Officials in Northeast Georgia reported varying levels of preparedness for a potential winter storm emergency when contacted Friday. Some counties have shelter plans in place for residents who lose power, while others do not have working contingency plans.
Habersham County
In response to an email to County Manager Tim Sims, County Clerk Brandalin Carnes said the county does not currently plan to open its facilities as emergency shelters.
“The county does not have any plans in place at this time to open its facilities for an emergency shelter,” Carnes wrote. She said the only potentially feasible location would be the Aquatic Center, but the county lacks the resources to operate it as a shelter.
Carnes said the county does not want residents to come to the Aquatic Center expecting basic services when the facility could experience its own power outage.
“This could cause them to neglect the precious time that they need for making essential preparations to shelter in place,” she wrote. “We do not want to run into a situation where individuals are leaving the relative safety of their homes and venturing out to the Aquatic Center in dangerous weather thinking that it will have power, food, water, heat and safety.”
Carnes strongly encouraged residents to prepare by securing food and water, medications, and power and fuel supplies, including firewood.
She also recommended reviewing winter storm and power outage preparedness guidance from the American Red Cross here.
At the Habersham Public Library in Clarkesville, library manager Shawna Meers-Ernst said the library is expected to be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The library will not open Sunday, when it is typically closed.
Lumpkin County
Alicia Davis, division director for community and employee services, said Lumpkin County residents in need of temporary shelter may use the sheriff’s office lobby at 385 E. Main St. in Dahlonega. Mattresses will be available if needed.
In addition, the Georgia Mountains Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Dahlonega will be open daily from 5:30 p.m. to 8 a.m. to provide shelter. The church is located at 3155 Morrison Moore Parkway East.
Rabun County
Brian Panell, director of the Rabun County Emergency Management Agency, said the county is preparing to open a shelter at the Rabun County Recreation Department at 400 Recreation Park Drive in Tiger.
Gym 3 in the facility will be used to house anyone in need, Panell said.
Stephens County
Christian Hamilton, Stephens County administrator, said the county will open a shelter at the Hope Center, 69 W. Whitman St. in Toccoa, at 6 p.m. Saturday. The shelter will offer food and overnight accommodations for residents in need.
Hamilton said the shelter could accommodate several dozen people if necessary.
“You can let people know that our public safety personnel are very much in tune with what’s going on, and we will check in with people to make sure they’re OK,” Hamilton said.
White County
Bryce Barrett, White County public information officer, said residents in need of shelter must request assistance through the county website at whitecountyga.gov/shelterrequest.
Residents without internet access may call 706-865-9800 for assistance.
