
Chattooga County residents are facing a potentially dangerous weather situation Saturday as Hurricane Isaias brings strong winds, heavy rainfall and the threat of severe storms to Northwest Georgia.

Chattooga County residents are facing a potentially dangerous weather situation Saturday as Hurricane Isaias brings strong winds, heavy rainfall and the threat of severe storms to Northwest Georgia.

Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen has declared a local State of Emergency for Chattooga County as the county prepares for potentially dangerous weather associated with Hurricane Isaias.

Chattooga County E911 is once again looking for someone interested in a career in public safety, with the agency announcing that it currently has one 12-hour shift position available.

The Chattooga County Community Emergency Response Team has added 16 new members following a training class held recently in Summerville.

The damaging storm that struck Trion Monday afternoon was not a tornado, according to the National Weather Service, but rather a downburst, likely a wet microburst, capable of producing winds estimated at 60 to 70 mph.

Chattooga County EMA is advising motorists about a temporary traffic change near Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Pennville during Finster Fest this weekend.
According to the Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency, Rena Street will temporarily operate as a one-lane road during the festival on Saturday and Sunday, September 19 and 20.
The traffic change is expected to go into effect Saturday morning between 7 and 8 AM and remain in place until the conclusion of the event.
County officials say the adjustment is necessary because of the large number of pedestrians expected to be walking to and from Finster Fest, along with buses transporting festival attendees throughout the weekend.
Motorists traveling through the area are being asked to use caution, watch for pedestrians and be prepared for possible delays.
Finster Fest will be held Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM until 5 PM each day at Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Pennville.

The Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency is teaming up with Blood Assurance for a community blood drive next month in Summerville.
The blood drive will be held Friday, October 9, from 12:30 until 3:30 PM at the Chattooga County EMA office, 170 Farrar Drive in Summerville.
Blood Assurance encourages residents who are able to donate to participate, emphasizing its message of “Give Local, Save Local.” Blood collected through the organization helps provide a local supply for hospitals and patients throughout the region.
Those planning to donate are encouraged to eat a good meal beforehand, drink extra water, avoid energy drinks and bring identification.
As an added incentive, donors who give blood during the month of October will receive a “Blood Donors Are Game Changers” T-shirt, while supplies last.
Appointments can be made using the QR code included on the blood drive flyer.
The Chattooga County EMA blood drive is scheduled for Friday, October 9, from 12:30-3:30 PM at 170 Farrar Drive in Summerville.

When tornadoes, flooding, severe storms or other emergencies strike, firefighters, law enforcement officers and medical crews can quickly find themselves responding to multiple emergencies at the same time. That is where trained community volunteers can become an important part of the response.

Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency is inviting local residents to learn skills that could help their families, neighbors and community when disaster strikes by becoming members of the county’s Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT.

Chattooga County EMA/E-911 is preparing to implement a new voluntary program designed to give emergency responders important information before they arrive at the home of a resident who may have special needs.