From the Southeast Health District Office of Emergency Preparedness:
Updated January 23 at 4:00 PM

All SEHD sites will reopen on Friday, January 24, at 12:00 PM and will resume normal hours of operation.

Please know that, with this shortened workday, you are expected to eat lunch prior to coming in, as to not disrupt clinic coverage. Also, we ask that you take some extra time into consideration for your commute, as roads still might be a little icy.

If the road conditions in your area are unsafe or you cannot drive to your site, please communicate with your supervisor.

The snow is melting just as quickly as it came! Though we are over the main part of Winter Storm Enzo, we will continue to see very low temperatures through the remainder of the week and throughout the weekend. Even though the snow and other precipitation has passed, we ask that you still be cautious as roadways might refreeze due to cold temperatures.

Please see the most recent graphics below from the National Weather Service offices in Jacksonville and Charleston for greater detail (click to enlarge).

Stay on top of weather updates from your local NWS office:

• Northern counties (Bulloch, Candler, Evans, Tattnall, and Toombs): http://www.weather.gov/chs
• Southern counties (Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Brantley, Charlton, Clinch, Coffee, Jeff Davis, Pierce, Ware, and Wayne): http://www.weather.gov/jax

Our area is not used to this kind of weather, but there are some things we can do over the weekend to prepare ourselves, our vehicles, and our homes. Here are some key winter weather preparedness tips:

1. Stay Informed.
   • Monitor weather updates: Stay updated on the latest forecasts, advisories, and warnings from the National Weather Service (NWS) CHS or JAX offices and/or local news outlets. Winter storms can develop rapidly, and conditions may change quickly. Please visit weather.gov/jax and weather.gov/chs for district forecasts.

2. Prepare Your Home.
   • Insulate pipes: Pipes are at risk of freezing during cold weather. Insulate exposed pipes, especially in attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Let faucets drip to prevent freezing. If you have a well, consider a heat lamp to keep the well components warm to avoid pipe issues.
   • Seal drafts: Close any drafts around windows and doors to retain heat. Use weather stripping or blankets to cover any gaps.
   • Check heating equipment: Ensure your furnace, heater, and chimneys are in good working condition. Have a backup plan (e.g., space heaters, extra blankets) in case the power goes out.

3. Have an Emergency Kit Ready.
   • Stock up on essentials: Make sure you have enough food, water, medications, batteries, and any other necessities to last at least 72 hours. This is especially important if you’re expecting ice and snow that could disrupt travel and utilities.
   • Flashlights & extra batteries: In case of power outages, flashlights will be essential. Avoid using candles due to the risk of fire.
   • Portable phone charger: Keep a charged power bank on hand for emergencies.

4. Prepare Your Vehicle.
   • Winterize your car: Make sure tires are properly inflated. Check your battery, and keep your gas tank at least half full. 
   • Pack an emergency kit: Include blankets, non-perishable snacks, water, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit. An ice scraper will also be helpful. 
   • Avoid travel during severe weather: If the storm is predicted to be intense, stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.

5. Prevent Slips and Falls. 
   • Wear appropriate footwear: Recommend wearing shoes with good traction to reduce the risk of slipping on icy surfaces.

6. Be Prepared for Power Outages.
   • Have a backup power source.
   • Keep your phone charged: Use a car charger or portable power bank to keep phones charged. In case of power loss, keep your phone in power-saving mode to extend battery life.
   • Keep warm: During power outages, conserve heat in your home by closing doors to unused rooms and covering windows.

7. Check on Vulnerable Neighbors.
   • Assist elderly or disabled neighbors: Make sure that vulnerable residents have enough food, water, and warmth. Help them prepare for the storm and check in on them during the event.

8. Understand the Risks of Ice and Wind.
   • Prepare for possible ice: Southeast Georgia may experience freezing rain, which can cause treacherous road conditions and power outages. Avoid unnecessary travel and be cautious when walking on slick surfaces.
   • Be aware of wind chill: Cold temperatures combined with wind can increase the risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Dress in layers and cover exposed skin when going outside as needed.

9. Take Post-Storm Safety Measures.
   • Wait for the all-clear: Should there be bridge closures in your area, please wait until bridges/roads are cleared and conditions improve before traveling, even after the storm has passed.
   • Check for damage: After the storm, check for broken branches or fallen power lines. If you encounter downed power lines, avoid them and report them to authorities.

In addition to this list, I want to mention that many of us may have trees in our area that were disturbed in some way by Hurricane Helene that may not have fallen but may be leaning. With the possibility of ice in the area in some form, these same trees may become more weighted and may come into contact with power lines causing power outages.

For additional information, please see the graphics below:

Winter Weather Readiness Items

Local Winter Weather Criteria

Winter Precipitation Categories

Winter Driving – Know Before You Go

Home Heating Safety

Thank you, and please stay warm!