Cleveland Bradley County OEM

03/27/2026

From TN Wildland Fire:

https://www.tn.gov/tnwildlandfire/prevention/safe-debris-burning/permits.html

🔥 FIRE DANGER ALERT FOR TENNESSEE 🔥
Dry conditions, low humidity, and winds have created high fire risk across our state — and open burning restrictions are currently in effect across most Tennessee counties.

Open burning restrictions mean no burning of debris, brush, yard waste, or any other materials outdoors. Please take this seriously:

🚫 No open burning of any kind in restricted counties - leaves, brush, branches, storm debris, etc.

✅ Grills, burn barrels with mesh covers, and ceremonial fires may still be permitted — but use extra caution and check local restrictions

✅ Report wildfires immediately by calling 911

Wildfires spread fast under these conditions. One spark can threaten your home, your neighborhood, and Tennessee's beautiful natural landscapes.

Help us protect what we all love about this state. 🌲

03/19/2026

3/19/2026 WEBSITE UPDATE:

We’ve updated the Emergency Notification System sign-up page on our website to make it easier to manage your alerts and to allow Charleston residents to sign up for Charleston-specific notifications.

If you are already subscribed to Bradley County alerts, you can now use the Charleston form to add Charleston-specific notifications.

If you are new and sign up for Charleston alerts, you will automatically receive Bradley County-wide notifications as well--no need to sign up twice.

We’ve also added a new “Frequently Asked Questions” section to help answer common questions about the alerting system.

Not sure if you’re already signed up? Simply enter your information in either form. If your email is already in the system, you’ll receive a verification code to confirm your account.

👉 Sign up or manage your alerts here:
www.clevelandbradleytnoem.gov/signup

Be sure you are also subscribed to official local government agencies for their individual updates and information:

Bradley County, TN - Government
Bradley County Sheriff's Office TN
Bradley County Fire and Rescue
Bradley County EMS
Bradley County 911
Bradley County Schools

The City of Charleston, Tennessee
Charleston Police Department

Cleveland TN Police Department
Cleveland TN Fire Department
Cleveland City Schools

03/11/2026

MEDIA RELEASE

BRADLEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE INVESTIGATING FATAL HIT AND RUN INCIDENT ON HIGHWAY 64

BRADLEY COUNTY, TN. (March 11, 2026) — The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a fatal hit and run that occurred in the 6000 block of Highway 64 around 6:30am this morning.

Preliminary information indicates that a pedestrian was initially struck by an unknown black vehicle that may have sustained significant front-end damage. The vehicle left the scene following the initial collision.

Moments later, a government employee traveling through the area observed the individual in the roadway, who appeared to be injured and alive. While attempting to safely turn around and block traffic to render assistance, another motorist traveling through the area struck the individual who was lying in the roadway. The injuries sustained were fatal.

At this time, the identity of the victim is not being released pending notification of next of kin.

The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have information regarding a black vehicle that may have significant front-end damage to please contact our office at 423-728-7300.

This incident remains under investigation, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.

03/09/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2026 – 10:30 AM EST

MINOR CHEMICAL RELEASE INCIDENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY RESPONSE AT WACKER CHEMIE POLYSILICON FACILITY IN CHARLESTON, TN

On Friday, March 6, 2026, at 2:41 PM, the Cleveland-Bradley County Office of Emergency Management (CBCOEM) was notified by the Wacker Chemie Polysilicon facility in Charleston that a chemical release and fire had occurred onsite and was being actively mitigated by Wacker’s internal fire department.

Wacker requested that our office issue an emergency alert to Charleston residents out of an abundance of caution while the situation was being assessed. Wacker advised that the release was well below federal and state reportable thresholds.

At 2:46 PM, an alert was sent to Charleston residents subscribed to the CBCOEM emergency notification system advising of the incident and recommending that residents shelter in place until further notice.

CBCOEM personnel responded to the scene to assist with coordination and communication. At 3:52 PM, Wacker advised that the incident had been fully contained and mitigated. At no time was there a release sufficient to pose a danger to the general public or employees onsite.

An “all clear” message was subsequently issued to all emergency notification system subscribers countywide to ensure that members of the public who became aware of the incident through social media or media reports were informed that the situation had been resolved.

Some questions have been raised regarding the county’s alerting system and how notifications are distributed. Subscription to CBCOEM’s official notification system is voluntary, and alerts are generally targeted to subscribers within the potentially impacted area.

Residents are strongly encouraged to subscribe to the notification system to ensure they receive important public safety alerts. To register, visit clevelandbradleytnoem.gov/signup and follow the on-screen instructions. Subscribers may choose to receive automated voice calls, email notifications, and SMS text message alerts.

Charleston residents may also subscribe to the Charleston City Channel to receive alerts specific to the Charleston area. This option is available during initial registration or can be added by existing subscribers through the sign-up form.

CBCOEM appreciates Wacker Chemie’s prompt notification and cooperation during this incident.

At this time, there is no ongoing threat to the public and normal operations have resumed.

# # #

03/02/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PUBLIC NOTICE OF UPCOMING STATEWIDE TORNADO DRILL:
3/2/2026 4:00PM EST
------

The Cleveland/Bradley County Office of Emergency Management wishes to notify the public that Bradley County is participating in the required Tennessee Statewide Tornado Drill this week on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4TH, 2026 starting at 9:00AM Eastern Time.

This drill is an excellent opportunity for Cleveland City and Bradley County schools, large organizations, businesses, religious organizations, and individuals to participate by invoking their own internal emergency procedures or plans to ensure widespread awareness and preparedness for the upcoming active storm season.

This is a routine preparedness drill, and no interruptions to public government offices or other public safety services are expected.

The best emergency plan is the one you know by heart, but hopefully never have to execute. In an emergency, every second counts!

Our office may send out notifications to the general public through our voluntary Official Emergency Notification system during the drill, which works by sending text messages, automated voice calls, or email notifications to subscribed members of the public. This service is free of charge.

If you are not already signed up, we strongly encourage all Bradley County residents to sign up for our Official Emergency Notification System by texting "Join CBCOEM" to 31002, or visit our website at www.clevelandbradleytnoem.gov/signup.html

Be Storm Ready!

02/01/2026

Out of an abundance of caution, and for the safety of the public and our employees, all Bradley County Government offices will be closed on Monday, February 2, due to continued hazardous road conditions.

While many main and state roads are clear, a large number of back roads and rural county roads remain iced over and unsafe for travel. With temperatures expected to stay below freezing until tomorrow afternoon, these areas are unlikely to improve until later in the day. Anything frozen now will likely remain frozen until then.

Please use caution if you must be out. County offices will reopen on Tuesday, February 3, for regular business hours. Stay safe and warm.

01/25/2026

Due to the potential for inclement weather, all Bradley County Government offices will be closed on Monday, January 26th. This decision has been made out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our employees and the public.

We will continue to monitor weather conditions and will provide updates as needed. Essential services will remain operational.

Please stay safe and exercise caution if travel becomes necessary.

01/22/2026

A significant winter storm is likely this weekend. Main concern is the potential of significant ice accumulations producing dangerous if not impassable travel conditions, down trees and power lines, and power outages.

01/20/2026

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20TH, 2026 12:00 EST

WINTER STORM FERN:
Our office is closely monitoring the forecasts and other data related to the potential for impact to Cleveland, Charleston, and Bradley County, with possible impact expected between this upcoming Friday, January 23rd, and Sunday, January 25th.

At this time, we are not issuing any official guidance or statements, but we want to encourage the public to take steps to ensure their preparedness in the event the storm does impact our area with cumulative snowfall and below freezing temperatures.

Please ensure you are subscribed to our Official Emergency Alerts by texting "Join CBCOEM" to 31002, or visit our website at www.clevelandbradleytnoem.gov

---------------------------------
WINTER STORM SAFETY TIPS:

• STAY INFORMED: Monitor local weather forecasts and news media and official alerts, and always get your information and guidance from official sources, including:
Bradley County, TN - Government
Adam Lewis - Bradley County Government
Gary Davis - Bradley County Mayor
Bradley County Sheriff's Office TN
Bradley County Fire and Rescue
Bradley County EMS
Bradley County 911
Bradley County Schools
City of Cleveland, TN - Government
Cleveland City Schools
Cleveland TN Fire Department
Cleveland TN Police Department
Cleveland Utilities
Volunteer Energy Cooperative - VEC
EPB

• LIMIT TRAVEL: Avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather; roads may be icy or impassable and stranded or crashed vehicles will delay emergency response under already difficult conditions.

• PREPARE YOUR HOME: Keep extra blankets, flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food on hand. Have alternative means to prepare food, or have food on hand that does not require electricity to prepare.

• PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES: Charge mobile devices ahead of time, have alternative heating sources and backup power, and know where flashlights are located.

• USE HEATING SAFELY: Keep space heaters away from flammable materials and never use grills or generators indoors.

• HELP OTHERS: Look in on neighbors, especially older adults or those with medical needs, and ensure they have backup power if they have medical devices that rely on utility power.

• AVOID 911 MISUSE: 911 is for urgent life safety emergencies. For non-emergency matters, such as requests for welfare checks, reporting traffic light outages or downed trees, always use the non-emergency line for Bradley County 911, which is (423) 728-7311. Power outages should be reported only to your utility company.

01/12/2026

Join us for a Weather Safety Training Class hosted by US National Weather Service Morristown Tennessee on February 19th, 2026 at 6PM at Bradley Central High School.

1000 S Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37311

REGISTRATION REQUIRED TO ATTEND CLASS - REGISTRATION IS FREE

REGISTRATION: https://www.weather.gov/mrx/skywarn_classes
**THE REGISTRATION FORM WILL APPEAR WHEN IT IS OPEN**

EVENT LINK: https://www.facebook.com/share/1G8DcryRDL/

We look forward to seeing you there!

12/22/2025

12/17/2025

2025 HOLIDAY OFFICE SCHEDULE:

Our office and all Bradley County Government offices will be closed on the following days in observance of the holiday period:

Wednesday, December 24th
Thursday, December 25th
Friday, December 26th
and
Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Friday, January 2nd, 2026

We wish you and yours a happy, restful, and safe holiday period and we look forward to seeing you in 2026!