WEATHER EVENT PROCEDURES
Staying safe in Big Canoe during weather events
REGISTER TO GET THE CALL OR TEXT
The most critical step for preparing for impending bad weather is to sign up to receive notifications from the county, which will take the lead role in notifying Big Canoe Property Owners of impending weather events. Reminder: Big Canoe Public Safety is a support organization for the County's leadership.
In a weather emergency event, Big Canoe Communications will be re-distributing the county's messaging using all our available communication channels. Still, the primary communication will come from the county EMA via their alert systems.
PICKENS COUNTY CODE RED
You are able to sign up for 𝗖𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘀 by taking a moment to fill out the information at the link below. Doing so will ensure that you are notified by your local emergency response team in the event of emergency situations or critical community alerts in Pickens County. Enrollment is completely free and is an easy way to instantly receive community notifications via phone call, text message, and/or email.
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DAWSON COUNTY SMART 911
In an effort to provide more reliable and effective communications with citizens, Dawson County has implemented Smart911 as our emergency notification provider. Smart911™ is a system designed to make phone calls to specific people or areas in the event of an emergency or for sharing important information regarding you or your property.
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Communications
To receive email communications from Big Canoe POA, make sure you have updated your email and phone number in your profile. If you are not receiving POA email, click below and send an ASKTHEPOA to update your information.
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@bigcanoeevents&happenings
If you have questions, click on the button to ASKTHEPOA a question.
ASKTHEPOAWinter Weather Preparedness Check List
Gather supplies before the weather hits. Have a 72-hour supply of food and water stocked in your home, but a week’s supply is recommended. Make sure to have your prescriptions filled as well as a good supply of over-the-counter meds and first-aid provisions.
Protect your pipes from freezing by allowing them to drip continuously until the weather warms up.
Backup power and heat are recommended. This could mean a backup generator or alternative heat source, such as a fireplace, that can be used if the power fails.
If you have a wood fireplace, stock up on wood as soon as possible, and use fireplace safety best practices.
Avoid traveling as much as possible, even when roads appear clear. Black ice, especially on our hills, is a nearly invisible and highly dangerous hazard.
Have multiple flashlights ready, which you should also test out. If you use candlelight, watch the flame carefully to avoid a surprise fire.
In the event of a power outage, please call Amicalola Power at 706-253-0359.
If you use a space heater, be sure to keep it at least three feet away from furniture and drapes. Electric space heaters with automatic shut-off switches and non-glowing elements are the safest.
If you see Public Safety vehicles traveling with ease, it’s likely because we have installed heavy-duty tire chains or are in a track-equipped vehicle. Do not try to follow a Public Safety vehicle unless you are told to do so.
Consider stocking up on foods that do not require cooking.
Be sure to have a manual can opener on hand.
If you must travel, a good idea is to have a cell phone charger that you keep fully charged, boots for cold and wet weather, snacks, food, water, and blankets in your vehicle in case you become stranded.
When driving through Big Canoe, be aware that our rapid elevation changes mean that some areas in Big Canoe are colder than others. While it may be raining at the North Gate, it could be snowing on Cox Mountain Drive.
If you are stranded in our community, try to find a nearby home to stay in while you wait for help. Public Safety will attempt to access anyone stuck in a bad place, but they can’t guarantee a quick arrival if the conditions are an issue.
Please be patient! Big Canoe has a large fleet of road-clearing equipment to make roads passable as quickly as possible; however, due to our elevation and temperatures, if the roads are plowed and cleared too soon, an icy film will freeze, resulting in black ice.