DeKalb County Declares State of Emergency: Urges Residents to Shelter in Place Due to Severe Winter Weather

In response to unprecedented winter weather conditions, DeKalb County has officially declared a state of emergency effective immediately. CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and county officials are urging all residents to stay off the roads and shelter in place as temperatures remain dangerously low, creating hazardous icy conditions across the region.
County road crews have worked tirelessly throughout the night, applying over 500 tons of salt, sand, and calcium chloride to treat roads. Despite these efforts, the extreme cold, which dropped below 14°F, has rendered these treatments largely ineffective. Conditions remain perilous, with many roads, including Rockbridge Road, River Road, and others, severely impacted by ice.
 

Key updates:
  •   Emergency Response: As of 7:15 AM, county emergency services have responded to hundreds of 911 calls, including a structure fire and a rescue involving a pregnant woman en route to the hospital. Crews continue to prioritize urgent incidents despite challenging conditions.
  •   Stranded Vehicles: Over 100 vehicles have been reported stranded, many obstructing emergency response efforts. Residents are strongly urged to avoid travel to prevent further incidents and delays.
  •   Road Treatment: Crews are working continuously to build safe passage to critical areas. However, progress is slow due to the freezing temperatures, resulting in fire trucks stuck on Rockbridge Road.
“This is a serious situation,” said Dekalb County CEO Cochran-Johnson. “We are asking for everyone’s patience and cooperation as our teams work around the clock to ensure public safety. Staying off the roads is critical—not only for your safety but to allow emergency responders to reach those in need.”

What Residents Need to Know:
1. Stay Home: Do not travel unless it is an absolute emergency. Road conditions will not improve significantly until temperatures rise.
2. Emergency Calls Only: Reserve 911 for life-threatening emergencies to ensure availability of resources for critical incidents.
3. Resources Deployed: The county has equipped 71 emergency vehicles with snow chains and continues to assist stranded vehicles and residents.
 

How to Stay Updated:
For real-time updates, residents are encouraged to visit the DeKalb County website at https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov and follow official county channels. Emergency alerts will also be issued via CodeRED and the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system.
 

Declaration of Emergency
This declaration aligns with Governor Kemp’s statewide emergency order issued on January 20, 2025, allowing the county to mobilize all necessary resources to protect public safety and respond effectively to the crisis.
“Public safety remains our top priority,” said Cochran-Johnson. “We thank our emergency teams and road crews for their dedication during these extraordinary circumstances.”