Closures, Winter Weather Updates For Paulding County

PAULDING COUNTY, GA — Paulding County government has issued a winter weather update for Wednesday, Jan. 17. Due to inclement weather, government offices will be closed all da Wednesday. This includes the Paulding County Courthouse and any subsequent court cases or jury duty.

The Paulding County Sheriff's Office is reporting that people keep asking about road conditions for specific roads. Deputies said they do not advise anyone to drive as temperatures are below freezing and roads are covered in snow and ice. Roads are treacherous. Deputies advise taking a personal day and staying home and off the roads.

Health-care workers encourage residents to use caution during extremely cold temperatures. Whether inside or outside, cold weather can be dangerous to those who are not prepared to properly handle it. Advanced hypothermia (decreased core body temperature) can be accompanied by stiffness, excessive shivering, confusion, slurred speech, numbness or a weak pulse. Watch for changes in levels of consciousness and motor coordination, indicated by stumbles, mumbles, fumbles, and grumbles.

Symptoms of frostbite (skin damage due to cold temperatures) include gradual numbness, pale or purple skin, hard (wooden) skin, or tingling or burning in the impacted area. Call 9-1-1 if you or someone you know may be suffering from hypothermia or frostbite.
Children, older adults, and individuals with poor circulatory systems are at particular risk for hypothermia or frostbite. The Department of Health offers these tips to help cope with winter conditions when outside:

• Layer your clothing to have more flexibility and control over how warm you stay. Avoid cotton clothing for winter activities.

• Prepare for the unexpected. Most hypothermia cases occur due to an unexpected change in the weather or temperature.
• Wear a warm hat; up to 50 percent of body heat is lost through the head.
• Avoid getting wet when the temperature dips.
• Wear waterproof boots or shoes to keep your feet dry.
• Drink plenty of water. Avoid nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol.

Photos, courtesy Paulding County Sheriff's Office, were taken in the area of Harmony Grove Church Road and Dabbs Bridge Road which is in northern Paulding County.