#EmergencyPreparedness | AM 1180 Radio

January 23, 2026

Ag Commissioner Tyler Harper Urges Georgians to Prepare for Extreme Cold, Winter Storm Impacts

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Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper is urging Georgians to prepare as extremely cold weather moves into parts of the state, with a potential winter storm expected to bring ice and snow beginning Friday night and lasting through the weekend. Harper says it is critical for pet and livestock owners to take precautions now to keep animals safe and warm, and he also warns that prolonged power outages at agricultural and food production facilities can lead to economic losses and serious food safety concerns.

January 23, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

City of Summerville Urges Residents to Protect Pipes Ahead of Freezing Temperatures

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With winter weather and colder temperatures in the forecast, the City of Summerville is reminding residents to take a few simple steps now to reduce the risk of frozen or burst pipes. The city recommends letting faucets drip at a thin stream—about the size of a pencil lead—especially for sinks on exterior walls, and opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to help warmer air circulate around plumbing. Officials also advise disconnecting garden hoses from outdoor spigots and using insulated covers if available. Residents are encouraged to make sure everyone in the home knows where the main water shut-off valve is located in case a pipe breaks. For questions or assistance, residents can contact the City of Summerville at 706-859-0900.

January 23, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

AAA Urges Winter Drivers to Prep Vehicles and Plan Ahead as Snow and Ice Make Roads Dangerous

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With snow, ice, and sleet creating hazardous travel conditions, AAA – The Auto Club Group is urging drivers to take proactive steps to stay safe on winter roads. AAA notes winter weather can be deadly, citing U.S. Department of Transportation figures showing 1,300 people are killed and 116,000 injured each year in crashes on snowy or icy pavement.

January 22, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Winter Storm Watch Expanded Across North Georgia as Ice, Power Outages, and Dangerous Cold Threaten Weekend

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Forecasters say a high-impact winter storm is increasingly likely across Georgia this weekend, with freezing rain and ice expected to be the primary hazards and the potential for widespread power outages and dangerous travel conditions. The Winter Storm Watch has been expanded to include most of North Georgia and a small portion of Central Georgia, with the watch starting 1:00 AM Saturday for the far northern tier and beginning 1:00 PM Saturday for areas generally near and south of I-20. Both time periods extend through 10:00 AM Monday.

January 22, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Winter Weather Watch Issued as High-Impact Ice Storm Threatens Northwest Georgia This Weekend

Local News, Local News Items #chattoogacounty, #EmergencyPreparedness, #FloydCounty, #FreezingRain, #IceStorm, #LookoutMountain, #MentoneAL, #northwestgeorgia, #PowerOutages, #Sleet, #TravelAdvisory, #WalkerCounty, #WinterWeatherWatch 0

A high-impact winter storm is expected to move into northern Georgia this weekend, and forecasters say the biggest concerns for Northwest Georgia are ice, dangerous travel, and possible power outages. A Winter Weather Watch begins at 1:00 a.m. Saturday and continues into Monday morning as multiple storm systems interact with a surge of Arctic air pushing south.

January 22, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

CRC Chattooga Seeking Volunteers as Warming Shelter Plans Ramp Up Ahead of Possible Extreme Cold

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CRC Chattooga is asking for community volunteers as preparations increase for the possibility of opening a warming station this weekend if extreme cold conditions develop. Organizers say the ability to open the shelter depends entirely on having enough volunteers to staff it, noting that without sufficient help, the shelter cannot be operated safely. CRC Chattooga is seeking evening and overnight volunteers, and may also need day-shift volunteers if weather conditions limit travel. The group is also looking for people to help provide meals, which could include simple options like sandwich supplies and bread depending on power conditions, and volunteers willing to offer encouragement and support to guests. Those who can help are asked to use the sign-up link provided by CRC Chattooga to indicate how they can serve.

January 18, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga High School Sets Fire Drill for Jan. 21, Outlines Busy Week of Athletics and Student Activities

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Chattooga High School will conduct its January fire drill on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 1 p.m., according to Assistant Principal and Athletic Director J. Mark Turner.

January 14, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga Coroner “Big Mac” McElhaney Urges Residents to Add Emergency Contacts to Georgia License Records

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Chattooga County Coroner Jeremy “Big Mac” McElhaney is reminding residents about a free, simple way to help first responders reach loved ones faster in an emergency: add emergency contact information to your Georgia driver’s license or ID record.

December 29, 2025

by WZQZ NEWS

Summerville Fire Department Conducting Hydrant Flushing Today and Tuesday

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Today, Monday, December 29, 2025, the City of Summerville Fire Department began routine fire hydrant flushing and maintenance, continuing Tuesday, December 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. as crews work to keep the city’s hydrants in reliable working order.

Residents in northeast Summerville may notice activity and brief service effects in the:

Highway 27 area
Lake Wanda Reita Road area
Back Penn Road area

Fire Department personnel will be performing essential tasks on hydrants across the area, including lubrication, flushing, and function checks. During the process, some customers may experience temporary water discoloration, which officials say is normal and safe.

If discoloration occurs, residents are advised to run cold water from a tap for a few minutes until it clears.

December 11, 2025

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Launches Statewide Naloxone Kit Initiative for Every Public School

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A new statewide initiative will soon place opioid overdose reversal kits in every Georgia public school, as state education and behavioral health leaders move to strengthen emergency preparedness amid the opioid crisis.