Barrow County Emergency Services is joining with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency in highlighting a statewide PrepareAthon! tornado drill on Feb. 8 at 9 a.m.
“We are urging Barrow County citizens to participate, as the peak of tornado activity typically occurs in the spring months,” said deputy EMA director Penny Clack in a news release. “This event coincides with Severe Weather Preparedness Week to encourage Georgians to prepare now for whatever weather may come our way.
“This year has been unpredictable for Georgia when it comes to severe weather including right here in Barrow County. Thunderstorms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and ice storms have found a home in much of Georgia in January alone. Being prepared is one of our highest priorities, so we encourage everyone to prepare now for the unexpected.”
Ready Georgia’s PrepareAthon! for Tornado Safety is part of America’s PrepareAthon!, a national, grassroots campaign designed to increase individual and community preparedness and resilience through hazard-specific drills, group discussions and exercises throughout the year.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), tornadoes are the leading severe weather-related killer in Georgia. They have proven to be some of nature's most violent storms, appearing with little warning and generating wind speeds that can exceed 250 mph. There were numerous tornado events for 2016 in Georgia with no deaths. GEMA/HS encourages Georgians to do all they can to be prepared for this type of weather to prevent any loss of life. Go to http://ready.ga.gov/be-informed/tornadoes/tornado-drill-procedures/ for more information.
To prepare, plan and stay informed about tornadoes, Ready Georgia shares the following tips:
Before a drill
•Make a Ready kit for at least three days of self-sufficiency.
•Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a tornado hazard.
•A tornado watch means weather conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop.
•A tornado warning means either a tornado is occurring, or expected to develop shortly in your area and you need to take shelter immediately.
•Determine in advance where you will take shelter during the tornado drill.
•Storm cellars or basements provide the best protection.
•If underground shelter is not available, an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible in the best option.
•In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
During a drill
•Announce the start of the tornado drill and inform participants that they should act as though a tornado warning has been issued.
•Evacuate participants, just as you would if you were taking shelter during a tornado warning. Use stairs to reach the lowest level of a building; avoid using elevators.
•Once participants reach the designated safe area they should crouch as low as possible to the floor, facing down and covering their heads with their hands.
•Once everyone has evacuated and taken cover, announce that the drill is over.
After a drill
•Review the drill to identify any necessary changes or improvements to your tornado safety procedures. For example:
•Do more safe areas need to be identified?
•Do the designated safe areas need to have clutter removed or need to be cleaned out to be more accessible?
•Does everyone know the fastest routes to take shelter in the safe areas?
•Is there a better method for letting everyone know of an approaching tornado needed?
For more information on preparing for severe weather, contact Penny Clack at pclack@barrowga.org or (770) 307-2987 or visit www.ready.ga.gov or www.gema.ga.gov.
Public Safety Archives
Lawrenceville man arrested in Auburn in scrap metal scheme
A Lawrenceville man was arrested recently and charged with stealing nearly $56,000 worth of high-capacity generator batteries in a Barrow County salvage yard and selling the material to an area business specializing in scrap metal.
According to a Georgia Bureau of Investigation news release, following an investigation into the thefts by the Barrow County Sheriff's Office and Auburn Police Department, Richard Rowland, 50, was identified through the GBI's Secondary Metals Recyclers (SMR) Database.
Information retrieved on Rowland found he had sold numerous stolen items to a local salvage yard. The SMR Database contained Rowland’s picture, a copy of his ID card, and images of the stolen items Rowland sold.
The database was established by the state of Georgia in 2014 to maintain purchase transaction information from such businesses as scrap yards and recyclers. The database was set up in an effort to reduce theft of metals and assist law enforcement in such theft investigations. The database is maintained by the company LeadsOnline on behalf of the GBI. To date, over 3,000,000 transactions have been uploaded to the system by its 255 participating businesses.
The database is accessible and searchable by law enforcement agencies. Law enforcement personnel may go to the LeadsOnline website at support@leadsonline.com or call 1-800-311-2656 to register.
According to a Georgia Bureau of Investigation news release, following an investigation into the thefts by the Barrow County Sheriff's Office and Auburn Police Department, Richard Rowland, 50, was identified through the GBI's Secondary Metals Recyclers (SMR) Database.
Information retrieved on Rowland found he had sold numerous stolen items to a local salvage yard. The SMR Database contained Rowland’s picture, a copy of his ID card, and images of the stolen items Rowland sold.
The database was established by the state of Georgia in 2014 to maintain purchase transaction information from such businesses as scrap yards and recyclers. The database was set up in an effort to reduce theft of metals and assist law enforcement in such theft investigations. The database is maintained by the company LeadsOnline on behalf of the GBI. To date, over 3,000,000 transactions have been uploaded to the system by its 255 participating businesses.
The database is accessible and searchable by law enforcement agencies. Law enforcement personnel may go to the LeadsOnline website at support@leadsonline.com or call 1-800-311-2656 to register.
Winder couple arrested on drug, gun charges
A married couple in Winder were arrested last week on drug and gun charges at their residence on East Wright Street following a citizen complaint.
After receiving the complaint of possible drug activity, police arrived at the home on Dec. 9 and identified Eddie Ramon Turner, 35, as a resident of the home. Turner was on felony probation for felony drug offenses.
Police were greeted by Turner's wife, 36-year-old Heather Turner, and when she opened the door police smelled "a strong odor" of marijuana coming from inside the home, according to a news release.
After obtaining a search warrant, police found a pistol caliber carbine rifle, a bag containing suspected cocaine, marijuana, prescription narcotics, digital scales and several mobile devices. The bag and its contents were located in a bathroom believed to be utilized by three young children who also reside in the home.
As a result of the search, both adults were arrested.
Mr. Turner has been charged with trafficking cocaine, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a schedule II controlled substance, possession of drug-related objects, reckless conduct, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
Mrs. Turner was charged with the same offenses, excluding possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
After receiving the complaint of possible drug activity, police arrived at the home on Dec. 9 and identified Eddie Ramon Turner, 35, as a resident of the home. Turner was on felony probation for felony drug offenses.
Police were greeted by Turner's wife, 36-year-old Heather Turner, and when she opened the door police smelled "a strong odor" of marijuana coming from inside the home, according to a news release.
After obtaining a search warrant, police found a pistol caliber carbine rifle, a bag containing suspected cocaine, marijuana, prescription narcotics, digital scales and several mobile devices. The bag and its contents were located in a bathroom believed to be utilized by three young children who also reside in the home.
As a result of the search, both adults were arrested.
Mr. Turner has been charged with trafficking cocaine, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a schedule II controlled substance, possession of drug-related objects, reckless conduct, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
Mrs. Turner was charged with the same offenses, excluding possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Winder woman found dead by child in home
A Winder woman was found dead in her East Fifth Avenue home by her 7-year-old daughter Monday morning.
According to a Winder Police Department news release, the child called 911 dispatch and said her mother was not waking up. Police responded to the home and found Christa Dodd Crocker, 39, unresponsive. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the cause of death.
The investigation is ongoing and more information will be released when it becomes available.
According to a Winder Police Department news release, the child called 911 dispatch and said her mother was not waking up. Police responded to the home and found Christa Dodd Crocker, 39, unresponsive. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the cause of death.
The investigation is ongoing and more information will be released when it becomes available.
Missing Winder woman found
Monday, October 10. 2016
Law enforcement officials have located a missing Winder woman who had been missing since Saturday.
Family members and local law enforcement were searching for Amanda Joleen Lovell, 39, who was born schizophrenic. She was last seen walking near the intersection of SR8 and Hwy. 81 in Winder, approximately 1.5 miles from her home.
"Amanda Lovell was located just a couple of hours ago in Winder around 8 this morning," said WPD Lt. Chris Cooper on Tuesday. "She is safe and is currently being checked out by an area hospital. We will send further updates as they become known to us. The response and effort from you all and our citizens was terrific."
Family members and local law enforcement were searching for Amanda Joleen Lovell, 39, who was born schizophrenic. She was last seen walking near the intersection of SR8 and Hwy. 81 in Winder, approximately 1.5 miles from her home.
"Amanda Lovell was located just a couple of hours ago in Winder around 8 this morning," said WPD Lt. Chris Cooper on Tuesday. "She is safe and is currently being checked out by an area hospital. We will send further updates as they become known to us. The response and effort from you all and our citizens was terrific."
Man stabbed after inviting assailant to his house
The Barrow County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a possible stabbing and structure fire at 605 Warren Way last Friday.
Upon arrival, deputies found the victim, Dennis Walker, 46, of Winder, lying adjacent to the roadway with a wound on his neck. Deputies began first aid on the victim while Barrow County Fire and Emergency Services battled the fire at the residence.
Walker said he had invited the suspect, Brandon Adams, 32, of Braselton, over to his house and after Adams went to the bathroom, he returned with a gun and robbed the victim. The suspect then stabbed the victim five times in the neck and set fire to items in the house. The victim received treatment at a local hospital for his injuries. The suspect is in custody in another jurisdiction and warrants have been obtained for him in reference to the incident on Warren Way.
This incident is still under investigation and more information will be released when it is available, law enforcement officials said.
Upon arrival, deputies found the victim, Dennis Walker, 46, of Winder, lying adjacent to the roadway with a wound on his neck. Deputies began first aid on the victim while Barrow County Fire and Emergency Services battled the fire at the residence.
Walker said he had invited the suspect, Brandon Adams, 32, of Braselton, over to his house and after Adams went to the bathroom, he returned with a gun and robbed the victim. The suspect then stabbed the victim five times in the neck and set fire to items in the house. The victim received treatment at a local hospital for his injuries. The suspect is in custody in another jurisdiction and warrants have been obtained for him in reference to the incident on Warren Way.
This incident is still under investigation and more information will be released when it is available, law enforcement officials said.
Three-vehicle wreck causes chemical spill
Monday, October 3. 2016
Hwy. 316 near Kilcrease Road was re-opened Monday following a clean-up of hazardous materials which took several hours to complete, officials said.
A call concerning a three-vehicle accident was reported shortly before 7 a.m. Monday. One of the vehicles was a truck used for pool cleaning that was carrying various chemicals.
"We had different acids and chlorines, and they're all mixed together, creating a hazardous material incident," said Dakin. "We transported one person as a result of the accident, and we also transported one person as a result of the Hazmat spill."
Dakin said the victim transported because of the spill had inhaled some of the chemical vapors, but was expected to be O.K.
The victim injured in the actual crash suffered minor injuries, reports indicated.
A call concerning a three-vehicle accident was reported shortly before 7 a.m. Monday. One of the vehicles was a truck used for pool cleaning that was carrying various chemicals.
"We had different acids and chlorines, and they're all mixed together, creating a hazardous material incident," said Dakin. "We transported one person as a result of the accident, and we also transported one person as a result of the Hazmat spill."
Dakin said the victim transported because of the spill had inhaled some of the chemical vapors, but was expected to be O.K.
The victim injured in the actual crash suffered minor injuries, reports indicated.
Warren Way fire termed 'suspicious'; one person injured
Sunday, October 2. 2016
At approximately 12:30 Friday afternoon, communication officers with Barrow County Emergency Services received a 911 call reporting a structure fire in the 600 block of Warren Way.
“Firefighters responded to the address and found a one story home fully involved in fire,” said Captain Scott Dakin. “They also found one person that was injured. That patient was transported to an area hospital.”
Engine 5, Engine 6, Ladder Truck 7, Med 5, Med 7 and Battalion 1 responded to this incident. Firefighters went into a defensive mode due to the amount of fire, and the home was heavily damaged.
The fire is considered suspicious at this time, Dakin said. It remains under investigation by the Fire Investigation Team and the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office.
“Firefighters responded to the address and found a one story home fully involved in fire,” said Captain Scott Dakin. “They also found one person that was injured. That patient was transported to an area hospital.”
Engine 5, Engine 6, Ladder Truck 7, Med 5, Med 7 and Battalion 1 responded to this incident. Firefighters went into a defensive mode due to the amount of fire, and the home was heavily damaged.
The fire is considered suspicious at this time, Dakin said. It remains under investigation by the Fire Investigation Team and the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office.
Scam alert issued by Winder police
Wednesday, September 28. 2016
Over the past several days, the Winder Police Department has had numerous reports of a scam utilizing the same story.
Someone calls the victim claiming to be a deputy from the Barrow County Sheriff's Office and uses the name of an actual supervisor currently employed with the sheriff's office.
The caller says, “You failed to show up for jury duty this morning and there is now a warrant for your arrest. If you pay the $500 fine right now we will clear things up and when you show up, you can get your money back.”
Once the scammers get the first $500, they try and get additional funds by saying there are back-taxes due. They demand payment via Money Pak cards. The phone numbers have been untraceable so far.
Many of the reporting potential victims knew it was a scam and hung up. However, several have paid money, some totaling in the thousands. If you receive this type of call, just hang up, law enforcement officials said. If you think you may owe money for a fine or other court fee, call the police department or sheriff’s office directly, they added.
Citizens should be aware that the sheriff’s office, the police department, nor the IRS will call you and demand you pay money over the phone. Also, these scammers can get names of officers off the web pages of these departments so it is likely the names they are using are actual employees. If you feel you have been a victim of this type of incident, please call your local law enforcement agency and report it immediately.
Someone calls the victim claiming to be a deputy from the Barrow County Sheriff's Office and uses the name of an actual supervisor currently employed with the sheriff's office.
The caller says, “You failed to show up for jury duty this morning and there is now a warrant for your arrest. If you pay the $500 fine right now we will clear things up and when you show up, you can get your money back.”
Once the scammers get the first $500, they try and get additional funds by saying there are back-taxes due. They demand payment via Money Pak cards. The phone numbers have been untraceable so far.
Many of the reporting potential victims knew it was a scam and hung up. However, several have paid money, some totaling in the thousands. If you receive this type of call, just hang up, law enforcement officials said. If you think you may owe money for a fine or other court fee, call the police department or sheriff’s office directly, they added.
Citizens should be aware that the sheriff’s office, the police department, nor the IRS will call you and demand you pay money over the phone. Also, these scammers can get names of officers off the web pages of these departments so it is likely the names they are using are actual employees. If you feel you have been a victim of this type of incident, please call your local law enforcement agency and report it immediately.
Fire Prevention Day planned
The City of Winder Fire Department will host Fire Prevention Day on Saturday, Oct. 1.
The Winder Fire Department invites the public to join them at 90 North Broad Street, downtown Winder from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. At Winder Fire Station 1 you will be able to flow water from the fire hose, climb on the trucks, visit with firefighters, jump in the Fire Dog Inflatable, tour the Fire Safety House and eat lunch free. Sparky the Fire Dog will visit, too.
Come join the fun and learn about Fire Safety, fire department officials said.
The Winder Fire Department invites the public to join them at 90 North Broad Street, downtown Winder from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. At Winder Fire Station 1 you will be able to flow water from the fire hose, climb on the trucks, visit with firefighters, jump in the Fire Dog Inflatable, tour the Fire Safety House and eat lunch free. Sparky the Fire Dog will visit, too.
Come join the fun and learn about Fire Safety, fire department officials said.
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