Walhalla Rescue Squad

04/05/2026

🚑🐰 We’d like to introduce our newest responder… “Hops.” He showed up unannounced, geared up, and ready to go to work. Didn’t ask for a pager… just grabbed a basket and said he’s “on duty.”

So far, performance review is solid:
✔ Fast on scene
✔ Good attitude
✔ Brings snacks

All jokes aside this is what we’re about. Serving our community, having each other’s backs, and being ready when it matters most.

👉 If you’ve ever thought about joining, we’d love to have you. Apply today with Walhalla Rescue Squad.

https://forms.gle/57C6rmkiwtuDkNWaA

04/05/2026

Spring is in full bloom here in Oconee County! 🌼 From our crew to your family, we're wishing you a wonderful and safe Easter Sunday. Whether you're hunting for eggs or enjoying a big family meal, we hope your day is egg-cellent! 🥚🐇

03/27/2026

SC Forestry Commission to issue statewide burning ban, effective at 4 p.m. today

COLUMBIA—The South Carolina Forestry Commission is issuing a State Forester’s Burning Ban for all counties, effective at 4 p.m. today.

A State Forester’s Burning Ban prohibits all outdoor burning, including yard debris burning, prescribed burning, campfires, bonfires and other recreational fires in all unincorporated areas of the state.

The ban does not apply to fires used for the preparation of food or fires used in appropriate enclosures (portable outdoor fireplaces, chimineas or permanent fire pits constructed of stone, masonry, metal or other noncombustible material that conforms with all applicable South Carolina fire codes).

Forestry Commission officials say weather conditions over the next several days present a greatly elevated potential for fires igniting easily and spreading rapidly. Dangerously low relative humidities – reaching below 20% in some areas – combined with extremely dry fuels statewide and gusty winds will create a particularly volatile mix of wildfire risk factors throughout the weekend.

"In addition to the intensifying drought conditions, the weather we’re going to see statewide over the next several days makes it ripe for any fire that starts to burn intensely and move fast,” SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones said. "While these conditions can make wildfires ignite easily anywhere and make it more challenging for firefighters to contain, we’re really concerned about areas where events like Hurricane Helene and recent ice damage have led to higher amounts of fuel. This burning ban is necessary to limit ignitions to the maximum extent possible to prevent severe wildfires for public safety purposes."

The ban will stay in effect until further notice, which will come in the form of an official announcement from the Forestry Commission.

Shareable link:https://www.scfc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Advisory-StateForestersBurningBan-20260327.pdf

01/31/2026

❄️ Walhalla looks beautiful under a blanket of snow — but conditions on the ground can be very different.

Please remember that roads may still be icy, especially on bridges, shaded areas, and secondary roads. Slow down, increase your following distance, and avoid unnecessary travel if you can.

With freezing temperatures continuing, check on neighbors, bring pets inside, and be mindful of space heaters and generators.

Walhalla Rescue Squad is here if you need us — but your best safety tool is prevention. Stay warm, stay alert, and stay safe. 🚑

01/30/2026

01/29/2026

(1/29/26) NEWS RELEASE: South Carolina Emergency Response Team Monitors Winter Storm

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is actively monitoring a weather system that is expected to bring snow across the state Friday night into Sunday morning.

SCEMD officials are coordinating with the State Emergency Response Team, the National Weather Service and local emergency managers to track the system and share timely updates and guidance on potential impacts across South Carolina.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed and take steps now to prepare for winter weather. SCEMD recommends the following:

-Monitor official forecasts and alerts from the National Weather Service and trusted local media. Know the difference between winter weather alerts:
-A Winter Storm Watch is issued when snow, sleet, and/or freezing rain is possible. Watches are usually issued 36-48 hours prior to the start of the storm.
-A Winter Storm Warning is issued when a significant winter weather event is expected, including heavy snow, ice, sleet or blowing snow. Warnings are usually issued 12-36 hours prior to the start of the storm.
-A Winter Weather Advisory is issued when snow, ice, sleet or blowing snow is expected but conditions are not anticipated to meet warning criteria. Advisories are usually issued 12-36 hours prior to the start of the storm.

-Avoid unnecessary travel. Roads may become slick quickly, especially on bridges and overpasses. If travel is unavoidable, ensure your vehicle is winter-ready by checking tires, fluids and the battery, and carry extra blankets, food and water in case of delays.
Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies only.

-Prepare for possible power outages. Keep cell phones and mobile devices fully charged and have flashlights and extra batteries on hand. Use generators outdoors only and keep them away from windows and doors. Never use grills or fuel-burning heaters indoors.

-Protect your home from freezing temperatures. Insulate exposed pipes, open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate and consider letting faucets drip overnight to help prevent frozen or burst pipes.

-Check on neighbors and loved ones, especially older adults, people with disabilities and those who may need additional assistance.

-Bring pets indoors and ensure livestock have access to shelter, unfrozen water and adequate food.

The official South Carolina Severe Winter Weather Guide contains checklists and tips on how to prepare for hazardous conditions.

Read more here: https://www.scemd.org/news/south-carolina-emergency-response-team-monitors-winter-storm/

01/25/2026

⚠️WEATHER SAFETY REMINDER WALHALLA AREA⚠️

Walhalla Rescue Squad urges everyone to use extra caution as we continue to experience hazardous weather conditions in our area.

🚗 Travel only if necessary, slow down, and be aware of changing road conditions. If you don’t have to be out, the safest place to be is at home.

📞 IMPORTANT REMINDERS
❗ Please do NOT call 9-1-1 for non-emergency needs.

For non-emergent medical special needs, contact the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at:
📞 864-364-5948

⸻

🔌 REPORTING UTILITY OUTAGES

• Duke Energy: 1-800-769-3766 or text OUT to 57801
• Blue Ridge Electric: 888-258-2732 or text OUT to 800-240-3400 (if enrolled)
• Haywood EMC: 1-800-951-6088 or 828-452-2281
• Seneca Light & Water: 864-885-2723
• Westminster Utilities: 864-647-3200
• Walhalla Water: 864-499-4162
• Pioneer Water: 864-972-3082

⸻

🏫 OPEN SHELTER
Walhalla High School
📍 4701 North Highway 11, Walhalla, SC 29691
📞 Shelter Info Line: 864-364-5915

📢 EOC Information Line:
📞 864-364-5915

🛣️ County Road Issues:
📞 864-886-1072

⸻

🚑 Walhalla Rescue Squad is monitoring conditions and ready to respond to true emergencies.
Please stay safe, look out for your neighbors, and share this information so others can stay informed.

📸Aerial images of West Union, SC

01/21/2026

🌨️ Winter Weather Expected This Weekend 🌨️
📍 Walhalla & Oconee County, SC

The National Weather Service is forecasting winter weather for our area this weekend, including freezing temperatures, possible ice, and hazardous road conditions.

⚠️ Please take precautions now:

🚗 Travel Safety
• Avoid unnecessary travel during icy conditions
• Reduce speed and increase following distance
• Be alert for black ice, especially on bridges and shaded roads

🏠 Prepare at Home
• Charge phones and backup batteries
• Keep extra blankets, food, water, and medications available
• Protect pets, pipes, and outdoor faucets

👵 Look Out for Others
• Check on elderly neighbors and those with medical needs
• Make sure family members have a way to stay warm

🚑 Walhalla Rescue Squad volunteers are monitoring conditions and remain ready to respond if needed. Please help keep our responders and community safe by using caution and staying informed.

📲 Stay weather-aware and follow official updates throughout the weekend.

Stay safe. Stay warm.

12/31/2025

🎆 Ring in 2026 the Right Way 🎆

As we celebrate the New Year, we want everyone to make it home safe. If you plan to celebrate, plan a sober ride. One decision can make a lifetime of difference.

Don’t drink and drive. Look out for yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.

From all of us at Walhalla Rescue Squad, we wish you a happy, healthy, and safe New Year. 🚑💙