U.S. Army Pfc. Enmanuel Castillo, a plumber with the 874th Engineer Utilities Detachment, 878th Engineer Battalion, 648th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Georgia Army National Guard, reflects on his mission duties during Winter Storm Fern in Toccoa, Georgia Jan. 27, 2026. The Georgia Department of Defense plays an integral role in declared emergencies by providing a versatile and ready force capable of responding to natural and manmade disasters across the United States. The Georgia Department of Defense is trained and equipped to ensure rapid, coordinated and effective support is available to civil authorities on short notice.
(U.S. Army National Guard video by Sgt. 1st Class Jeron Walker)
MARIETTA, Ga.– The Georgia Department of Defense (DoD) is preparing to assist the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) and other state and local authorities as a winter storm is predicted toaffectnorthern parts of Georgia on Saturday and Sunday.
Today, following Gov. Brian Kemp's declaration of a state of emergency, up to 500 Georgia National Guardsmen were authorized for state active duty. The Georgia DoD has begun preparations to support Georgians as part of a whole-of-government response, with GEMA/HS serving as the lead agency.
Georgians are urged to listen for directions from their local officials regarding road conditions and preparedness efforts. They can also visithttps://gema.georgia.gov/to...
A debris clearance team comprised of Georgia National Guard Soldiers from the 878th Engineer Battalion and Georgia State Defense Force personnel clear roads in Habersham County west of Clarkesville. Soldiers and Airmen of the Georgia National Guard are clearing downed trees in throughout northeast Georgia while additional teams are conducting reconnaissance of routes to assist in road clearing efforts. Photo by Command Sgt. Major John Ballenger.
The Georgia Department of Defense (DoD) is preparing to assist the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) and other state and local authorities as a winter storm is predicted to affect northern parts of Georgia on Saturday and Sunday.
The Georgia Department of Defense is in the final stages of recovery support for the historic Winter Storm Fern that moved through the northern part of the state over the weekend.
