Preparing For Irma

While the Fourth District is a long way from the Georgia coast, the possibility of Hurricane Irma affecting us has grown. Although Irma will likely be a tropical depression or storm by the time it reaches Atlanta, we may see strong winds, heavy rain, downed trees and power outages. Below are some helpful links to keep you and your family safe.

BEFORE THE STORM: Stay aware and check the weather forecast before heading outdoors. Turn off air conditioners as power surges can overload them and charge cell phones in case you lose power. For FEMA’s Hurricane Center, click HERE.

DURING THE STORM: Take safe shelter inside a sturdy building away from windows and doors. Avoid contact with conductors of electricity -- appliances, metal objects and water. For FEMA storm tips, click HERE.

AFTER THE STORM: Never touch any downed or low-hanging wires, including telephone or TV wires that touch a power line. Never pull tree limbs off of power lines yourself or enter areas with debris or downed trees as downed power lines may be buried in wreckage. For Georgia Power’s Outage & Storm Center, click HERE.

Download the Ready Georgia App HERE | Download the FEMA app HERE | Weather Channel, click HERE

TROPICAL STORM KEY POINTS:

• A Tropical Storm Watch is issued when tropical cyclone containing winds of at least 39 MPH or higher poses a possible threat, generally within 48 hours.

• A Tropical Storm Warning is issued when sustained winds of 39 MPH or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less. 

• 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 Twitter – Follow @GeorgiaPower on Twitter for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more.

• Emergency Plan and Kit – Visit the Georgia Power hurricane resource page for information on how to build a family emergency plan and emergency supply kit.

STORM CHECKLIST:

Loved Ones:

Have a contingency plan in place for patients who have a medical necessity for electricity. This can include backup power, extra supplies or an alternate location until the outage is over.

Light:

Secure flashlights, battery-powered lanterns and extra batteries. Avoid light sources that require a flame or fire.

Water:

Stock up on drinking water. If you’re on a community water system, listen for advisories to boil water in case water treatment plants are affected.

Power:

Buy an external power pack or car charger for your cell phone and an extra battery for your laptop. A power inverter allows you to run your laptop from your car’s cigarette lighter.

Food:

Nonperishable foods that don't need cooking are ideal, like canned fruit, powdered milk, peanut butter, trail mix, bread and crackers. Don't forget a manual can opener.

Information:

Get a portable radio with extra batteries for local information.

Medical:

Have adequate supplies of prescription drugs and a first aid kit on hand.

Money:

Try to have some cash on hand.