Prepare now for forecasted low temps

With the possibility of forecasted single digit temperatures and high wind gusts from Friday morning into Saturday, please start preparing now.  Here are some helpful tips from the Georgia Emergency Management website.  For more info, please visit www.gema.georgia.gov

Before Winter Weather

• A storm can occur when family members are in different places, so develop a family communications plan.
• Make a Ready kit for at least three days of self-sufficiency.
• Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify winter weather.
• Keep space heater safety in mind: Use electric space heaters with automatic shut-off switches and non-glowing elements. Remember to keep all heat sources at least three feet away from furniture and drapes.
• Prepare your home:
  • Make sure your home is well insulated and that you have weather stripping around your doors and window sills to keep the warm air inside.
  • Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector.
  • If you have a wood burning fireplace, consider storing wood to keep you warm if winter weather knocks out your heat. Also, make sure you have your chimney cleaned and inspected every year.
  • Have at least one of the following heat sources in case the power goes out:
    • Extra blankets, sleeping bags and warm winter coats
    • Fireplace or wood-burning stove with plenty of dry firewood, or a gas log fireplace
    • Kerosene heater, with proper ventilation.
• Prepare your vehicle:
  • Fully winterize your vehicle: Have a mechanic check antifreeze, brakes, heater and defroster, tires, and windshield wipers to ensure they are in good shape. Keep your gas tank at least half full.
  • Keep an extra Ready kit in the trunk of your car. In addition to the basic essentials, consider adding a portable cell phone charger, ice scraper, extra blanket, sand for traction and jumper cables.
• Make sure you have a cell phone with an emergency charging option (car, solar, hand crank, etc.) in case of a power failure.
• People who depend on electricity to operate medical equipment should have alternate arrangements in place in case power is out for an extended period of time.
• Plan to check on elderly/disabled relatives and neighbors.
• Plan to bring pets inside.
• Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage door opener is located and how to operate it in case you lose power.
• Fill a gallon container with water and place them in the freezer to help keep food cold.