Community Corner

GA Power Outages Could Last For Days: How To Cope

Georgia residents could be left in the dark up to five days due to a fierce winter storm and widespread power outages, authorities said.

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Amanda Lumpkin and Deb Belt, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
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Power outages could last for several days due to an alarming winter storm that could be headed Georgia's way this weekend.

The storm is expected to skate through the Peach State by Saturday, leaving heavy ice in its wake. Other possible hazards include snow, sleet and — primarily — freezing rain.

Gwinnett, Forsyth, Cherokee and North Fulton counties could see ice accumulations of two-tenths of an inch, possibly 0.4 inches. In these counties, a National Weather Service meteorologist told Patch power outages could last up to three days.

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Areas near the mountains could potentially see three-quarters of an inch of ice during a "major, high-impact event," she said. It may take up to five days to restore power in the mountains.

This is because sitting ice may make it difficult for power crews to tend to utility lines. They also may not be able to travel on icy roads.

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Staying warm and saving refrigerated food may be a feat for Georgia residents this weekend.

Patch has compiled these tips:

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 and Storm Center – Georgia Power 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 and 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. PowerOutage.US tracks power outages across Georgia no matter the electricity service.
  • 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.

How To Handle Food During Power Outages

FoodSafety.gov states a full freezer to remain at a safe temperature for about 48 hours; this dwindles to 24 hours for half-full freezers. This, of course, is if the freezer door stays closed.

If food is at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, or has ice crystals, it can safely be refrozen though "its quality may suffer," officials say.

However, meat, poultry fish, eggs and leftovers should be thrown away after 4 hours of refrigeration with no power. This is as long as the door is not frequently opened.

"After a power outage never taste food to determine its safety. You will have to evaluate each item separately. ... When in doubt, throw it out," officials said.

(See a full food safety chart provided by FoodSafety.gov).

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