From Thursday January 9th to Tuesday January 14th, Georgia will remain under a state of emergency in light of the expected winter storm. The Department of Transportation and The Department of Public Safety began treating the roads Thursday morning in preparation and will continue to do so. Governor Brian Kemp has asked motorists to aid in the safety effort by avoiding travel where possible. Kemp has also asked, that if drivers do venture out during this time, to give the DOT workers plenty of space as they salt and brine the roads.
The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) has been authorized to activate the State Operations Center (SOC) which will coordinate emergency responses among federal and local agencies. The state of emergency will also prevent stores from price gouging.
The storm is expected to begin around 7 a.m Friday and continue through until Saturday morning. Two to four inches of snow and freezing rain are forecasted along with below freezing temperatures. Governor Kemp has reiterated the need to stay weather aware for the duration of the winter storm warning.
In addition to regularly checking in with local weather reports, residents can also prepare in the following ways. –
Carry an emergency ready kit with items like a portable phone charger, ice scraper, extra blanket, sand for traction, and jumper cables.
- Use electric space heaters with automatic shut-off switches.
- Keep heat sources at least three feet away from furniture and drapes.
- Insulate your home and ensure doors and windows are sealed.
- Check and install a working carbon monoxide detector.
- Have backup heat sources like extra blankets, sleeping bags, or a wood-burning fireplace. - Check your antifreeze, brakes, heater, tires, and wipers.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full.
- Use generators outdoors and at least 20 feet from doors, windows, or vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Allow pipes to drip or insulate them to prevent freezing. - Keep pets indoors and check on elderly or disabled relatives and neighbors
For more winter weather preparedness tips, visit gema.georgia.gov/winter.
GEMA/HS will provide ongoing updates regarding winter weather conditions via its website (gema.georgia.gov) and social media accounts.