Tips on driving, surviving under icy conditions

IF YOU HAVE SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN …

It’s likely they are out of school today.

Atlanta, Cobb, Fulton, DeKalb and Clayton schools have closed. Gwinnett, the state’s largest school district, will open today. So will Henry schools.

IF YOU HAVE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BUSINESS …

It may have to wait. As of late Monday, Fulton County had decided to close its operations, meaning government offices and court is closed. Others were mulling the decision. It is best to call to be sure your local government office is open today.

IF YOU'RE DRIVING …

The roads could be treacherous, especially Wednesday. Consider the following advice:

• Slow down. The posted speed limit is for driving on dry pavement. Stopping on any slick surface takes a longer distance. Keep three seconds or more between you and the vehicle in front of you.
• Be gentle. Pretend there is an egg between your foot and the accelerator. This is the best way to maintain traction and avoid skids. Apply brakes gentler and allow yourself more time to stop.
• Control that skid. If your rear wheels skid, simply steer where you want to go. If the front wheels skid, steer straight until you regain control. Take your foot off the gas in either case.
• Be prepared. Winterize your safety kit and make sure you have it in the trunk of your car. The kit should include a flashlight, first-aid kit, water, blanket, wool cap, gloves, ice scraper, non perishable food and cat litter or sand to provide some traction on ice.

IF YOU ARE FLYING …

Be sure to call ahead. Consider the following:

• If you're planning on flying out of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, be sure to check on your flight status before you head out.
• In addition to checking the airline websites for flight status, you can log on to www.fly.faa.gov for real-time information on airport conditions.
• Delta's Twitter account (@DeltaAssist) allows travelers to ask for help while they are traveling and get a quick response. The airline's website (www.delta.com) also has resources for travelers.
• Southwest Airlines recommends its travelers check www.southwest.com for all updates.

IF YOU ARE TAKING PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION …

The availability of public transportation in bad weather can be unpredictable. While ice can really disrupt bus and train schedules, service is still possible. The best way to check if your bus or train is running as scheduled is access the corresponding website or call the transportation authority. Here are a few numbers where you can get up-to-the-minute information:

Cobb Community Transit

770-427-4444, www.cobbcounty.org

Gwinnett County Transit

770-822-5010 (press option 2), www.gwinnettcounty.com/portal/gwinnett/Departments/Transportation/GwinnettCountyTransit

MARTA

404-848-5000, www.itsmarta.com

Xpress

404-463-4782 (press option 1), www.xpressga.com

IF YOU HAVE A PET …

• Pet owners should take special precautions with their animals during freezing temperatures, which will roll in on Wednesday. It's best to keep all pets indoors. If not:
• Dogs that live outdoors should have a doghouse that's elevated a few inches and has cedar shavings, straw or a blanket to trap body heat.
• Some animals can safely remain outside longer in the winter than others. Long-haired breeds like huskies will do better in cold weather than short-haired breeds like dachshunds. Your pet's health also will affect how long the pet can stay out. Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and hormonal imbalances can compromise a pet's ability to regulate body heat.
• Consider dog sweaters during walks. 

IF YOU HAVE OUTDOOR PLANTS …

If you haven’t already taken steps to protect your plants, here a few ways to care for them during the cold weather:

• Bring your smaller container plants, especially succulents, indoors. Mulch or cover outdoor plants with straw, blankets or cardboard.
• To prevent heat loss from sides of containers, push together large outdoor pots and wrap the bases with plastic, burlap or a blanket.
• Rosemary topiaries or potted citrus plants or roses should be moved close to the wall of your house for warmth. Cover plants such as camellias with an old sheet or, for plants taller than 3 feet, black plastic.
• Be sure to turn off automatic sprinklers, detach hoses from faucets and wrap the faucets to protect outdoor pipes.
• Don't worry if plant leaves wilt; they protect themselves against cold by dehydrating themselves. Given time, most will perk back up.
• If you see damage from frost (black or purple flaccid leaves or stems), particularly on woody perennials, wait until the spring to prune so as to not shear off healthy tissue.

IF YOUR ELECTRICITY GOES OUT …

Here’s who you can call:

Georgia Power Company

Residential: 888-660-5890

Business: 888-655-5888

Cobb EMC