How To Handle Power Outages During GA Storm

GEORGIA — As a winter storm dumps ice and snow on Georgia, here's how to prepare your home and family for power outages.

Georgia Power said its crews are prepared to safely and quickly respond to the latest severe weather threat.

At 5 p.m. Friday, the PowerOutage.US site said 10,624 utility customers were without power across Georgia, including in DeKalb, Fulton, and a few other metro Atlanta counties.

Related:

• Winter Storm Hits GA: 'Stay Off The Roads', Travel Problems
• Ground Stop Issued At Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport Due To Winter Storm
• How To Keep Your Pipes From Freezing As Cold Hits GA

Here are ways utility customers can track and report outages:

• Outage Alerts – Customers subscribed to free Georgia Power Outage Alert service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Check that your contact number is up to date to receive the latest information.
• Outage & Storm Center – Available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, customers can visit this site to check their contact information is updated to receive Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can also report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by calling 888-891-0938.
• Outage Map – Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power’s interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times.
• Georgia Power Mobile App – Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go.
• @GeorgiaPower on X (Twitter) – Follow @GeorgiaPower on X for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more.

Here's what residents can do to prepare for and cope with power outages:

Generators

If you are using a portable generator for backup power, be sure to use it properly.

Don't:

• Place a running generator inside your home or garage. Keep it at least 15 feet from any enclosed structure. The odorless carbon monoxide exhaust fumes are deadly.
• Store fuel in your home, or in your garage near potentially combustible appliances such as a furnace or water heater.
• Connect a generator directly to your home's electrical box. It can create a fire hazard, and might energize area power lines that utility workers assume are not "live."
• Run a generator in rain or damp conditions. If the electrical panel gets wet, it could cause electrical shock or damage the machine.
• Refuel a generator while it's running. Fuel spilled on a hot motor can spark an explosion or fire.

Do:

• Start and briefly run your machine a few times during the year to ensure it is ready when you need it.
• Make sure you have plenty of fresh fuel to power your generator. If the machine runs on gasoline, figure on up to 21 gallons a day if you want to operate it around the clock.
• Check the oil.
• Make sure the combined wattage of devices you plan to power does not exceed the generator's capacity.
• Use heavy-duty, properly grounded extension cords.
• Hire a qualified technician to install a transfer switch if you want to connect an emergency generator to your home's main electrical system.

Backup Batteries

• Have a portable battery charger or multiple portable battery chargers for your laptop, cell phone and other electronics. Make sure the portable battery is fully charged before power outages occur.