City Alerts & Public Notices

Boil Water Advisory Lifted in Copperhill; Tetanus Shots Return Tuesday After High Demand

The boil water advisory for the City of Copperhill has been lifted. Residents no longer need to boil water before drinking or cooking, but are asked to continue conserving water.

Tetanus shots will be offered again Tuesday after supplies ran out during heavy turnout Monday. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will be on site all week to help with traffic. Supplies, showers, restrooms, free rides and volunteer help remain available as cleanup continues.

Health and Safety

Boil water advisory lifted. Residents no longer need to boil water before drinking or cooking with it. Please continue to use only the water you need.

• Drinking water: Available at Luttrell’s Hardware, 625 Ocoee St., and at Copperhill City Hall.
• Non-drinking water: Available at the yellow pool in front of City Hall, on Central Ave. and on W. Tennessee Ave. Please bring your own containers.

Tetanus shots Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shots will be given at Copperhill City Hall while supplies last; quantities are limited after strong demand Monday. Floodwater and debris can carry tetanus bacteria, so anyone who has been in the floodwaters or is helping with cleanup is encouraged to get one.

Roads and traffic. Copperhill roads affected by the flood are closed until further notice. Hwy 68 is closed from Grassy Creek Road to the Georgia line. TDOT crews will be on site all week to help with traffic.

Restoring Water and Power

Water service. Homes and businesses that want water service restored should contact Copperhill City Hall to be added to the list. Someone must be on the premises when the water is turned back on.

Electricity. Residents should contact Tri-State EMC for guidance on getting their power turned back on.

Resources for Residents

Supplies. The point of distribution at Copperhill City Hall, on Central Ave. by the ballpark, is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Available items include:

• Non-perishable food and snacks
• Personal hygiene products
• Baby items, including food, diapers, water and wipes
• Cleaning supplies and bleach
• Masks, gloves and other protective equipment
• Paper products
• Pet food
• Blankets and tarps
• Batteries

Clothing is available at Staffordtown Fellowship Hall and the Copper Basin Crisis Center.

Showers.

• Tennessee: Copper Basin Medical Center, 144 Medical Center Dr., Copperhill, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Georgia: Camp Wetoga, 500 Mill Road, Morganton, Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Restrooms and hand-washing stations. Portable toilets and wash stations are at Copperhill City Hall, on Central Ave. and W. Tennessee Ave., and now at Dollar General.

Free rides. SETHRA is offering free rides. Call (423) 496-2644 to request one.

American Red Cross. Residents who still need assistance can call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

How to Help or Request Help

Volunteers. Volunteers must check in at Copperhill City Hall before starting. Volunteer hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and volunteers must be 18 or older. For volunteer information, call 423-397-9446.

Request help. Residents who need help at their property can call 423-397-9446.

Copperhill Flood Relief Fund. Donations support residents, small businesses and the city’s recovery, including cleanup, repairs, replacing damaged equipment and restoring city services.

• Online: copperhill.gov/donate
• In person: Copperhill City Hall, 160 Main St., Copperhill, TN 37317
• By mail: Make checks payable to City of Copperhill, write “Copperhill Flood Relief Fund” in the memo line, and mail to P.O. Box 640, Copperhill, TN 37317.

Stay Informed

Residents can sign up for Copperhill Flood Information Alerts to receive updates by text at copperhill.gov/flood-alerts. The city asks residents to rely on official channels for information to help stop the spread of rumors and misinformation.

Thank you to everyone who came out today! The response was so strong that the Health Department has run out of tetanus shots for today.

They will be BACK TOMORROW:

Copperhill City Hall, 160 Main Street

Tuesday, November 10, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Staff can look up both Georgia and Tennessee immunization records to check when you last had a tetanus shot.

If you get a deep or dirty wound before then, clean it right away and see a doctor.

Please SHARE so no one makes the trip today.

Please SHARE with anyone who has been in floodwater or is helping with cleanup. Take care of yourselves.

NOT SURE WHEN YOUR LAST SHOT WAS?
No problem! Staff on site can look up both GEORGIA and TENNESSEE immunization records, so they can check when you last had a tetanus shot, whichever side of the river you live on.

WHO SHOULD GET ONE?
If you were in or around floodwater, or you’re helping with cleanup, please consider getting a tetanus shot, especially if it’s been more than 10 years since your last one or you don’t remember. This includes:

• Residents and business owners who waded through floodwater or are cleaning out homes and buildings
• Volunteers helping with muck-outs, debris removal, and cleanup
• First responders, rescue crews, and utility and city workers
• Anyone who got a cut, scrape, or puncture wound during or after the flood

WHY IT MATTERS
Floodwater and the mud and debris it leaves behind are full of hazards you can’t see: nails, broken glass, sharp metal, and splintered wood. Tetanus is caused by bacteria that live in soil, mud, and debris. It can enter your body through any break in the skin, even a small scratch or blister you didn’t notice.

Tetanus is a serious and sometimes life-threatening infection that affects the nerves and muscles. Symptoms can take days or even weeks to appear, so don’t wait. A tetanus shot is a simple, quick way to protect yourself while you work to rebuild.

Water service has been restored to all residential areas not affected by the flood. Water samples have been sent for testing, and the city hopes to receive an all-clear on Monday. Until then, the boil water advisory remains in effect for everyone.

The city will also begin offering tetanus shots at City Hall on Monday morning. Supplies, showers, restrooms, free rides and volunteer help remain available to residents as cleanup continues.

Health and Safety

Boil water advisory remains in effect. Residents should boil water before drinking or cooking with it and use only the water they need.

• Drinking water: Available at Luttrell’s Hardware, 625 Ocoee St., and at Copperhill City Hall.
• Non-drinking water: Available at the yellow pool in front of City Hall, on Central Ave. and on W. Tennessee Ave. Please bring your own containers.

Tetanus shots start Monday. Shots will be given at City Hall beginning at 8:30 a.m. Floodwater and debris can carry tetanus bacteria, so anyone who has been in the floodwaters or is helping with cleanup is encouraged to get one.

Roads. Copperhill roads affected by the flood are closed until further notice. Hwy 68 is closed from Grassy Creek Road through the Georgia line.

Restoring Water and Power

Water service. Homes and businesses that want water service re-connected should contact Copperhill City Hall at 423-496-5141 to be added to the list. Someone must be on the premises when the water is turned back on.

Electricity. Residents should contact Tri-State EMC for guidance on getting their power turned back on.

Resources for Residents & Businesses

Supplies. The point of distribution at Copperhill City Hall, W. Tennessee Ave. and Central Ave. is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Available items include:

• Non-perishable food and snacks
• Personal hygiene products
• Baby items, including food, diapers, water and wipes
• Cleaning supplies and bleach
• Masks, gloves and other protective equipment
• Paper products
• Pet food
• Blankets and tarps

Clothing is available at Staffordtown Fellowship Hall.

Showers.

• Tennessee: Copper Basin Medical Center, 144 Medical Center Dr., Copperhill, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Georgia: Camp Wetoga, 500 Mill Road, Morganton, Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Restrooms and hand-washing stations. Portable toilets and wash stations are at City Hall, on Central Ave. and W. Tennessee Ave. More units arrive Monday.

Free rides. SETHRA is offering free rides. Call (423) 496-2644 to request one.

American Red Cross. Residents who still need assistance can call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

How to Help or Request Help

Volunteers. Volunteers must check in at Copperhill City Hall before starting. Volunteer hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and volunteers must be 18 or older. For volunteer information, call 423-397-9446.

Request help. Residents who need help at their property can call 423-397-9446.

Copperhill Flood Relief Fund. Donations support residents, small businesses and the city’s recovery, including cleanup, repairs, replacing damaged equipment and restoring city services.

• Online: copperhill.gov/donate
• In person: Copperhill City Hall, 160 Main St. or any People’s First Bank location and donate to the “2026 Flood Relief Fund”
• By mail: Make checks payable to City of Copperhill, write “Copperhill Flood Relief Fund” in the memo line, and mail to P.O. Box 640, Copperhill, TN 37317.

Stay Informed

Residents can sign up for Copperhill Flood Information Alerts to receive updates by text at copperhill.gov/flood-alerts.

The latest updates and details are also available at copperhill.gov.

The city asks residents to rely on official channels for information to help stop the spread of rumors and misinformation.

The road to recovery will be long, and many of our residents and small businesses are facing losses they can’t carry alone.

Donations to the Copperhill Flood Relief Fund help families and small businesses with cleanup and repairs, and help the city replace damaged equipment and restore the services everyone relies on.

100% of donations go directly to flood recovery in Copperhill.

WAYS TO GIVE

👉 Online: https://copperhill.gov/donate

🏛️ In person: Copperhill City Hall, 160 Main St., Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 4 PM

✉️ By mail: Make checks payable to City of Copperhill, write “Copperhill Flood Relief Fund” in the memo line, and mail to P.O. Box 640, Copperhill, TN 37317

⚠️ PROTECT YOURSELF FROM DONATION FRAUD

Scammers often take advantage of disasters. The three options above are the ONLY official ways to give to the Copperhill Flood Relief Fund.

• Be cautious of anyone who approaches you in person, calls, texts, emails, or messages you on social media asking for donations for Copperhill flood relief.
• Don’t give cash, gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment apps to anyone claiming to collect for the city.
• Look for the official address: copperhill.gov. Watch out for look-alike websites and pages.
• When in doubt, call City Hall at (423) 496-5141 to confirm before you give.

If you think you’ve been targeted by a scam, report it to local law enforcement and to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Every gift, big or small, helps a neighbor get back on their feet. Please SHARE this information so friends and family near and far can help too, and give safely.

Thank you for standing with Copperhill. We will rebuild together. 💙

Many Copperhill residents and business owners have asked when federal disaster assistance might become available. Right now, Tennessee is still in the local and state damage assessment phase. A federal declaration can only be requested after this assessment is complete, so there is no timeline for federal aid yet.

Damage assessments are underway

Polk County Emergency Management Agency is in the process of completing damage assessments throughout the affected areas. These assessments document the full extent of the flooding, and that documentation is what determines whether the state can request federal assistance.

What you can do right now

1. Contact the American Red Cross.

Connect with Red Cross representatives by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). The Red Cross and other nonprofits may be able to help with immediate needs such as shelter, food, supplies, and recovery resources. Your contact also helps emergency managers see where needs are greatest and where to send more support.

2. Document everything.

• Take photos and videos of all damage before you clean up or make repairs.
• Keep receipts for cleanup, repairs, supplies, and temporary housing.
• Contact your insurance company and file a claim as soon as possible.
• Hold on to damaged items until they’ve been photographed or inspected, if it’s safe to do so.

Where we are in the process

The graphic below shows the steps in the disaster declaration process:

1. Local and State Response and Assessment ← We are here
2. Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments
3. Governor’s request for a federal disaster declaration
4. FEMA regional review and recommendation
5. FEMA national review and recommendation
6. Presidential decision on a disaster declaration

TEMA, Polk County EMA, and nonprofit partners from across the region are continuing to document damage and coordinate support for affected communities. We will share updates as the process moves forward.

Whether you’re a resident or business owner who needs help with cleanup, or you’d like to volunteer, call our coordination line:

423-397-9446

We’ll connect volunteers with the homes and businesses that need a hand.

Volunteers must be 18 or older and check in at Copperhill City Hall, first floor (160 Main Street, Copperhill, TN 37317).

VOLUNTEERS
Want to help? Please check in at Copperhill City Hall before you start.

Volunteer hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
Volunteers must be 18 or older
Volunteer coordination: 423-397-9446

FREE RIDES
SETHRA is offering free rides. Call (423) 496-2644 to request.

SUPPLIES

Copperhill City Hall (9 AM – 6 PM)

• Non-perishable food and snacks
• Personal hygiene products
• Baby items
• Cleaning supplies and bleach
• Masks, gloves, and other PPE
• Paper products

Ocoee Church of Christ (Sunday, 2 PM – 8 PM, Monday, 8 AM – 8 PM)

• Cleaning supplies, bleach, brushes, and buckets
• Shovels and wheelbarrows
• Tarps and work gloves
• Food boxes and water
• Toothbrushes and household items
• Flashlights
• Infant supplies
• Clothes and gently used shoes

WATER

• Drinking water is available at Luttrell’s Hardware, 625 Ocoee St.
• Non-drinking water is still available at the yellow pool in front of Copperhill City Hall. Bring your own containers.
• COMING TOMORROW: Non-drinking water stations for personal use on W. Tennessee Ave. and Central Ave.
• ⚠️ The BOIL WATER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT.
• Please CONSERVE WATER and use only what you need.

RESTROOMS
Additional portable toilets are now on Central Ave. and W. Tennessee Ave. Hand-washing stations are coming Sunday.

STREET SWEEPING
Street sweepers will start at 9 AM Sunday to clear dust and debris. Please use caution and stay out of their way.

GRASSY CREEK CONVENIENCE CENTER
Open Sunday, 1 PM – 5 PM
Place BAGGED household items in the open-top containers only. All other items go in the other containers.

COPPERHILL FLOOD RELIEF FUND
Want to help Copperhill recover? Donations to the Copperhill Flood Relief Fund support residents, small businesses, and the city’s recovery, including cleanup, repairs, replacing damaged equipment, and restoring the services our community relies on.

Ways to give:

• Online: https://copperhill.gov/copperhill-flood-relief-fund/
• In person: Copperhill City Hall, 160 Main St.
• By mail: Make checks payable to City of Copperhill, with “Copperhill Flood Relief Fund” in the memo line, and mail to P.O. Box 640, Copperhill, TN 37317

Every gift, big or small, helps bring Copperhill back stronger.

STAY INFORMED
Sign up for the Copperhill Flood Information Alerts to get updates sent to your phone:
https://copperhill.gov/copperhill-flood-information-alerts/

Additional updates will be shared tomorrow.

Thank you for your patience, your hard work, and the way you keep showing up for each other. We will rebuild together. 💙

Things are changing quickly as Copperhill recovers. To make sure you never miss an important update, the City of Copperhill has partnered with Polk County Tennessee Alerts to create the Copperhill Flood Information Channel.

Sign up and get updates sent straight to your phone, including:

• Food, water, and supply distribution times and locations
• Debris pickup schedules
• Road closures and safety alerts
• Recovery resources and volunteer opportunities

SIGN UP HERE: https://copperhill.gov/copperhill-flood-information-alerts/

It only takes a minute!

Please SHARE and help a neighbor sign up, especially older residents or anyone who doesn’t use social media. 💙

Free Hot Meals

Hot meals are being served at two locations for residents, volunteers, and first responders:

• McCaysville City Park
• The Waterfront

Thank you to everyone feeding our community during this difficult time.