Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management & Homeland Security

10/21/2026

Wednesday, 10/21/26 10:15 am

Training Exercise at the TN Aquarium is complete!

Working together, we are better prepared to protect our community and keep our citizens safe!

Thank you to all our Emergency Services personnel who participated in the training exercise with the staff of the TN Aquarium.

10/21/2026

HCOEM, as well as other First Responder agencies, are participating in a training exercise with the TN Aquarium.

Training exercises are essential to ensuring first responders are prepared to protect lives, property, and our community during an emergency. These exercises allow fire, law enforcement, EMS, hazmat teams, emergency management, and other response agencies to practice working together in realistic scenarios.

THIS IS JUST A TRAINING EXERCISE!

10/19/2026

10/19/2026

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COMMUNITY ADVISORY: The Tennessee Aquarium will conduct a training exercise with the Chattanooga Police Department and other first responders on Wednesday morning, Oct. 21. This drill will take place in and around the River Journey building from approximately 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. EDT.

The Aquarium will open for guests at 11 a.m. EDT – a one-hour delay to our normal hours of operation.

10/19/2026

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** PLAN AHEAD! **

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) are implementing the temporary closures to perform routine Chickamauga Dam bridge safety inspections.

• Tuesday, October 20 (Tomorrow): One of the two northbound lanes will be closed from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

• Wednesday, October 21: One of the two southbound lanes will be closed during the same window from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Motorists will still be able to cross the bridge in both directions, but expect significant delays during midday hours. Officials advise drivers to slow down, pay close attention to all signage, and watch out for inspection crews working along the roadway.

10/19/2026

THE FALL SEASON is upon us! Chilly evenings and mornings! Some of you have already starting turning on your heat in your home or using additional heating sources!

For more FALL SAFETY TIPS: www.hamiltontn.gov

10/17/2026

HAMILTON COUNTY, TN —

Fire destroys a home tonight in the Birchwood area. At 6:20 pm, a 9-1-1 call was made reporting a residential fire at 6000 block of Sam Smith Road. Highway 58 Volunteer Fire Department responded and arrived on the scene within minutes confirming a fully involved single-story house fire. Once firefighters confirmed everyone was out of the house, they conducted fire attacks. Unfortunately, the fire had consumed the entire home and changed their interior attacks to a defensive attacks.

The homeowner reported to Highway 58 VFD officials, the homeowner was lighting the gas heater when it flashed over and caught the couch on fire. Two adults and one infant escaped the home with no injuries. However, HCEMS was standing by on the scene for the potential injuries of the firefighters. The cause of the fire is confirmed accidental. Damages are a total loss. The American Red Cross will be assisting the family with their emergency needs.
Chattanooga Fire and Tri-Community VFD stood by at Highway 58 Stations 1 and 2 for additional emergency calls in their district.

10/15/2026

Hamilton County OEM and Local 3 News present Brooke Inman with Lowe’s a special gift today! We appreciate Brooke and Lowe’s for the continuous support with our Weather Radio Project.

THANK YOU!

10/14/2026

REMINDER!!!! Come see us tomorrow at Lowes at Hixson 4-7 pm.

We will program your weather radio! FREE BATTERIES too!

10/12/2026

** ROAD CLOSURE **

The Hamilton County Highway Department will close Roberts Mill Rd on Wednesday, 10/14, from 9 am to 1 pm.

This closure is for gate repairs. Motorists should plan to use the W Road or Signal Mountain Blvd./Taft Hwy to leave or access Signal Mountain during this time on Wednesday.