snow is possible and icy conditions can make hazardous driving conditions, according to reporting by The Clayton Tribune.
To sign up for CODERED emergency alerts from the Rabun County Office of Emergency Management, visit rabuncounty.ga.gov/ema or visit https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BFBC1D587AD2 directly to sign up on the webpage.
Gov. Brian Kemp issued an Executive Order for a state of emergency for Winter Weather for the entire state Wednesday, Dec. 21. The executive order cited "frigid temperatures" possibility of black ice.
Brian Panell, Rabun County EMA director, said the local state of emergency was put into place due to the potential for extreme frigid temperatures and wind gusts at extremely high gusts and low temperatures.
Panell urged everyone to use extreme caution and protect themselves and any outside pets during the extreme cold and wind gusts that are expected. He said that a warming station will be set up in an area at Clayton Baptist Church for those who do not have access to heat or water sources during the state of emergency. Panell said this will be available on an "as needed basis" and details will be published should it be opened.
Anyone needing access to the warming shelter can contact non-emergency dispatch at 706-782-7777.
The declaration for the state of emergency states:
"Whereas the National Weather Service-Greenville/Spartanburg predicts that an Arctic blast of extreme frigid temperatures and wind gusts will impact Rabun County, Ga. beginning Thursday, Dec. 22; and whereas projected precipitation with dangerously cold climate and temperatures projected and temperatures below freezing for at least 72 hours across the county, creates the potential for black ice formation, wind gusts of more than 20 miles per hour are forecasted to accompany the cold front and could exacerbate potential property damage, including downed trees and power lines; and whereas to prevent or minimize injury to the citizens and visitors of Rabun County, Ga., and reduce damage to property resulting from winter weather event; and now therefore Rabun County, Ga., declares that a Local State of Emergency exists, and is running concurrently with the State of Emergency declared by Gov. Brian P. Kemp that includes Rabun County, Ga.; and that the Rabun County Office of Emergency Management activates the county Emergency Operations Plan, under Direction and Control of the Emergency Management Director, and further ordered, that the Emergency Management Ordinances adopted by the Rabun County Board of Commissioners be operative."
The Local State of Emergency was declared to heighten preparedness for the predicted storm in the community.
Thursday morning, the Rabun County 911 Center issued an alert to the community on ways to prepare and stay safe.
"With the weather forecast to be extremely windy and cold for the next several days heading into this holiday weekend, now is the time to prepare. Protect water pipes from freezing; bring pets inside; check smoke/carbon monoxide detector batteries; and check your heating system and wood/propane supplies," according to the alert.
"Have your home utility phone numbers handy in case of outages. Call 911 only for emergencies and not to report your power is out. Check on elderly family members and neighbors. We hope you have a safe and happy holiday," according to the alert.
Preparing for the predicted winter storm
Rabun County EMA advised on their social media page for people to take precautions to be ready for the dangerously cold weather moving in. It posted winter storm safety tips:
At Home:
-Allow faucets to drip to avoid freezing
-Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to uninsulated pipes
-Use flashlights instead of candles to prevent the risk of fire
-Never use an oven to hear your home
-Use portable generators, camp stoves and grills outdoors-keep them at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and vents to prevent deadly carbon monoxide poisoning
On the Road:
-Do not drive unless absolutely necesary. If you must drive, slow down; don't stop on a hill; avoid abrupt steering maneuvers; and don't use cruise control
Winter Weather Countdown
When winter weather is in the forecast, every minute counts.
24-48 hours in advance:
-Check and/or assemble emergency supplies for your home and vehicle
-Make plans in the event that school is canceled
-Prepare to work from home, if your employer allows it
-Make sure you have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, such as NOAA weather radio
-Fill your vehicle's gas tank and keep it at least half-full all winter
-Check on friends and neighbors to see if they need help with preparations
12-24 hours in advance:
-Ensure your mobile devices are plugged in and able to receive a full charge
-Freeze bottles of water to help keep food cold if the power goes out
-Keep a close eye on the forecast via local news reports
-Finalize plans to stay home during the storm
Under 12 hours in advance:
-Avoid all unneccesary travel
-Keep electronic devices charged
-Check on neighbors and friends to ensure they are safe and prepared
Georgia Power offers tips and resources to help customers stay safe and warm as extreme cold predicted across Georgia
"With extremely cold temperatures expected throughout north and central Georgia this week, Georgia Power is prepared to respond across its system. The company continuously monitors changing weather conditions and puts teams and resources in place that are ready to respond to any impacts caused by winter weather, safely and as quickly as possible," according to a press release from the Georgia Power Wednesday.
Georgia Power gives tips on Winter Weather Safety:
-Have a flashlight, a portable phone charger, and spare batteries on hand in case the power goes out.
-Maintain ventilation around fireplaces
-Use space heaters only on level surfaces and keep away from furniture, curtains, water, children and pets.
-Never use generators indoors. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions supplied with the generator model.
-Prepare an emergency supply kit for your home and vehicle.
-If there is a power outage in your area, visit the Outage and Storm Center to review safety tips, enroll in outage alerts and more.
Save money and energy during cold weather:
-Set your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower.
-Add additional insulation to your attic, including around attic steps.
-Add weather stripping around doors and windows.
-Ensure your heating system is working efficiently by changing the filter and making sure vents and return air registers are clear and not blocked by furniture or other obstructions.
Visit https://www.georgiapower.com/ for updates.