CERT - Barrow County, GA

05/25/2026

Today we honor and remember every soldier who sacrificed their lives for our country. Thank you from Barrow County CERT.
“We are forever indebted to those who have given their lives that we might be free.”
— President Ronald Reagan

05/25/2026

Pop-up thunderstorms are in full swing this afternoon across much of Eastern and Central Georgia. Given the nature of these storms, there will be some 'winner's' today and some that may not see anything. However, given the numerous outdoor festivities and activities that are ongoing through the weekend, please be sure to remain weather aware and seek shelter in the event a thunderstorm moves into your area.

Thunderstorms that develop through late this evening will be capable of producing gusty winds up to 60 MPH, small hail, and locally heavy rainfall.

⚡️Lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from a storm, so even if you don't see rain, you can still be in harm's way!
⚡️NO place outside is safe during a thunderstorm.
⚡️Whether you're spending the day at the beach, the pool, a graduation party, or sporting event, if you see clouds beginning to form vertically, thunderstorms are likely beginning to develop and that's your cue to head indoors!
⚡️When Thunder Roars GO Indoors!

05/09/2026

We are out at the Barrow County farmers market, in downtown Winder next to the old train station. Come on out and say hi.

05/07/2026

Please stay safe tonight.

04/22/2026

The Georgia Forestry Commission has issued a Burn Ban that covers 91 counties. Current wildfire locations are showed on this map as well. Please refrain from burning outdoors. Follow all local guidance and restrictions and be extremely cautious with anything that could create a spark.

Visit https://gatrees.org/state-forester-issues-burn-ban-for-south-georgia/ to read the Georgia Forestry Commission’s press release.

04/22/2026

UPDATE!!

From the National Weather Service:

“We've already received a number of calls regarding the smoke in the area, especially across the Atlanta Metro area. Active wildfires across southern Georgia and northern Florida are being caught up in weak southerly upper-level flow.

There are two areas that will continue to provide a source of smoke for north and central Georgia. The first of which is the Brantley Highway 82 Fire east of Atkinson (currently between 35-40k acres) and the Pineland Rd Fire southeast of Stockton, Georgia. Smoke and haze closest to the surface is likely coming from these fires, but as the day heats up, we'll continue to see dispersion of smoke across much of the state.

The second is a fire near the Big Bend area of Florida. While smaller than the southern Georgia fires, its smoke is being caught up in the upper-level flow and pushed northward towards the Atlanta Metro area. It will likely continue to be a secondary source for the upper-level haze and dramatic sunsets.

Smoke and haze will likely continue through the rest of the week before a cold front
this weekend improves conditions”

PRESS RELEASE: Smoke Conditions in Barrow County

Barrow County residents will notice smoke in the area over the coming days. The smoke affecting our area is from wildfires in South Georgia. We expect these conditions to remain for approximately one week. Depending on weather patterns, including wind speed and wind direction, smoke conditions may improve or worsen at times.

Barrow County Fire Department has multiple units surveying conditions throughout the county. We are aware of the situation and are actively confirming there are no uncontrolled fires within Barrow County at this time.

We ask citizens to refrain from calling 911 solely to report widespread smoke conditions related to this event. Please call 911 immediately if you see an active fire, smoke coming directly from a structure or vehicle, or if you have any other emergency.

We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as we continue to monitor conditions.

03/17/2026

Happy One Year Work Anniversary to our Barrow County Emergency Management Director Sharon Porter Courson!!! Thank you for all that you have given this past year in time, talent, and mentorship to both Barrow County and our county CERT team. Have an Awesome Day!!

03/16/2026

As a reminder, anyone interested in joining the CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Team is welcome to join us this coming Thursday March 19th, at Barrow County Fire Station #6 (222 Pleasant Hill Church Rd NE, Winder, GA), at 6:30 pm for our monthly meeting.
You can meet some of our team members, and find out more about how CERT is a part of Barrow County.
We will be having our Spring Training on April 11th and 12th, also at Barrow County Fire Station #6.
The training will start at 8 am and finish by 5 pm both days.
Please email me at [email protected] if you plan on attending the training so that we can plan appropriately.
You can also email me if you have any further questions about CERT membership.
All members of the team must be over the age of 18 and have a clean background check.
Thank you in advance for your interest in giving back to the Barrow County community.

03/08/2026

I would like to invite anyone interested in joining the CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Team to join us on Thursday March 19th, at Barrow County Fire Station #6 (222 Pleasant Hill Church Rd NE, Winder, GA), at 6:30 pm for our monthly meeting.

You can meet some of our team members, and find out more about how CERT is a part of Barrow County.

We will be having our Spring Training on April 11th and 12th, also at Barrow County Fire Station #6.

The training will start at 8 am and finish by 5 pm both days.

Please email me at [email protected] if you plan on attending the training so that we can plan appropriately.

You can also email me if you have any further questions about CERT membership.

All members of the team must be over the age of 18 and have a clean background check.

Thank you in advance for your interest in giving back to the Barrow County community.

01/31/2026

01/30/2026

BARROW COUNTY WARMING CENTER TO OPEN 5 PM FRIDAY

As temperatures fall and the risk of power outages climbs, Barrow County has opened a warming center for citizens in need.

The center is located at 774 Christmas Avenue in Bethlehem — inside the old Barrow County Fire Station 3.

It will open at 5 p.m. Friday, January 30.

Space is available on a first come, first served basis.