Hemby Bridge Fire Department

02/01/2026

⚠️ TREACHEROUS ROAD CONDITIONS – TRAVEL ONLY IF ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY ⚠️

Even though we had some melting today, rapidly dropping temperatures are causing severe icing on both primary and secondary roads. Side streets, bridges, and overpasses are also impacted. Conditions are treacherous and unpredictable, and even experienced drivers are at significant risk.

🚫 Road surfaces that appear wet may in fact be solid ice, offering little to no traction.

For the safety of the public and emergency responders:
⚠️ Stay off the roads unless travel is absolutely unavoidable
⚠️ Bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas are especially dangerous
⚠️ Four-wheel drive and higher-clearance vehicles do not prevent loss of control

As you can see from earlier, roads in our area remain covered. Reducing traffic allows fire, EMS, and law enforcement to operate more safely and reach critical emergencies without delay.
Please take this warning seriously. If you do not have an essential need to travel, stay home.

01/31/2026

Road conditions are extremely dangerous with blowing snow, and at times near-zero visibility creating whiteout conditions. What looks passable one moment can become impassable the next. The attached picture is from the cab of Engine 231 responding to an incident a few moments ago. As you can see visibility is near zero!

For everyone’s safety, staying off the roads helps protect you, other motorists, and the first responders who may be trying to reach emergencies.

01/31/2026

Snow is falling across the area and while it may look calm, conditions can change quickly.
Our crews are out preparing and remaining ready to respond, but we need your help to keep everyone safe. When roadways are icy or snow-covered, even routine responses take longer. Staying off the roads unless necessary helps keep everyone safe!

01/31/2026

Snow is expected for our area today. As conditions change, we urge everyone to plan ahead, and put safety first!

Travel Safety
🚘 Avoid unnecessary travel if possible
🚘 Reduce speed and increase following distance
🚘 Watch for black ice on bridges, overpasses, and shaded roadways
🚘 Give snow and emergency vehicles plenty of space

Heating Safety
🔥 Use approved heating sources only
🔥 Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn
🔥 Never use grills, generators, or fuel-burning appliances indoors or in garages
🔥 Turn heaters off before leaving the room or going to sleep

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness
⚠️ Ensure working CO alarms are installed on every level of your home
⚠️ If you experience headache, dizziness, nausea, or confusion, get fresh air immediately and call 911

Need Help
☎️ Emergencies: Call 911
☎️ Non-emergency service requests: Contact Union County Communications at (704) 289-1591
☎️ Please avoid calling the fire station directly, as crews may be responding to other emergencies.

Stay safe, stay warm, and look out for one another as winter weather moves through our community. 🚒❄️

01/26/2026

Please remember that black ice will be a concern for a couple more days.

Thankfully, Union County has been spared from widespread power outages, but black ice will be a concern on roads for a couple more days. Stay home if you can and if you have to drive, please be extra careful and go slowly.

Continue to follow unioncountync.gov/winterstorm for updates and resources.

01/26/2026

The road conditions have continued to get worse with the sleet and freezing rain. For your safety and ours, please stay off the roads.

01/25/2026

01/25/2026

Union County shelter now open at Monroe Middle School, 601 E. Sunset Drive.

In response to Winter Storm Fern, Union County is opening a shelter in partnership with the American Red Cross at 6 p.m. (Sat. Jan. 24) at Monroe Middle School: 601 E. Sunset Drive, Monroe, NC 28112

Read this important information for items to bring, details on pets, medical situations, etc. -- https://ucgov.info/shelter

As Winter Storm Fern approaches, we are taking every precaution to ensure the safety of our community. Please stay safe and prepared.

Winter Storm Info: unioncountync.gov/winterstorm
Sign Up for UC Alerts: ucgov.info/ucalerts

01/25/2026

01/23/2026

UC Winter Weather Preparedness page: ucgov.info/winterprep
UC Alerts: ucgov.info/ucalerts

Union County leaders have declared a State of Emergency starting Sat., Jan. 24, at 7 a.m. ahead of Winter Storm Fern. At that same time, Emergency Management Director Andrew Ansley will activate the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to monitor the impacts of the winter storm, direct the County’s response efforts, and share timely information with the public.

Everyone should plan for hazardous conditions, including icy roads, freezing temperatures, downed trees, and possible power outages.

🚨Prepare now: Build an emergency kit, sign up for UC Alerts, and plan for outages.

🚧 Stay home and off roads during the storm for your safety and so emergency personnel and utility crews can work quickly and safely.

🚑 Call 911 only for emergencies.

While essential public safety services will continue throughout the storm, all County facilities will be closed this weekend. Complete information on storm-related impacts to county services is available on the county website, where we will continue to provide the latest information.

County Website: unioncountync.gov
Winter Weather Preparedness page: ucgov.info/winterprep
UC Alerts: ucgov.info/ucalerts

Stay safe, Union County!