Atlanta Winter Weather: What to do if you lose power

ATLANTA – Georgia residents are bracing for a winter storm expected to bring snow, sleet and freezing rain later this week. Forecasters warn of potential power outages that could disrupt daily life and compromise safety, prompting officials to urge residents to take precautions.

THE LATEST OF THIS WINTER STORM

While many homes in Georgia rely on natural gas for heating, a loss of power can still present significant challenges.

Preparing for potential power outages

To minimize the impact of power outages, residents are encouraged to take the following steps:

• Gather an emergency kit: Stock up on at least three days worth of non-perishable food, water, medicine, flashlights, batteries and a manual can opener. These essentials can make a significant difference if power restoration is delayed.

• Improve home insulation: Inspect homes for drafts and seal holes to retain heat. Insulating pipes can also prevent freezing and bursting, reducing the risk of water damage.

• Provide alternative heating: Prepare safe options such as fireplaces or wood-burning stoves. If they haven’t been cleaned or inspected recently, that should be a priority. Generators should be placed outdoors and away from windows to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Stay safe during power outages

If power outages occur, residents are advised to follow these safety precautions:

• Save on heat: Keep doors and windows closed to keep the heat inside. Layer clothes and use blankets to stay comfortable.

• Protect food: Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food. A full freezer can store items safely for up to 48 hours without power.

• Stay informed: Monitor weather updates through the FOX 5 Storm Team app and power restoration efforts through trusted sources. Georgia Power’s Outage & Storm Center and that Georgia EMC’s Outage Page provide information in real time.

• Seek warming shelter: In the event of prolonged outages, some communities may open heating shelters to ease the cold. FOX 5 will provide a list of them on the website as they come in, as well as the latest closures.

Officials stress the importance of preparedness as the storm approaches.

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MORE TIPS FOR PREPARING FOR WINTER WEATHER:

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