White County Public Safety

10/15/2026

White County Fire Services responded as Mutual Aid to support Helen Fire Department early this morning at a fire at Cowboys and Angels restaurant in Helen. White County EMS also responded.

According to Helen Fire Chief Jody Prickett, Helen firefighters were returning to the station from a previous call when they noticed smoke and traced it to the restaurant. Crews discovered fire coming through the roof and requested a commercial assignment, bringing additional resources to the scene.

No injuries were reported. The cause remains unknown, and Chief Prickett advised that the investigation would continue at daylight.

10/13/2026

10/12/2026

🚒 Last week, we welcomed the White County Chamber’s Leadership class for a look at the agencies working every day to keep our community safe!

The day began at White County Animal Control, followed by visits to the Public Safety Training Center, Emergency Operations Center and 911 Center. Participants then toured the White County Sheriff’s Office and Jail before wrapping up the day at the new White County Fire Station 9.

At each stop, participants learned about the responsibilities of our public safety agencies and how they work together to protect lives and property, serve our residents and visitors, and strengthen our community’s readiness for emergencies.

Thank you to the Chamber and this year’s leadership class for spending the day with us! 👏

10/11/2026

🎀 Welcome to the family, Josie! 🎀 White County Fire Services is excited to congratulate Firefighter/Paramedic Stephen Sears and his wife, Melanie, on the arrival of their beautiful baby girl! 💕

Josie made her grand entrance into the world on October 8, 2026.

Please join us in congratulating Stephen and Melanie on this wonderful blessing! 👶🩷

10/10/2026

🌀 Hurricane Isaias Update | October 10, 2026

The primary storm impacts have largely ended in White County. Rainfall and gusty winds resulted in power outages and downed trees and utility lines, with 15 downed-tree reports with a concentration of them in the Kellum Valley area.

As of 4:45 p.m., Habersham EMC reported 160 customers without power, and Georgia Power reported 35.

The High Wind Warning has been canceled. White County remains in normal operations with no reported unmet needs. Remaining efforts focus on cleanup, roadway and utility hazards, and documenting storm impacts.

⚠️ Please continue to use caution around roadway debris and unstable trees. Stay away from downed power lines and report emergencies to 911.

Thank you to our responders, road crews, utility partners, and residents for your efforts throughout this event.

10/09/2026

🚨 Stay informed before the storm!

With Hurricane Isaias approaching, now is the time to sign up for White County’s CodeRED emergency alerts.

📲 Register at whitecountyga.gov/codered

Have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, including alerts that can wake you overnight. Charge your phone, review your emergency plans and encourage family and friends to sign up, too!

10/09/2026

Hurricane Isaias Update | 10/9, 3PM

10/09/2026

⚠️ HURRICANE ISAIAS UPDATE #2 ⚠️ Isaias is now a Category 3 major hurricane. White County should prepare for a long-duration event, with effects lasting 18–24 hours.

💨 Winds are expected to increase after dark tonight, with rain moving in early Saturday morning. Rain and strong wind gusts will continue throughout Saturday, with the potential for tornadoes toward the end of the event.

🌧️ Impacts will come in waves as storm bands move through. Repeated rounds of heavy rain have increased the flooding threat. White County is under a moderate risk of flash flooding (Level 3 out of 4).

Do not focus only on the forecast track cone. Heavy rain, strong winds and tornadoes can occur far outside the cone.

White County Emergency Management remains on high alert and continues coordinating with our National Weather Service partners. Public safety personnel are monitoring conditions and stand ready to respond.

📱 Complete preparations before dark and have multiple ways to receive alerts that can wake you overnight. Know your safe shelter location, prepare for possible power outages and never drive through flooded roads.

🚨 Sign up to receive emergency alerts at 🔗 whitecountyga.gov/codered

10/09/2026

🔴 LIVE STREAM ALERT — White County Public Safety will go live today, Friday, October 9, 2026, at 3 p.m. on Facebook and YouTube to share the latest updates on Hurricane Isaias and potential impacts to White County.

10/09/2026

⚠️ HIGH WIND WARNING FOR WHITE COUNTY ⚠️

A High Wind Warning is in effect from 12:00 a.m. Saturday until 8:00 a.m. Sunday. Strong winds may bring down trees and power lines, causing power outages and hazardous road conditions.

Keep your devices charged and have multiple ways to receive weather alerts. White County Emergency Management continues to monitor conditions and coordinate with our National Weather Service partners.