How to survive a power outage
• Never touch any downed or low-hanging wire — it can kill.
• Don’t pull tree limbs off power lines yourself.
• Avoid areas with debris or downed trees. Dangerous power lines may be buried in wreckage.
• Don’t go near chain link fences. Dangerous lines may touch the metal.
• Avoid stepping in puddles. They may be electrified.
• Never connect portable generators to your household electrical wiring. Connect only essential appliances — freezers and refrigerators — directly to a generator.
• Never run a generator or use a kerosene heater or barbecue grill indoors.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. That way the refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours, the freezer for 24 hours or more. After that, use coolers.
• Wear layers, including a sweater, sweatshirt or jacket, plus gloves and a warm hat.
• Take a warm shower if you get chilled (even if it’s electric, your water heater will retain heat for a few hours).
Rely on flashlights rather than candles, which can pose a fire hazard.
• Check on elderly neighbors or those who may have medical conditions, especially if they rely on medical devices that use electricity.
• If your cell phone battery runs low, use your car charger to power it up.
• If you need to find warm shelter, try your local fire station; most counties and cities are operating them as warming centers.
IF YOUR ELECTRICITY GOES OUT …
Here’s who you can call:
Georgia Power Company
Residential
888-660-5890
Business
888-655-5888
Cobb EMC
770-429-2100 (press option 1)
Snapping Shoals EMC
770-786-3484 (press option 1)
Walton EMC
Sources: Georgia Power, Georgia Emergency Management Agency
About the Author
