Rabun County 9 1 1 issued a statement Friday urging preparation for approaching winter storm.
"Please make preparations for this weekend's upcoming winter weather event," according to the statement.
Rabun 9 1 1 advises:
-Have enough medications and perishable food for five days
-If you have medical problems that require constant power, make alternative plans.
-Have a working flashlight, extra batteries and a weather radio.
-Make a list of utilities phone numbers in case your power goes out.
"Do not call 9 1 1 to report your power is out or to check road conditions. Stay off the road unless it is an extreme emergency. Never go around down power lines or drive under them; always assume they are energized. Stay safe," according to the statement.
Ahead of Winter Storm System, Gov. Kemp Declares State of Emergency
Governor Brian P. Kemp declared a state of emergency Friday in preparation for the impacts of a winter storm system that could affect areas of Georgia north of Interstate 20.
Georgia Power offers resources and safety tips to help customers prepare for predicted winter weather
As winter weather, including freezing rain, wind and snow, is predicted to move across Georgia this holiday weekend, Georgia Power is prepared to respond to outages safely and as quickly as weather conditions allow. The company is continuously monitoring changing weather and storm teams are ready to respond to customer outages caused by the winter weather.
Georgia Power reminds customers to be prepared. It’s important to know the risks associated with winter weather. Resources on GeorgiaPower.com/WinterPrep can help customers stay prepared. Video tips include information on building an emergency kit, staying connected, official watches vs. warnings and more.
Staying informed is critical during severe weather and Georgia Power is committed to connecting with customers before, during and after severe weather.
Georgia Power urges customers to prepare for expected high winds, freezing rain and snow from Winter Storm Izzy this weekend
As North and Central Georgia brace for the arrival of winter weather over the next 36 hours, Georgia Power is monitoring the changing weather conditions and is ready to respond to any service interruptions safely and as quickly as possible. Customers are encouraged to visit GeorgiaPower.com/WinterPrep for useful information on a variety of winter weather topics, including understanding Watches vs. Warnings, Staying Connected, Electrical Safety, Winter Road Ready and more.
Georgia Power reminds customers to keep safety first during severe winter weather and offers the following tips and tools to stay connected and informed:
-Build an emergency kit. Having a well-stocked emergency kit is important when severe weather could impact your electrical service. Watch this video to view items to consider adding to your kit to keep your family prepared. Another video gives tips for keeping foods cold in your refrigerator and freezer when power is out.
-Pay attention to alerts and advisories. Stay off the roads as much as possible before, during and after winter weather and wait until GDOT provides an “all clear” to travel. Dial 511 from your mobile phone to access GDOT’s Travel Information System.
-Stay safe – stay away from downed power lines. Severe winter weather can cause trees and power lines to fall on cars and roadways. If you see a downed power line, call 911 or Georgia Power immediately and, if you are trapped in your car by a downed power line, do not try to exit the vehicle before first responders arrive.
-Watch for utility crews and GDOT vehicles working on the roads. Utility linemen are included in Georgia’s “Move-Over Law,” which requires drivers to move over one lane when utility crews are working on the roadside.
Tools You Can Use to Prepare for Severe Weather:
-Outage & Storm Center – Available at www.georgiapower.com/storm, customers can visit this site to sign up for Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.
-Outage Alerts – Subscribe to the free Georgia Power Outage Alert service to receive personalized notifications and updates via text message.
-Outage Map – Housed within the Outage & 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.
-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.
As the winter weather passes through the area and information becomes available, the company will communicate updates. Georgia Power is ready to work around the clock in case of power outages, and urges customers to stay safe, including watching for and avoiding downed power lines after the storm.