Stay informed with the latest city alerts, including unexpected closures, inclement weather updates, service disruptions, and other time-sensitive notices. This page is updated as new information becomes available. For planned closures and observed holidays, please visit our Closures & Holidays schedule.
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Copperhill Flood Recovery Update – November 12, 2026
Governor Lee and State Leaders Visit Copperhill; Ocoee Street/Hwy 68 Reopens
Governor Bill Lee and state officials visited Copperhill on Thursday to meet with residents and business owners affected by the flood and see recovery efforts firsthand.Ocoee Street/Hwy 68 has reopened, while the Steel Bridge remains closed. There will be a community gathering Friday at noon at the Church of Christ with flood information and crisis health support.
Governor Lee and State Leaders Tour Flood-Affected Areas
Governor Bill Lee and state leaders toured flood-affected areas of Copperhill on Thursday, meeting with residents and business owners alongside the local officials who have been leading the response since the flood.
Visiting officials included:
- Governor Bill Lee
- Speaker Cameron Sexton
- Lieutenant Governor-elect Jack Johnson
- State Representative Dan Howell
- State Senator Tom Hatcher
- Lane Gutridge, Field Representative for U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn
- Kyle Smith, Field Representative for U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty
- Commissioner Patrick Sheehan, Tennessee Emergency Management Authority
They were joined by Copperhill Mayor Greg Barker and Polk County Executive Stan Howard, who have worked alongside city crews, first responders and volunteers since the first day of the flood.
The City of Copperhill thanks Governor Lee and each of these leaders for taking the time to see the damage firsthand, listen to residents and business owners, and support our community’s recovery. Their continued partnership, along with the work of our local partners, will be vital as Copperhill rebuilds.
Community Gathering Friday
Residents and businesses are invited to a community gathering Friday, Nov. 13, at noon at the Church of Christ, 661 Ocoee Street. Attendees can get the latest flood recovery information and connect with crisis health support. Lunch will be provided.
Roads and Traffic
Ocoee Street/Hwy 68 is now open. The Steel Bridge remains closed.
Please use caution as you travel through the city. Crews, volunteers and residents are working along the roads. We have a long road ahead as we rebuild, and we wish to keep everyone safe.
Health and Safety
Keep bleach out of drains. The sewer plant uses bacteria to break down and treat wastewater. Right now the plant does not have the bacteria it needs to work properly, and bleach that goes down the drain kills the bacteria it is trying to rebuild. Residents and businesses are asked to:
- Use only as much bleach as you need, and mix small batches.
- Do not pour bleach or bleach-water into sinks, toilets, tubs or floor drains.
- Do not dump or rinse bleach-water into storm drains, gutters or the street.
Mental health support. A Tennessee mental health strike team is in Copperhill, checking in with residents around town and connecting them with resources. Crisis health support will also be available at Friday’s community gathering.
Water. Residents are asked to continue conserving water.
- Drinking water: Available at Luttrell’s Hardware, 625 Ocoee St., and at Copperhill City Hall.
- Non-drinking water: Available at Central Ave. and on W. Tennessee Ave. Please bring your own containers.
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 so any leaks can be shut off right away.
Electricity. Residents should contact Tri-State EMC for guidance on getting their power turned back on. The city cannot advise on electrical service.
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.
The POD continues to offer non-perishable food, personal hygiene products, baby items, cleaning supplies and bleach, protective equipment, paper products, pet food, blankets and tarps. Residents who cannot get to City Hall can call 423-397-9446 to ask about having supplies brought to them.
Clothing is available at Staffordtown Fellowship Hall and the Copper Basin Crisis Center.
Showers and laundry.
- Copperhill City Hall: shower trailers are available out front (behind the laundry trailer)
- Tennessee: Copper Basin Medical Center, 144 Medical Center Dr., Copperhill, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- A laundry trailer with both washers and dryers is available in front of Copperhill City Hall
Restrooms and hand-washing stations. Portable toilets and wash stations are at Copperhill City Hall, on Central Ave. and W. Tennessee Ave., and 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 and sign a waiver 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.
Donations needed. The most-needed items right now are:
- Storage totes
- Fans and dehumidifiers
- Squeegees
- Personal heaters
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.
- 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.
The latest updates and details are also available at copperhill.gov.
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Copperhill Flood Recovery Update – November 11, 2026
FEMA Completes Preliminary Damage Assessments; Residents and Businesses Asked to Keep Bleach Out of Drains
FEMA has completed preliminary damage assessments in Copperhill. The city asks residents and businesses to be patient, as each step in the process takes time.
Residents and businesses are also asked to keep bleach out of sinks, toilets and storm drains. The city’s sewer plant relies on bacteria to treat wastewater, and it does not currently have the bacteria it needs to work properly. Bleach going down the drain kills those bacteria and keeps the plant from recovering. Tetanus shots return Thursday, and a Tennessee mental health strike team is now in Copperhill. Supplies, showers, restrooms, free rides and volunteer help remain available as cleanup continues.
What Happens Next With FEMA
Federal disaster assistance follows several steps, and the full process can take time:
- Disaster event occurs.
- Local and state response/assessment. City, county and state officials responded and assessed initial damage.
- Joint preliminary damage assessments. Local, state and federal teams, including FEMA and TEMA, documented damage to homes, businesses and public infrastructure. [WE ARE HERE]
- Governor’s request. The Governor reviews the results and decides whether to request a federal major disaster declaration.
- FEMA regional recommendation. The FEMA Region 4 office reviews the Governor’s request and makes a recommendation.
- FEMA national recommendation. FEMA headquarters reviews the request and sends its recommendation to the White House.
- White House review. The President reviews the request and approves or denies it.
- Major disaster declaration. If approved, the declaration lists which counties are covered and what types of assistance are available, such as help for individuals and households or for public infrastructure.
Applying for help. The city will announce when and how to apply if the disaster declaration is approved.
What residents can do now:
- Take photos and video of all damage before and during cleanup.
- Keep receipts for repairs, supplies, lodging and other flood-related costs.
- Contact your insurance company and file any claims.
- Watch for scams. FEMA staff carry official identification and never charge to apply for assistance.
Health and Safety
Keep bleach out of drains. The sewer plant uses bacteria to break down and treat wastewater. Right now the plant does not have the bacteria it needs to work properly, and bleach that goes down the drain kills the bacteria it is trying to rebuild. Residents and businesses are asked to:
- Use only as much bleach as you need, and mix small batches.
- Do not pour bleach or bleach-water into sinks, toilets, tubs or floor drains.
- Do not dump or rinse bleach-water into storm drains, gutters or the street.
Tetanus shots Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The health department returns to Copperhill City Hall Thursday while supplies last. Anyone who has been in floodwaters or is helping with cleanup is encouraged to get one.
Mental health support. A Tennessee mental health strike team is now in Copperhill, checking in with residents around town and connecting them with resources.
Water. Residents are asked to continue conserving water.
- Drinking water: Available at Luttrell’s Hardware, 625 Ocoee St., and at Copperhill City Hall.
- Non-drinking water: Available at Central Ave. and on W. Tennessee Ave. Please bring your own containers.
Roads and Traffic
Street cleaning Thursday. A street sweeper will clean W. Tennessee Ave. and Central Ave. again Thursday. Please keep vehicles off those streets so crews can work.
Traffic pattern. The current downtown traffic pattern will stay in place through Friday afternoon for safety.
Road closures. Central Ave and Grande Ave are closed. Hwy 68 is closed from Grassy Creek Road to the Georgia line.
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 so any leaks can be shut off right away.
Electricity. Residents should contact Tri-State EMC for guidance on getting their power turned back on. The city cannot advise on electrical service.
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.
The POD continues to offer non-perishable food, personal hygiene products, baby items, cleaning supplies and bleach, protective equipment, paper products, pet food, blankets and tarps. Residents who cannot get to City Hall can call 423-397-9446 to ask about having supplies brought to them.
Clothing is available at Staffordtown Fellowship Hall and the Copper Basin Crisis Center.
Hot meals. Hot meals will be available at Copperhill City Hall on Thursday. The Salvation Army is serving lunch from its truck by Central Ave.
Showers and laundry.
- Copperhill City Hall: shower trailers are available out front.
- Tennessee: Copper Basin Medical Center, 144 Medical Center Dr., Copperhill, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- A laundry trailer is in front of Copperhill City Hall ready for anyone that wants to use it.
Restrooms and hand-washing stations. Portable toilets and wash stations are at Copperhill City Hall, on Central Ave. and W. Tennessee Ave., and at Dollar General.
Free rides. SETHRA is offering free rides. Call (423) 496-2644 to request one.
Help for workers and businesses. The city and Southeast Tennessee Development District are working on resources for workers who lost jobs and for affected small businesses. Details will be shared as they are confirmed.
American Red Cross. Residents who still need assistance can call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
How to Help or Request Volunteer Help
Volunteers. About 90 volunteers logged 500 hours of cleanup work Wednesday. Volunteers must check in at Copperhill City Hall and sign a waiver 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.
- 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.
The latest updates and details are also available at copperhill.gov.
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Copperhill Flood Recovery Update – November 10, 2026
FEMA teams conducted damage assessments in Copperhill on Tuesday and will finish any remaining assessments Wednesday, working alongside city, county, and state partners.
Tetanus shots will not be offered Wednesday and return Thursday. Mental health support staff arrive in Copperhill Wednesday. Supplies, showers, restrooms, free rides and volunteer help remain available as cleanup continues.
Health and Safety
Tetanus shots return Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. No shots will be given Wednesday. The health department gave 48 shots Tuesday and will return to Copperhill City Hall Thursday while supplies last. Anyone who has been in floodwaters or is helping with cleanup is encouraged to get one.
Mental health support. Mental health staff arrive Wednesday and will check in with residents around town and connect them with resources.
Water. Residents are asked to continue conserving water.
- 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.
Roads and Traffic
Street cleaning Wednesday morning. A street sweeper from the City of Athens will clean downtown streets early Wednesday. Please keep vehicles and debris off the streets so crews can work.
Road closures. The current downtown traffic pattern and closures will stay in place at least through Friday afternoon for safety. Hwy 68 is closed from Grassy Creek Road to the Georgia line. We will update if that changes.
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 so any leaks can be shut off right away.
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.
The POD continues to offer non-perishable food, personal hygiene products, baby items, cleaning supplies and bleach, protective equipment, paper products, pet food, blankets and tarps. Residents who cannot get to City Hall can call 423-397-9446 to ask about having supplies brought to them.
Clothing is available at Staffordtown Fellowship Hall and the Copper Basin Crisis Center.
Hot meals. Hot meals will be available at Copperhill City Hall.
Showers and laundry.
- Copperhill City Hall: shower trailers are now available out front.
- Tennessee: Copper Basin Medical Center, 144 Medical Center Dr., Copperhill, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- A laundry trailer is expected downtown later this week.
Restrooms and hand-washing stations. Portable toilets and wash stations are at Copperhill City Hall, on Central Ave. and W. Tennessee Ave., and at Dollar General.
Free rides. SETHRA is offering free rides. Call (423) 496-2644 to request one.
Help for workers and businesses. The city and Southeast Tennessee Development District are working on resources for workers who lost jobs and for affected small businesses. Details will be shared as they are confirmed.
American Red Cross. Residents who still need assistance can call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
How to Help or Request Volunteer Help
Volunteers. About 78 volunteers logged 382 hours of cleanup work Tuesday. Volunteers must check in at Copperhill City Hall and sign a waiver 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.
Donations needed. The most-needed items right now are:
- Storage totes
- Fans and dehumidifiers
- Gluten-free food
- Squeegees
- Personal heaters
- Tarps
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.
- 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.
The latest updates and details are also available at copperhill.gov.
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PUBLIC NOTICE: No Burning in the City of Copperhill
Burning is NOT allowed within Copperhill city limits. This includes flood debris, trash and brush.
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Flood Damage Assessment Update
Tennessee will be conducting preliminary damage assessments with FEMA, Tuesday, November 10, 2026 and Wednesday, November 11, 2026. These are preliminary assessments only, NOT detailed inspections or final determinations of damage or disaster assistance.
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Tetanus Shots Available at Copperhill City Hall
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Copperhill Flood Recovery Update – November 9, 2026
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.
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Tetanus Shot Update
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.
