Johns Creek Preparing for Winter Weather; City Closings

In preparation for the incoming winter weather system, the City of Johns Creek sent the following information to its citizens on Monday afternoon.

Johns Creek preparations

The Emergency Operations Center is expected to open Tuesday afternoon and will be staffed around the clock to coordinate the City’s response to the weather emergency.

Eight crews are on stand-by with three spreader trucks and four flatbed trucks loaded with salt and sand mix. Crews are scheduled to work 12-hour shift, possibly as soon as Monday night. The City has 600 tons of salt and sand on-hand at three locations with additional supplies readily available across the border in Forsyth County.

The City also has reserved a motor-grader, and will use its Transportation Response Vehicle to help clear roads of stranded vehicles. Crews will carry chainsaws for cutting up fallen trees.

Starting Tuesday, Johns Creek Police will extend shifts and has added chains to cars to better patrol streets and identify problem areas, to assist stranded motorists, or help in other emergencies. The Johns Creek Fire Department also carries chainsaws and is prepared to respond to fires and serious medical situations.

City closings

· Monday’s 5 p.m. City Council work session and 7 p.m. regular meeting will be held as scheduled.

· Johns Creek City Hall and Municipal Court offices will open Tuesday as scheduled although early closure is possible.

· Court cases set for Tuesday have been re-scheduled for March 25 at 8:30 a.m. 

· No determination has been made on closing City Hall and Municipal Court offices on Wednesday.

· Park Place, Community Clubhouse and all athletic facilities will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

Citizen preparation

· If you can stay home, please do.

· If you need to buy non-perishable food, do so now.

· If the power is out, use flashlights or other battery-powered lights if possible, instead of candles. If you must use them, place candles in safe holders away from anything that could catch fire. Never leave a burning candle unattended.

· Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter with a window scraper, kitty litter or sand in case you get stuck, extra clothes and a Disaster Supplies Kit in your trunk. Pack high-protein snacks, water, first aid kit, flashlight, small battery-operated radio, an emergency contact card with names and phone numbers, extra prescription medications, blankets and important documents or information you may need.

· Fill the vehicle’s gas tank and clean lights and windows to help you see.