Gwinnett Closures, Winter Weather Updates For Jan 18

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA — Gwinnett County government has issued a winter weather update for Thursday, Jan. 18. Due to inclement weather, Gwinnett County trials and hearings are canceled. All Gwinnett County Government offices, including Gwinnett County Tax and Tag Offices will open at 10 a.m.

Gwinnett County Transit Express bus service is canceled. Local and paratransit bus service will delay starting until 10 a.m. with service rolling out on the regular weekday schedule. Please check the schedule for exact start times for each route.

Gwinnett solid waste and recycling haulers operating in unincorporated Gwinnett will attempt to pick up Wednesday trash and recycling on Thursday, January 18 along roads that are passable. For the remainder of the week, trash and recyclables will be picked up one day late. In other words, Thursday pickup will be Friday and Friday pickup will be Saturday. If icy conditions create a significant challenge on Thursday that prevents the collection of Wednesday trash and recyclables, customers will be notified and further instructions will be provided.

All branches of the Gwinnett County Library will be closed. Digital resources are available 24/7 at www.gwinnettpl.org.

Check the Gwinnett County website for additional updates throughout the day.

Health-care workers encourage residents to use caution during extremely cold temperatures. Whether inside or outside, cold weather can be dangerous to those who are not prepared to properly handle it. Advanced hypothermia (decreased core body temperature) can be accompanied by stiffness, excessive shivering, confusion, slurred speech, numbness or a weak pulse. Watch for changes in levels of consciousness and motor coordination, indicated by stumbles, mumbles, fumbles, and grumbles.

Symptoms of frostbite (skin damage due to cold temperatures) include gradual numbness, pale or purple skin, hard (wooden) skin, or tingling or burning in the impacted area. Call 9-1-1 if you or someone you know may be suffering from hypothermia or frostbite.
Children, older adults, and individuals with poor circulatory systems are at particular risk for hypothermia or frostbite. The Department of Health offers these tips to help cope with winter conditions when outside:

• Layer your clothing to have more flexibility and control over how warm you stay. Avoid cotton clothing for winter activities.

• Prepare for the unexpected. Most hypothermia cases occur due to an unexpected change in the weather or temperature.
• Wear a warm hat; up to 50 percent of body heat is lost through the head.
• Avoid getting wet when the temperature dips.
• Wear waterproof boots or shoes to keep your feet dry.
• Drink plenty of water. Avoid nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol.

Photo courtesy Georgia Department of Transportation