This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Winter Isn't Always a Wonderland – Prepare for Frigid Weather

Although the winter season doesn’t officially start until late December, that hasn’t stopped Mother Nature from serving up an early taste, recently blanketing Georgia with frosty temperatures and freeze warnings. And as holiday shoppers prepare for the winter festivities, experts warn the chilly days ahead could bring potential dangers, including hazardous road conditions and power outages.

To encourage Georgians to prepare for severe weather before it hits, the National Weather Service and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security (GEMA) have proclaimed Dec. 2-6 as Winter Weather Awareness Week.

“Although snow and ice aren’t as commonly associated with Georgia as other parts of the country, even small amounts here can cause significant problems,” said Charley English, director of GEMA/Homeland Security. “Winter Weather Awareness Week isn’t just a time to learn about extreme weather. It’s a time to take action, such as creating a family communications plan and shopping for cold weather emergency supplies.”

Find out what's happening in Midtownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

To help residents prepare, plan and stay informed about winter, GEMA’s Ready Georgia campaign – the state’s resource on disaster preparation – offers these safety tips: 

  1. When the weather outside may become frigid, make sure to stay weather-aware and listen to the latest alerts concerning winter weather.
  2. Don’t be a Grinch when it comes to purchasing and compiling the appropriate emergency supplies. Create a Ready kit that includes warm clothes and blankets, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water and flashlights with extra batteries in case of a power outage. Also include items that support the unique needs of different family members, such as medications, children’s toys and pet food.
  3. Heading to grandmother’s house for the holidays? Fully winterize your vehicle first. Have a mechanic check antifreeze levels, brakes, heater and defroster, tires, windshield wipers and more to ensure they are in good shape. Don’t forget to pack some food items that contain protein, such as nuts and energy bars, along with jumper cables, ice scraper and sand or pet litter to create traction if you get stuck.
  4. Avoid unnecessary travel during winter weather, but if you must go dashing through the snow, drive your sleigh safely. Always keep your gas tank at least half full to keep the fuel line from freezing. Let someone know your destination, route and when you expect to arrive.
  5.  Regardless of the chill, never use a stove or oven to heat your house: Prepare safe alternative sources of heat. Even a gas or oil furnace needs electricity to operate, so if you have a fireplace or wood stove as an alternative heat source, be sure you have enough wood. Also, never bring portable generators, camp stoves or grills into the home; they should be kept outside and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and vents.
  6. Playing outside during winter can be fun, but bundle up accordingly and know the symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia. If you suspect you have either one, get medical attention immediately.
  7. Looking for a good holiday gift? How about the gift of preparedness? Buy loved ones a NOAA weather radio or other key emergency supplies to keep them safe.
  8. Don’t wait until New Year’s to make resolutions. Make emergency preparedness a priority and take action now to be prepared to prevent and respond to any family emergency in 2014.

For more information on preparing for winter weather and other disasters, contact your local EMA or visit www.ready.ga.gov or www.gema.ga.gov. For preparedness on the go, download Ready Georgia’s free mobile app.

Find out what's happening in Midtownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

About Ready Georgia

Ready Georgia is a statewide campaign designed to educate and empower Georgians to prepare for and respond to natural disasters, pandemic outbreaks, potential terrorist attacks and other large-scale emergencies. The campaign is a project of GEMA and provides a local dimension to Ready America, a broader national campaign. Ready Georgia aims to prepare citizens for maintaining self-sufficiency for at least 72 hours following an emergency, and uses an interactive website, free mobile app, broadcast and print advertising and public awareness media messaging to reach its audiences. Ready Georgia is also on Facebook and YouTube.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Midtown