Hurricane Irma: Get Ready For Widespread Georgia Power Outages

ATLANTA, GA — For the first time in its history, Atlanta is under a tropical storm warning as monster storm Hurricane Irma heads north through Florida and then into Georgia. The warning is in place to urge Georgians to prepare for high winds, downed trees and widespread power outages, according to the National Weather Service. Throughout Monday and into Tuesday morning, much of Georgia, including the Atlanta area, will be buffeted by 30 to 40 mph winds with gusts of 55 mph and rain.

Because Georgia is fairly soggy after a wet summer and spring, weather forecasters say it won't take much more rain or wind to topple trees, bringing down power lines and sparking power outages. Most Atlanta area schools are closed on Monday to keep kids off the streets. And there are things you should do now to make sure you ride the storm out safely.

Georgia Power customers can report an outage by calling 1-888-891-0938 or by filling out an online form.(SIGN UP: Get Patch's Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.)

The Georgia Power website has three Outage Tools:
1. Report an Outage (and check the status of an outage)

2. Set Outage Alerts (to sign up for personalized notifications via phone, text and email)

3. View an Outage Map

SEE ALSO: Atlanta Under Tropical Storm Warning, Prepare Now

• Hurricane Irma: Atlanta Schools Roll Out Schedules
• Hurricane Irma: Cobb, Marietta Schools Make Decisions On Classes
• Hurricane Irma: DeKalb, Decatur Schools Roll Out Schedules
• Hurricane Irma: Paulding County Schools Announce Schedule
• Hurricane Irma: Douglas County Schools Announce Schedule
• Hurricane Irma: Gwinnett County Schools Announce Schedule
• Hurricane Irma: Forsyth County Schools Make Decision On Classes

For more local updates like the Atlanta Patch Facebook page:

What To Do If Your Power Goes Out

The utility also has tips for how to cope when power lines come down. Good preparation makes storms more bearable; follow a storm's progress by monitoring a weather radio. Prepare for a possible power outage. Make sure you:

• Cook with a camp stove, fireplace or can of Sterno (cooking fuel). Never use charcoal or other fuels in unventilated areas.
• If you use an electric generator, plug appliances directly into it. Never plug a generator directly into your home's electrical wiring.
• Disconnect or turn off appliances you were using when the power went off. Leave one light on to tell you when service is restored.
• Avoid opening refrigerators or freezers. Food will stay frozen in a fully loaded freezer for 36 to 48 hours if the door is closed. In a half-full freezer, food will keep 24 hours.

Be Prepared Before Storm Hits

Make sure you:

• Stock up on non-perishable foods, heating fuel and medications.
• Fill your bathtub and spare containers with water in case your electric water pump or the local water system goes out.
• Have a flashlight, a battery-powered radio and fresh batteries handy.
• Prepare older family members, friends or neighbors who live alone for the weather.
• Keep these items on hand:
  • A manual can opener
  • Matches
  • A battery-operated or wind-up clock
  • Non-perishable food (canned and dried food)
  • Fuses
  • Sterno
• Keep a first-aid kit in your home and one in your car. Don’t forget to include: Scissors, tweezers, safety pins, aspirin, eyewash, and rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide
• Keep one gallon of bottled water available for each person in the household for each anticipated day without electric service.
• If your home is served by well water, fill a bathtub with water for sanitation use.
• Essentials for your last-minute shopping trip include fresh fruits and vegetables, breads and juices that don’t require refrigeration. Focus on non-perishables.

Preparation Tips from Ready.gov:

• Make a habit of keeping mobile phones and other portable devices charged.
• If you have access to an outside generator, have an electric cord long enough to keep the generator at least 20 feet from any door, window, or vent.
• NEVER use generators, outdoor heating or cooking equipment, such as a grill, camp stove, or a gasoline or propane heater, indoors.

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