Jackson County, NC Emergency Management

Jackson County, NC Emergency Management The Jackson County Office of Emergency Management
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Another Week, Another Rigorous Training for Jackson County Emergency Management Staff.This week, staff participated in s...
05/29/2026

Another Week, Another Rigorous Training for Jackson County Emergency Management Staff.

This week, staff participated in specialized emergency management training focused on election-time operations and monitoring all emergency-related concerns. Topics included terrorism awareness, laws and regulations, natural disasters, man-made disasters, and other threats that could impact our community.

This training was conducted in partnership with the Jackson County Board of Elections, and we are thankful for the strong working relationship we continue to build with their office. We are also appreciative that this training opportunity was provided free of charge, allowing agencies to continue enhancing preparedness while being mindful of costs.

Jason Prill, Planning Specialist with Jackson County Emergency Management, shared that the training was extremely beneficial to both him and his role within the agency. He stated that it provided valuable education and new ideas that can help strengthen and improve emergency plans during election time.

Trainings like these benefit all of Jackson County by ensuring staff and partner agencies are properly trained, prepared, and able to maintain strong professional relationships before emergencies happen. Working together and training together helps ensure our community receives the best possible service and protection when it matters most.

Weather impacts continue across Jackson County this morningEmergency services agencies from across the county have been ...
05/27/2026

Weather impacts continue across Jackson County this morning

Emergency services agencies from across the county have been working throughout the night and into this morning responding to numerous weather-related incidents. Crews have encountered trees down across roadways, downed power lines, and natural debris creating hazardous travel conditions in multiple areas.

We encourage everyone to use extreme caution while traveling today, especially on smaller secondary roads with blind curves, limited shoulders, and areas where debris may not be visible until the last moment. Never drive across downed power lines or attempt to move large debris from the roadway yourself.

The photo below, provided by Sylva Fire Department, shows a tree completely blocking Mockingbird Ln early this morning. We appreciate the continued hard work of all emergency responders, utility personnel, and partner agencies working to keep Jackson County safe.

If you encounter hazardous roadway conditions, please report them through the non-emergency number 828-586-1911 or call 911 if there is an immediate threat to life or safety.

⚠️ Updated Weather Briefing – 5:30 PM ⚠️The latest update from the National Weather Service continues to highlight south...
05/22/2026

⚠️ Updated Weather Briefing – 5:30 PM ⚠️

The latest update from the National Weather Service continues to highlight southern Jackson County as an area of higher concern for heavy rainfall and localized flooding through the Memorial Day weekend.

Key updates:
• Multiple rounds of rain are expected through Monday
• Heaviest rainfall potential remains during afternoon and evening hours and could contain hail up to 3/4 of and inch
• Localized flash flooding and strong thunderstorms remain possible

Please continue to stay weather aware and monitor official forecasts throughout the weekend

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⚠️ Memorial Day Weekend Flood Concerns for Jackson County ⚠️

The National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg is highlighting portions of the western Carolinas for an increased flood threat through the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Of particular concern, southern Jackson County is included in an “area of highest concern” for excessive rainfall and localized flooding potential.

Forecasts indicate:
• Multiple rounds of heavy rain from Friday through Monday
• Periods of thunderstorms capable of producing intense rainfall rates
• Localized flash flooding, especially in low-lying, poor drainage, and mountain areas
• Potential for rapidly changing conditions near creeks, streams, and roadways

While some rainfall will help ongoing drought conditions, repeated rounds of rain may quickly overwhelm dry soils and create runoff issues over time.

Jackson County Emergency Management encourages residents and visitors to:
• Stay weather aware throughout the holiday weekend
• Monitor forecasts and alerts from trusted sources
• Avoid driving through flooded roadways — Turn Around, Don’t Drown
• Use extra caution while camping, boating, hiking, or traveling in southern portions of the county
• Have multiple ways to receive warnings, including Wireless Emergency Alerts and CodeRED notifications

We will continue to monitor conditions closely and share updates as needed.

05/22/2026

🇺🇸 In observance of Memorial Day, Jackson County administrative offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026.

Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces. We extend our gratitude to all who have served and continue to serve our nation.

Administrative offices will reopen during regular business hours on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

We wish everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day. 🇺🇸

05/21/2026

The Blood Drive Battle is Raging!!! JCSO vs. EM

Sheriff Doug Farmer, Jackson County Sheriff's Office NC; and Director Zeb Holland, Jackson County, NC Emergency Management, are all smiles and pumped up after giving blood today.

It's all part of some friendly competition with Battle of the Badges Blood Drive here at Southwestern Community College NC today until 3 p.m.

Stop on by the Burrell Building to donate blood with the American Res Cross...and put your support toward one of the dozen different first responder agencies in competition today.




Sylva Police Department, NC
Western Carolina University Police Department
Harris Regional Hospital EMS
Sylva Fire Department

05/21/2026

Safe Kids Jackson County is proud to partner with the Great Smokies Health Foundation and the Sea Tow Foundation to provide use and return life jackets in our county. Use the QR code to find a life jacket loaner station near you. Have fun and stay safe while in the water!

Safe Kids del Condado de Jackson se enorgullece de colaborar con la
Fundación Great Smokies Health y la Fundacion Sea Tow para ofrecer chalecos salvavidas de uso y devolución en nuestro condado. Utilice el código QR para encontrar una estación de chalecos de salvavidas prestados cerca de usted. ¡Diviértase y manténgase seguro mientras esté en el agua!

Statewide Emergency Management Exercise Taking Place This Week This week, Jackson County Emergency Management staff are ...
05/20/2026

Statewide Emergency Management Exercise Taking Place This Week

This week, Jackson County Emergency Management staff are participating in the statewide emergency management exercise conducted by the State of North Carolina.

While state-level executives and leadership staff participate from Raleigh, and branch personnel operate from the Regional Coordination Centers (RCCs), Jackson County Emergency Management staff are conducting operations locally from the Jackson County Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

Throughout the exercise, staff will practice Incident Command System (ICS) principles, test operational procedures, and evaluate continuity of individual and organizational skills. Exercises such as these help ensure personnel remain prepared to effectively coordinate resources, communicate with partner agencies, and respond to emergencies impacting our community.

“Training and exercises like this are critical to making sure our staff remain prepared for any situation or emergency that may impact our county,” said Jackson County Emergency Management Director Zeb Holland. “These statewide exercises help sharpen individual skills, strengthen coordination with our internal and external partners across the state, and ensure our team stays up to date on the latest emergency management practices and procedures.”

Jackson County Office of Emergency Management remains committed to continually training and improving in order to provide the highest level of service, preparedness, and protection possible for the citizens and visitors of Jackson County.

🚨 Battle of the Badges: Blood Drive! 🚨Support your favorite local heroes and give the gift of life!📅 Date: Thursday, May...
05/19/2026

🚨 Battle of the Badges: Blood Drive! 🚨

Support your favorite local heroes and give the gift of life!

📅 Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
📍 Location: SCC Burrell Building - Conference Room, 447 College Drive, Sylva, NC 28779

Come cheer on your favorite departments and donate blood to help save lives!

✅ Walk-ins welcome!
✅ Appointments honored first
✅ Bring your Red Cross Donor Card or Photo ID
🎁 Receive a free T-shirt (while supplies last)

For appointments or more info: 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
🌐 Or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter Sponsor Code: BattleoftheBadgesJackson

Let’s see which badge will reign supreme—give blood and make a difference!

MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTSKYLAND DR NEAR FISHER CREEK RDSYLVA, NC - JACKSON COUNTY————————————————————Update: Skyland Dr is...
05/12/2026

MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT
SKYLAND DR NEAR FISHER CREEK RD
SYLVA, NC - JACKSON COUNTY

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Update: Skyland Dr is now open. The multiple vehicle accident did involve a school bus. No one on the bus was injured. There were injuries in another vehicle. Those people were being treated and transported to the hospital.

Please avoid the area of Skyland Drive near Fisher Creek Road. Emergency services are on scene of a motor vehicle accident with injuries. Skyland Drive will be completely shut down for an extended period of time. 

Emergency Management Staff Amongst Several Who Attended NC Safe Kids Conference Several members of the Jackson County Sa...
05/07/2026

Emergency Management Staff Amongst Several Who Attended NC Safe Kids Conference

Several members of the Jackson County Safe Kids Coalition recently attended the 2026 NC Safe Kids Conference, including staff from Jackson County Emergency Management. The conference brought together child safety professionals, first responders, healthcare providers, and community partners from across North Carolina to share ideas, training, and best practices focused on protecting children and families.

The Jackson County Safe Kids Coalition works year-round to improve child safety throughout our community through education, outreach, and hands-on programs. Coalition members assist with child passenger safety seat inspections and installations, provide education on injury prevention, distribute safety equipment, and work to increase awareness on topics such as bicycle safety, water safety, fire prevention, medication safety, and more.

By attending conferences and continuing education opportunities like this, coalition members are able to bring back valuable knowledge, new resources, and updated safety practices that directly benefit the citizens of Jackson County. These efforts help strengthen partnerships between agencies and ensure local families have access to programs and services that make our community safer for children.

Jackson County is proud of the dedication shown by all coalition members and appreciates their continued commitment to keeping children safe through education, prevention, and community engagement.

Address

1620 US 441 S
Sylva, NC
28779

Telephone

+18285867508

Website

https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/6D00FECE19AA, http://www.ja

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