Winter Storm Prep for Your Home This Weekend – Georgia Edition

by Natasha Johnson

Hi there,

Winter weather is heading our way this weekend, and in Georgia that can mean icy roads, downed trees, and power outages. A little planning now can save a whole lot of headache later (and keep you from panic-buying 37 loaves of bread 😄).

Officials are urging residents—especially in metro and North Georgia—to be ready to shelter in place for up to 72 hours due to potential ice and power-line damage. Here's your practical prep checklist:

Prep Now (Next 24–48 Hours)

Charge everything: phones, power banks, laptops, rechargeable flashlights, and lanterns. Enroll in outage alerts through the Georgia Power app or your EMC's outage map.
Stock up smart: 3 days of ready-to-eat food, bottled water, manual can opener, pet food, baby supplies, and any critical medication refills.
Light & communication: multiple flashlights/headlamps, spare batteries, and at least one battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio.
Heat backups: extra blankets, sleeping bags, coats, hats, gloves, and warm socks for everyone.
Vehicle ready: at least half a tank of gas, ice scraper, blanket, jumper cables, portable phone charger, and snacks in case you get stuck away from home.

Protect Your Home (The Big Ones)

Prevent frozen pipes: Cover outdoor faucets and disconnect/store garden hoses. Insulate exposed pipes (garage, crawl space, under sinks) with foam sleeves or towels + tape. Let faucets drip slightly—especially on exterior walls—if temps drop hard overnight. Open sink cabinet doors to let warm air reach plumbing.
Thermostat: Set to a consistent temp (don't "turn it down to save" if it risks frozen pipes).
Know your shutoffs: Locate your main water shutoff now—don't wait until you're ankle-deep in regret.
Seal drafts: Use towels/blankets at the base of exterior doors and around leaky windows.
Garage doors: Know how to use the manual release on your electric garage door in case power goes out while your car is inside.
Outside safety: Gently clear snow/ice around exterior vents, meters, and gas equipment with a broom. Bring in/secure outdoor décor, trash bins, and patio items. Park in a spot safe from falling branches.

Heating & Safety

Replace your HVAC filter if it's overdue.
Test smoke & carbon monoxide detectors (especially if you'll use fireplaces/heaters)—put in fresh batteries now.
If using a space heater: keep it 3 feet from anything and never leave it unattended. Only use models designed for indoor use.
Fireplace users: open the damper and keep flammables away.
Never use a gas oven, stove, or grill (charcoal or gas) to heat your home—serious fire and carbon monoxide risk.

If the Power Goes Out: Staying Warm

Pick one "warm room": Choose an interior room, close doors to the rest of the house, and have everyone stay there to concentrate body heat. Hang blankets over windows and unused doorways.
Dress in layers: Base layer (tight/thermal), mid-layer (sweater/hoodie), outer layer (coat), plus hats, gloves, and heavy socks. Keep kids and older adults extra bundled.
Warm the person, not the house: Sit together under shared blankets or in sleeping bags—body heat from multiple people makes a big difference. Light exercise (walking in place) every so often helps circulation.
Generator safety: Always run portable generators outdoors, away from doors/windows/vents—never in garages or enclosed spaces due to carbon monoxide.

If Temperatures Drop Below Freezing

Know what to do if a pipe freezes: turn off water, keep taps open, and warm the area slowly (no open flames).

Stay Informed

Monitor local TV/radio, NOAA weather radio, and county alerts for changing forecasts and road closures.
Check Georgia Power or your EMC's outage map for estimated restoration times.
Avoid driving if possible. If you must go out, drive slowly and skip cruise control.

Want a personalized plan? If you reply with what heat sources you have (all-electric heat pump vs. gas furnace, fireplace, generator, etc.), I can outline a tailored "power-outage warm room" strategy just for your home.

Also, if you want my 30-second frozen-pipe emergency steps you can save on your phone, just reply with "Got it" and I'll send them over.

Stay warm and safe this weekend,

GET MORE INFORMATION

+1(404) 863-2083

natashajohnson@epique.me

Atlanta, Atlanta, USA