News List

 Mayor’s Office of Communications
55 Trinity Avenue, Suite 2500 • Atlanta, Georgia 30303

Anne Torres, Director 404-330-6423, office 404-904-2618, cell amtorres@atlantaga.gov

Jenna Garland, Press Secretary 404-330-6612, office 404-357-5579, cell jgarland@atlantaga.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 7, 2017

News Release

Mayor Kasim Reed Urges City of Atlanta Residents to Remain Cautious During Ongoing Winter Weather Event

ATLANTA – Mayor Kasim Reed today urged City of Atlanta residents and those traveling throughout the city to use caution and avoid unnecessary travel while crews continue to treat and clear roadways. The City continues to operate at a Level 3 emergency response. The Joint Operations Center remains open and will continue operating throughout the weekend, as conditions warrant.

“The City of Atlanta is fully engaged in responding to the ongoing winter weather event,” said Mayor Reed. “Our Public Works crews have been working overnight, in 12-hour shifts, treating and re-treating priority roadways and bridges. More than 100 people sought shelter in our emergency warming centers last night, and these facilities will remain open throughout the weekend. We urge anyone who needs assistance to contact either ATL311, or dial 911 in case of an emergency. We ask that that our residents and travelers continue to be patient and use caution, as well as sign up for the NotifyATL notification system.”

Department of Public Works (DPW) crews worked overnight to treat bridges and roadways and are currently re-treating icy spots. Crews are working 12-hour shifts, responding to trouble spots and service calls, and will continue to monitor conditions. One hundred percent of Priority 1 and 2 roadways were treated, more than 450 miles total. All Priority 1 and 2 bridges were treated as well as all priority public safety facilities. In total, DPW crews applied more than 1,075 tons of salt and over 7,800 tons of brine to bridges and roadways. The City is replenishing salt and brine supplies on an ongoing basis. The Department of Parks and Recreation’s Forestry crews and the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department are responding to downed trees on roadways and in the public right of way. The City continues to coordinate closely with local, state and private sector partners.

Current forecasts predict ongoing frigid conditions and wind chills.  The City of Atlanta opened a second emergency warming shelter at Rosel Fann Recreation Center, 365 Cleveland Ave SE, after reaching max capacity at the Old Adamsville emergency warming center. More than 120 people sought shelter overnight or in the early morning hours. The City asks all partners to continue directing individuals and families to Rosel Fann for shelter until further notice.

The City encourages residents and motorists to follow these guidelines to ensure their safety and prepare for inclement winter weather conditions.

• Sign up for NotifyATL at www.atlantaga.gov/notfiyatl.
• Store at least three days of food and non-perishable items in anticipation of severe weather conditions. Plan ahead and allow extra time to reach destinations. 
• Make sure you have the proper emergency equipment in your car and home such as batteries for cell phones and chains for vehicle tires. 
• When driving in icy road conditions, the shortest route is not always the safest. Consider less hilly routes to reach your destination. 
• Drive slowly. The faster you are driving, the longer it takes to stop the vehicle. 
• When traveling on foot, exercise caution on public sidewalks and private walkways. 

In anticipation of inclement weather during the winter season, the Department of Public Works hosted two dry run and readiness exercises based on the City’s winter storm preparation plan in November 2016. The exercise took place on priority route roadways in the City of Atlanta and engaged executive leadership and departmental staff in the efforts which will be executed in event of a winter storm. 

For more information about the City of Atlanta, please visit http://www.atlantaga.gov or watch City Channel 26. Follow the City of Atlanta on Facebook and Twitter @CityofAtlanta. Follow Mayor Reed on Facebook and Twitter @Kasim Reed