Mayor’s Office of Communications
55 Trinity Avenue, Suite 2500 • Atlanta, Georgia 30303
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 8, 2017
News Release
City of Atlanta Offices to Remain Open During Normal Business Hours
Residents and visitors encouraged to use caution and focus on safety
ATLANTA – Mayor Kasim Reed announced today that the City of Atlanta will remain open during normal business hours today. The City has been in constant communication with the State of Georgia, local government, school system and private sector partners and has been working to stagger traffic patterns.
“City of Atlanta government offices, like the State, will remain open until 5:00 p.m. today. We believe this is the most prudent course of action to minimize traffic congestion as our school system partners work with parents to get kids home safely,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “We are currently experiencing an extended rush hour, but road temperatures remain above freezing and roads are navigable. I urge everyone to remain calm, and focus on making it home safely.”
The City’s operating departments engaged in preparation activities throughout the night, and are responding to the current weather conditions on an ongoing basis. The City has also begun to mobilize emergency contractors in case conditions worsen overnight and over the weekend.
The City’s emergency warming shelter is now open at the Central Park Recreation Center at 400 Merrits Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30308. Residents needing assistance are asked to call the Office of Constituent Services at (404) 330-6023.
Some city operations have been suspended today due to the winter weather. The Department of Parks and Recreation has canceled all after school programming today, and the Atlanta Streetcar will suspend service through Downtown Atlanta until 2 p.m. Saturday, unless conditions persist. Additionally, Department of Watershed Management customer service windows are now closed.
The Department of Watershed Management and the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department are actively responding to any reports of downed trees or broken water mains.
The City encourages residents and motorists to follow these guidelines to ensure their safety and prepare for inclement winter weather conditions:
- Sign up for NotifyATL at http://www.atlantaga.gov/notfiyatl.
- Maintain awareness by following local media coverage and monitoring the City’s social media channels, including @CityofAtlanta and @ATLPreparedness on Twitter and Facebook.
- Plan ahead and allow extra time to reach destinations.
- Make sure you have the proper emergency equipment in your car and home such as batteries for cell phones and chains for vehicle tires.
- When driving in icy road conditions, the shortest route is not always the safest. Consider less hilly routes to reach your destination.
- Drive slowly. The faster you are driving, the longer it takes to stop the vehicle.
- When traveling on foot, exercise caution on public sidewalks and private walkways.
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For more information about the City of Atlanta, please visit http://www.atlantaga.gov or watch City Channel 26. Follow the City of Atlanta on Facebook and Twitter @CityofAtlanta. Follow Mayor Reed on Facebook and Twitter @Kasim Reed