DeKalb County is continuing its response to Winter Storm Fern, focusing on road safety, emergency services, and support for residents. The county remains under a State of Emergency. Federal assistance has been approved to help local efforts.
The federal government has granted FEMA Emergency Declaration 3632. This declaration allows DeKalb County and other local governments to be reimbursed for expenses related to protecting life and property during the storm.
As of 2:30 p.m., about 6,300 residents in DeKalb County are without power. Officials expect this number could rise as rain turns into ice. Emergency officials have reported around 30 weather-related 911 calls, mainly due to downed trees and power lines. Overall call volume is lower than usual because many residents are staying home.
Road conditions have improved in some areas but icy spots remain on bridges, ramps, shaded roads, and interstate access points. No roads are fully impassable at this time; one tree that had blocked a roadway has been cleared.
County crews began treating priority roadways on Friday with salt, sand, and calcium chloride. These routes include access to hospitals, warming centers, police and fire stations, and other critical infrastructure. Public Works teams continue treatment operations on high-risk corridors such as Hillandale Road, Panola Road, Redan Road, Dawson Boulevard, and ramps along I-285, I-20, and I-675.
Emergency services remain operational with police, fire, and rescue units pre-staged for hazardous conditions. The county is working closely with Georgia Power and state agencies for power restoration and road safety.
Currently about 240 residents are using county warming centers. These centers will stay open through at least Tuesday and may remain open longer depending on weather conditions and power restoration progress. There are no capacity issues at the centers now.
Residents without heat or electricity are encouraged to use these warming centers instead of staying in unsafe homes.
All DeKalb County government offices will stay closed through Tuesday in addition to Monday’s closures. Regular meetings of the Board of Commissioners will proceed virtually as planned. An update regarding Wednesday operations will be provided Tuesday.
Officials urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel—especially on bridges or untreated roads—stay alert for ice or downed trees and power lines; check on neighbors who may need help; and use 911 only for emergencies.
“DeKalb County will continue to monitor conditions and provide regular public updates as the storm progresses.”
For ongoing information about school enrollment trends: In the 2022-23 school year DeKalb County schools saw a 2.2% drop in enrollment compared to the previous year (https://www.gadoe.org/). Total student enrollment was 98,287 students during that period (https://www.gadoe.org/). White students made up 14% of the student body—the third largest ethnic group within county schools (https://www.gadoe.org/).
Residents can find updates through official DeKalb County communication channels.
