White County Public Safety announces new Instagram Page

News

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. –White County has expanded its online presence by adding Instagram.

Over the past few months White County Public Safety has put an emphasis on its online presence and has seen significant growth in community engagement via social media platforms. The addition of Instagram allows White the department to share educational and informational content with a new audience of users and allows them interact with the Public Safety Divisions that serve White County. This platform will also help extend its reach when notifying citizens of current events and updates they need to be aware of.

To view the new White County Public Safety Instagram page, see https://www.instagram.com/whitecountypublicsafety

Also check out their other social media pages at the links below:

Facebook –

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/whitecountypublicsafety

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeuc0hZ_0KuOJTk5vI41rGQ

Twitter – https://twitter.com/wcps_ema

Ultralight plane crashes in White County

News

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — A man that authorities have declined to identify was airlifted to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville after his ultralight plane crashed at Mountain Air Park Friday afternoon.

According to White County Public Safety Director David Murphy, witnesses said the plane took off from a private grass runway off Airport Road then banked hard left then came down.

Murphy said the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Agency were contacted and will conduct the investigation.

Fetch Your News will update this report when more details are made availeble.

 

White County DPS report demonstrates the department’s readiness to respond to emergencies

Business

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — A look at the White County Department of Public Safety activity report issued last week demonstrates how active police, fire and emergency medical services personnel have been in protecting the citizens this year.

Since the start of 2022, the EMS/911 Communications center has responded to 34,396 requests for service. The Sheriff’s Office responded to 7,537 calls, EMS/Medical Services (691), White County Fire Department (533), Cleveland Fire Dept. (110), Helen Fire Dept. (105), Public Works (56) and Animal Control (1,031).

The Emergency Management Division has responded to 22 requests for service, engaged in 88 hours of public education services and the Citizens Emergency Response Team C.E.R.T.  has conducted 275 hours of team training.

 

 

 

Report of explosion appears to be false

News

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. – White County Public Safety Director David Murphy reported this afternoon that a call about an explosion with injuries at a Henry Street address in White County appears to be false.

Murphy indicated the call appeared to have come from elderly dementia patient.

Fetch Your News will have more details as they become available.

County posts rules for safe burning

Business

 

PRACTICE SAFE BURNING

GEORGIA FORESTRY NO LONGER REQUIRES A BURN PERMIT FOR SMALL HAND-PILED VEGETATION. PLEASE FOLLOW THESE RULES TO BURN SAFELY! REMEMBER SSTAR

SPACE – Keep fire at least 25 feet away from forests and woodlands

SPACE – Keep fire at least 25 feet away from homes and structures

TIME – No burning before sunrise or after sunset

ATTENDANCE – Someone must be on site until fire is extinguished

REASONBABLE PRACTICES

  • Keep tools and measures in place to prevent escaped fire
  • Keep continuous pressurized water source on site
  • Create a man-made or natural barrier to contain fire
  • Keep hand tools or fore containing equipment on site
  • Weather awareness No burning on National Weather Service red flag warning days

Remember the five responsibilities you have and must legally take when you burn hand-piled debris. If you have any questions, please contact the White County Department of Public Safety or White County Fire Department 706-865-9500.

 

White County Public Safety wishes everyone a safe and Happy Thanksgiving

News

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment.

White County Public Safety Department has published the following list of safety tips to lessen your chance of a home fire this Thanksgiving.

  • Keep fryers off decks, out of garages and a safe distance from trees and
    other structures.
  • Make sure your turkey is thawed and dry before cooking.
  • Don’t leave food cooking unattended.
  • Keep anything flammable away from the stovetop.
  • Keep kids away from the stove.
  • Test your smoke alarms to ensure they work.
  • Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.
  • In case of an oven fire, turn the oven off and keep the door closed until it is cool.
  • Do NOT put water on a grease fire. Instead smother it with a pan lid or
    throw salt or baking soda on the fire.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen where it is easily accessible.
  • Prevent electrical fires by not overloading your outlets.

FROM ALL OF US WE WISH YOU A SAFE
AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Habersham EMC issues scam alert

Press Release

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. – White County Public Safety Director David Murphy passed along the following scam alert involving Habersham EMC:

Habersham EMC has been alerted that some members have received calls threatening to turn off their power unless they pay immediately over the phone with the caller.

HEMC employees will never call members to take a payment by phone. Please hang up and report the call to your local law enforcement. Do not give out any personal information. Contact HEMC directly if you have questions or concerns regarding your account at (706) 754 – 2114, (706) 865 – 4362, or (800) 640 – 6812. HEMC members may also monitor their accounts through the online portal or SmartHub mobile app.

Director Murphy presents Public Safety annual report to County Commissioners

News

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — Public Safety Director David Murphy presented his department’s annual report to the Board of Commissioners Monday. The report puts into perspective the amount of hours the men and women in his charge devote to protecting the health and well-being of the citizens of White County.

For example, the Fire Services Division with a staff of just 18 full-time staff members, 44 volunteers and 17 part-time personnel responded to 2,021 fire and medical incidents, an average of about 5.5 calls per day over the course of an entire year. They also completed 1,916 hours of training to make certain they were ready to respond to any emergency.

The Emergency 911 Division was dispatched to 199,687 incidents. Law enforcement accounted for the largest number of calls. The division also completed a number of projects, including upgrades to the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) and Rapid SOS programs, security monitoring of the Countywide Camera System and training for 911 supervisors.

COVID-19 presented the greatest crisis of all and the Public Safety Division responded by enacting the State-of-Emergency, EOC-activated Pandemic Response Plan. There were multiple meetings and conference calls, distribution of 71,408 individual items such as personal protective equipment (PPE). The Citizens Emergency Response Team provided critical staffing during vaccine distribution. Now, 16 percent of White County residents are fully vaccinated and at least 20 percent have had the full dose.

The Emergency Management Division completed updates of the Pandemic and Radiological Response Plans while responding to 64 incidents.

The Animal Control Division responded to 715 incidents during the year, mostly of stray animals and 71 percent of those were adopted, rescued or recovered by their owners. The Spay and Neuter Program increased by 38 percent. The division reported receiving a $2,000 grant for its Spay and Neuter Program.

 

Public Safety will replace aging vehicles

News

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — The Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to replace two aging vehicles for the Public Safety Department during a called meeting and work session Monday (Feb. 22).

Public Safety Director David Murphy requested the purchase of a 2021 Ford Explorer for EMA/911 to replace a 2007 Ford Crown Vic and a 2001 Ford Command Van. He also requested the purchase of a Ford 150 4×4 to replace a 2013 Ford F150.

Murphy explained the vehicles, which would be requested to surplus once the new vehicles were delivered all, had high mileage, high idle times, and mechanical issues.

The vehicles will be purchased through Jacky Jones Ford at a cost of $36,704.14 for the Ford Explorer and $35,908.28 for the Ford 510 with funds from the 2014 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.

Following a public hearing — during which there were no objections — commissioners unanimously approved Verizon Wireless’ land use application for a conditional use permit to build a 195-foot communications tower on 36.11 acres on Howard Road in Cleveland.

The Board also approved the land use application filed by Terry Sims to redistrict 1.01 acres located at 43 Poplar Stump Road in Helen from R-1 (Residential Single Family) to C-2 (Highway Business District) for the purpose of adding restrooms and a dressing room for his business — Cool River Tubing.

The Board also voted unanimously to introduce local legislation to the General Assembly to request an increase in the commissioners’ compensation on a per meeting basis.

There was a was discussion of the bids received for the 2021 LMIG (Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant) for full depth reclamation, leveling, and overlay of Post Road – 2.52 miles from Tom Teague Road to Old Hwy 75 South.

County Manager Jason Cobb stated the low bidder was Blount Construction at $755,019. He noted that award of this project would be brought before the Board at their next meeting. Mr. Cobb explained that materials testing was included in the contract bid, however the Board would need to provide guidance on the inspections portion of the project.

Cobb also said he would provide the Board with information on suggested modifications to the Senior Center Parking area in the near future, as these modifications would be beneficial to complete prior to the temporary closing of facility accesses along Hulsey Road due to the Phase 3 By-Pass Construction Project.

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com

 

 

Flash Flood Watch in effect in White Co.

News

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — A flash flood watch issued after 9:34 p.m. Saturday continues in effect for White County through Sunday evening. Rain totals between 2-4 inches are expected.

At 4:15 a.m. today (Oct 11) White County Public Safety observed flooding increased overnight from minor to moderate.

Lake Bridge on Webster Lake Bridge Road, Airport Road Bridge, Charlie Thomas Bridge and one portion of Beaver Ruin Drive are closed

Severe thunderstorm watch in effect

News

PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. – The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Lumpkin, White, Habersham, Rabun, Towns, Union, Fannin and Gilmer counties. Damaging winds up to 70 miles per hour can be experienced along with large hail of up to 2 inches and isolated tornado.

At 4:25 a.m., White County Public Safety issued a warning that several roads were close due to fallen trees.  The roads are Hwy. 115 East in the area of Black Road; Hwy. 17 at Little Hawk Road and Hwy. 255 North between Old Rabun Lane and Sautee Woods.

New app will deliver emergency notices to White County residents

News

 WHITE COUNTY, Ga. – Through an existing contract with OnSolve LLC, will begin delivering public safety alerts through the company’s public safety app of choice, the CodeRED Mobile Alert.

The app, which is a free download on the App Store and Google Play, will allow White County residents and visitors to receive free emergency, missing person and community alerts via push notifications directly to their iPhone and Android devices.

 

David Murphy, Public Safety Director, said the new platform will serve as an additional tool to help inform the community and visitors about important information that may impact their safety. “The app works similarly to our current CodeRED system. If you have the app downloaded and are in an affected area of the alert, a notification will be sent through the app to alert you of the issue,” Murphy said.

 

County residents can sign up for Code Red in several ways. From the county website at www.whitecounty.net from the White County Public Safety Facebook page by clicking the Sign Up button or by texting “WhiteCoAlerts” to 99411 to sign up.

Residents are encouraged to sign up immediately to begin receiving notifications from White County. The app is available for a free download on the App Store and Google Play.

For more information concerning this press release contact the White County Emergency Management Agency at 706-865-9500.

 

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com

 

 

Public Safety Director says first responders have treated patients with coronavirus symptoms

News
David Murphy

David Murphy

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. – As of Wednesday (March 25) morning, no confirmed cases of COVID-19 had been reported in White County. But Public Safety Director David Murphy told county commissioners during Tuesday’s called meeting that first responders had encountered several patients who had symptoms of coronavirus and were awaiting test results.

Murphy told commissioners that the county is not immune to the virus but is fortunate it has a smaller population and its citizens typically follow the guidelines of state and local officials. He added, “I have said it is not a matter of if something would happen. It’s a matter of when.”

Four weeks ago, Murphy and his teams began to review the county’s Pandemic Response Plan. As a result, the county has moved seamlessly into an annexation of the plan.

Murphy said he expects the executive order issued by Gov. Brian Kemp earlier this week will need to be extended or additional orders added beyond the April 6 deadline. He added the purpose of the order is to flatten the curve and stop the virus from overwhelming the health care system.

“This will last for weeks and we will probably see cases rise in our state and nation. This will probably get worse before we start seeing things turn around.”

But he also said he is encouraged by what is going on nationally. “We are seeing the full force of our federal government working to provide necessary equipment and supplies and researching for anti-viral drugs to stop this virus or, at least, mitigate the effects. All hands are on deck.”

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com

 

 

Public Safety Director: “Prepare don’t Panic”

News

David Murphy

PRESS RELEASE

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. –The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is closely monitoring the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (COVID-19) first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in December 2019, and is regularly coordinating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

White County Pandemic Task Force continues to meet and prepare for any local response actions they may become necessary as this situation continues to develop. We have one message to our community: PREPARE DON’T PANIC.

There are NO COVID-19 cases in White County at this time. Our county school system and Truett McConnell University will be closing for precautionary preparedness measures beginning Monday. White County Government will be closing the Senior Citizens Center, White County Library Cleveland Branch and the Parks & Recreation Facilities beginning Monday morning as well. These closings are again in an abundance of caution to help prevent the spread of this virus and protect those persons most vulnerable to the disease.

“As always we encourage our citizens to prepare for any emergency or disaster situation that could occur in White County. PREPARE DON’T PANIC” says David Murphy, Director of Public Safety. “A great website for preparing for disasters is ready.gov or you can contact our office at 706-865-9500 during normal business hours.”

You can now access information directly at www.whitecounty.net , and click on the CONOVIRUS emblem. This will link you to a newly created page with updated information from White County Government, the CDC, Georgia Department of Public Health and our local White County School System. Links will be added as valuable information becomes available.

“I want to assure the citizens of White County that our emergency management team is meeting regularly regarding the growing pandemic concerns and assure everyone that White County has not only a Pandemic Response Plan but also has maintained a Continuity of Operations Plan to support our community.  By having these plans in place for the last several years, it helps us to be better prepared when these situations arise,” states Travis Turner, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners.

He added, “I would like to personally encourage our community to prepare and not give into panic but to also use common sense measures regarding you and your family’s health and well-being.  Also, I would like for us all to be vigilant in prayer for not only our White County community but our entire country and to encourage one another as we anticipate successfully overcoming this health obstacle.  Please know that any decisions we make on behalf of our county will be done in an abundance of caution and safety.”

For more information concerning this press release contact the White County Emergency Management Agency at 706-865-9500.

Crews continue to clear roads in White County

Community, News

Cleveland, Ga. – White County Public Safety (WCPS) issued a statement today around 11:15 a.m. stating that roadways in the county were dangerous and mostly impassable.

WCPS further advised for the public to stay home as crews work to treat the roadways and released in that statement “The road conditions are dangerous, we have multiple cars in ditches and blocking roadways”.

Much of North Georgia has been impacted by a winter weather event that has passed through our area, and White County has faced many of the roadway problems seen in surrounding regions.

Robert Graham, Director of the Fannin County Emergency Management Agency, explained what took place in North Georgia leading to these threatening conditions: “The pavement was wet when the snow started falling, so the wet areas on our roadways have turned to ice.”

The soft blanket of snow left many motorists feeling confident that their four-wheel-drives could handle the conditions, but the layer of ice underneath the snow is what has left many stranded on the side of roadways.

While there is a small window where citizens will see the snow begin to melt off, it is expected to refreeze tonight causing areas of black ice. It is advised to not travel tonight unless absolutely necessary.

White County Public Safety continues to urge the public to “stay home and off the roads today”.

FYN will continue to bring you weather updates throughout the day.

 

Featured image courtesy of White County Public Safety Facebook page showing Towns Creek Road.

ALERT: White County roads closed due to flooding

News

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — White County Public Safety reports that as of 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, several White County roads are closed due to flooding:

Roadways Closed:

Charlie Thomas Rd @ Bridge

Sandy Flats Rd from Far Winds Rd to Lumpkin County Line

Bottoms Rd off SR17

Lynch Mountain Rd from House# 234 to Bridge

Roy Powers Rd near Bridge

Weather Alerts In Effect:

Flash Flood Watch until February 7, 07:00am

Flood Warning until February 6, 07:45pm

Weather Forecast: 

Tonight

Showers, mainly before midnight. Low around 36. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Friday

A chance of rain and snow showers, mainly before 8am. Partly sunny, with a high near 42. West wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Friday Night

A 10 percent chance of snow showers after 5am. Mostly clear, with a low around 30. West wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.

School System:

Delayed opening for 2-hours on Friday.

Damage Reported:

Sink Hole and wash out, AnyTime Fitness, 1801 US Hwy 129S, Cleveland

Residential Fire reported 50 Eagle Ridge Trail, fire in kitchen, quickly extinguished, units still on-scene as of this report.

 Some rain will continue to fall, runoff will continue to cause some issues over the next couple of hours.  Some roadways are damaged, but passible.  Do not drive through flooded areas.  Report any issues to 9-1-1.

Fetch Your News will continue to monitor the situation and post notices as they become available.

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