DeKalb County declares State of Emergency on Jan. 22, urges residents to shelter in place due to icy conditions

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–In response to unprecedented winter weather conditions, DeKalb County has declared a state of emergency effective immediately. CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and county officials are urging all residents to stay off the roads and shelter in place as temperatures remain dangerously low, creating hazardous icy conditions across the region.

County road crews have worked throughout the night, applying more than 500 tons of salt, sand, and calcium chloride to treat roads. Despite these efforts, the extreme cold, which dropped below 14°F, rendered these treatments largely ineffective. Conditions remain perilous, with many roads, including Rockbridge Road, River Road, and others, severely impacted by ice.

Key updates:

• Emergency Response: As of 7:15 AM, county emergency services have responded to hundreds of 911 calls, including a structure fire and a rescue involving a pregnant woman en route to the hospital. Crews continue to prioritize urgent incidents despite challenging conditions.
• Stranded Vehicles: Over 100 vehicles have been reported stranded, many obstructing emergency response efforts. Residents are strongly urged to avoid travel to prevent further incidents and delays.
•  Road Treatment: Crews are working continuously to build safe passage to critical areas. However, progress is slow due to the freezing temperatures, resulting in fire trucks stuck on Rockbridge Road.

“This is a serious situation,” said Dekalb County CEO Cochran-Johnson. “We are asking for everyone’s patience and cooperation as our teams work around the clock to ensure public safety. Staying off the roads is critical—not only for your safety but to allow emergency responders to reach those in need.”

What Residents Need to Know:

1. Stay Home:Do not travel unless it is an absolute emergency. Road conditions will not improve significantly until temperatures rise.
2. Emergency Calls Only:Reserve 911 for life-threatening emergencies to ensure availability of resources for critical incidents.
3. Resources Deployed:The county has equipped 71 emergency vehicles with snow chains and continues to assist stranded vehicles and residents.

Declaration of Emergency

This declaration aligns with Gov. Kemp’s statewide emergency order issued on Jan. 20, 2025, allowing the county to mobilize all necessary resources to protect public safety and respond effectively to the crisis.

“Public safety remains our top priority,” said Cochran-Johnson. “We thank our emergency teams and road crews for their dedication during these extraordinary circumstances.”

DeKalb County facilities to remain closed through Thursday, Jan. 23, due to icy conditions

DeKalb County School District extends Asynchronous Learning through Thursday, Jan. 23, due to icy road hazards