Fri Jan 10 08:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Georgia Urges Residents to Prepare for Potential Widespread Power Outages During Winter Storm
**Atlanta, GA** – With a major winter storm expected to bring snow, sleet, and freezing rain to Georgia later this week, state officials are urging residents to prepare for potential power outages. Georgia Power is leading the charge, offering preparedness tips to minimize disruption and ensure safety.
Forecasters predict widespread power disruptions, posing a significant challenge even for homes heated by natural gas. To mitigate the impact, Georgia Power recommends assembling an emergency kit with at least three days’ worth of food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and a manual can opener. Homeowners are also advised to improve home insulation by sealing drafts and insulating pipes to prevent freezing. Safe alternative heating sources, such as fireplaces or wood stoves (following proper safety inspections and cleaning), and generators (placed outdoors away from windows) should be prepared.
In the event of power outages, residents are urged to conserve heat by keeping doors and windows closed, layer clothing, and use blankets. Food should be kept in refrigerators and freezers to preserve it as long as possible. Residents should monitor weather updates through the FOX 5 Storm Team app and power restoration efforts via Georgia Power’s Outage & Storm Center and the Georgia EMCs Outage page. Warming shelters may open in communities experiencing prolonged outages; a list of these will be available on the FOX 5 website.
Officials stress the importance of proactive preparation as the storm approaches. The advice comes from a collaboration between Georgia Power, GEMA, FEMA, and FOX 5 Atlanta.
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