#EmergencyManagement | AM 1180 Radio

October 19, 2026

Regional Disaster Symposium Focuses On Emergency Preparedness And Lessons From Past Disasters

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Emergency management professionals and first responders from across Northwest Georgia recently gathered in Rome for the inaugural Disaster Response Symposium, an event focused on improving emergency preparedness and strengthening cooperation between agencies during major disasters.

October 8, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga High Revising Severe Weather Procedures After Safety Review

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Chattooga County Schools will revise severe weather procedures at Chattooga High School after consulting with a Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency security specialist.

September 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County CERT Adds 16 New Members Following Training

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

September 23, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

NWS: Wet Microburst Caused Trion Storm Damage, Winds May Have Reached 60-70 MPH

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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.

September 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Traffic Change Planned On Rena Street During Finster Fest

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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.

September 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County EMA To Host Blood Drive In October

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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.

August 31, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County CERT Training Gives Residents Skills To Help When Disaster Strikes

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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.

August 24, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County CERT Seeking New Members For September Training

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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.

August 23, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County EMA/E-911 Announces Logan’s List To Help First Responders Assist Residents With Special Needs

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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.

July 31, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

GEMA/HS Names Kirk Smith Deputy Director Of Homeland Security Division

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The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency has appointed Kirk Smith as the new Deputy Director of its Homeland Security Division.

Smith most recently served as GEMA/HS Homeland Security Operations Manager. In his new role, he will oversee Homeland Security Operations, Intelligence, and Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources, helping coordinate statewide efforts to strengthen preparedness, security and resilience.

Before joining GEMA/HS, Smith spent nearly 18 years as a Special Agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, where he served in several roles, including field agent, child abuse specialist, crime scene specialist and field training agent. He also served as a civilian law enforcement advisor with the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division in Afghanistan from 2010 to 2012.

GEMA/HS Director Josh Lamb praised Smith’s leadership and experience, saying his commitment to preparedness and coordination will help strengthen the agency’s mission of protecting Georgia communities from natural disasters, terrorism and other emergencies.

As part of the Governor’s Office, GEMA/HS works with local, state and federal partners to coordinate disaster response, emergency preparedness and homeland security efforts throughout Georgia.