Closures, Winter Weather Updates For Douglas County

DOUGLASVILLE, GA — Douglas County government has issued a winter weather update for Wednesday, Jan. 17. Due to inclement weather, all non-essential City of Douglasville offices will be closed all day.

All City of Douglasville Sanitation Services are cancelled Wednesday as follows:
1. Residential Sanitation (garbage, recycling, yard waste)
a. Current expectation is that Residential Services will resume on Thursday, January 18, 2018 for all Wednesday and Thursday customers.
2. Commercial Front-load Services
a. Current expectation of a delayed start (depending on weather conditions) on Thursday, January 18, 2018. Start time TBD
3. Commercial Roll-off Services
a. Current expectation of a delayed start (depending on weather conditions) on Thursday, January 18, 2018. Start time to be determined.

Douglasville Police are reporting that currently roads in Douglasvile have a layer of ice covered by a layer of snow. Police do not expect this to change anytime soon as temps will remain below freezing. They advise to not drive unless absolutely necessary. Police advised: If you do drive and are involved in an accident or become stuck, you can expect it will be a while before anyone gets to you so bring food and a blanket.

"In addition to not driving unless absolutely necessary, please do not steal cars left running at gas stations," a Douglasville Police Facebook post reads. "Douglas County Sheriff's Office (Georgia) and DPD will still catch you (DCSO K9’s still work in the snow). Also, please don’t leave your cars running at gas stations or in your driveway."

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.

Photo courtesy Douglasville Police Department