With a big winter storm forecast to bring freezing rain, sleet, and potential heavy ice accumulation across metro Atlanta, power outages are a real threat as ice weighs down trees and power lines.
Utility crews are mobilized and ready to respond, but restoration can take time—sometimes days—during widespread winter events.
How To Stay Safe and Warm If You Lose Power During an Ice Storm
If your lights go out during an ice storm, here’s a practical guide to stay safe, warm, and prepared. These tips draw from Georgia Power recommendations, Ready.gov, and local emergency guidelines.
Before or Right When Power Goes Out
- Report the outage immediately — Call Georgia Power at 888-891-0938 or report online at GeorgiaPower.com/Outage. Sign up for free Outage Alerts via text for personalized updates on your neighborhood.
- Stay informed — Use a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for weather updates from NOAA or local stations. Avoid unnecessary travel; ice makes roads extremely hazardous, and downed lines can be hidden under snow or ice.
- Turn off or unplug appliances — Switch off lights and unplug sensitive electronics to prevent damage from power surges when electricity returns. Leave one light on to signal when power is restored.
Staying Warm Safely
Heat is the top priority in freezing temperatures. Never take risks with carbon monoxide (CO)—an invisible, odorless killer.
- Do NOT use ovens, gas stoves, charcoal grills, or propane heaters indoors to heat your home. These produce deadly CO.
- Use generators correctly — Only operate portable generators outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and garages. Follow manufacturer instructions exactly, and never refuel while running or hot. Read up on the best generators to buy.
- Conserve body heat — Close off unused rooms and stuff towels under doors to block drafts. Cover windows with blankets, curtains, or shades at night (open during sunny days for passive solar warmth). Dress in layers, wear hats and socks, and gather in one central “warm room” with family members—shared body heat helps.
- Alternative heat sources — If you have a fireplace, use it only if properly vented with dry wood. Battery-powered or approved indoor-safe portable heaters can help, but never leave them unattended.
- Prevent frozen pipes — Let faucets drip slowly (both hot and cold) to keep water moving. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warmer air to circulate around pipes. Know your main water shut-off valve in case a pipe bursts. Or call a plumber.
Food and Water Safety
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. A full freezer can stay cold for 24–48 hours; a refrigerator about 4 hours.
- Use coolers with ice blocks if needed, and monitor food temperatures with a thermometer. Discard perishable food that reaches 40°F or higher for 2+ hours, or shows odd odor, color, or texture.
- Stock non-perishable food, bottled water, and manual can openers. Eat balanced meals to maintain body heat; drink warm (non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated) beverages.
Lighting and General Safety
- Use flashlights, battery lanterns, or headlamps instead of candles to reduce fire risk. Keep extra batteries handy.
- Install and test battery-backup CO detectors on every level of your home.
- Never touch downed power lines—assume they’re live, even if covered in ice. Stay far away, warn others, and call Georgia Power immediately.
- Check on neighbors, especially elderly residents or those with medical needs. If anyone relies on electric medical devices, have backup plans or head to a warming center if needed.
After Power Returns
- Wait a few minutes before plugging in appliances to avoid overloading circuits.
- Inspect food carefully—when in doubt, throw it out.
- Check pipes for leaks if temperatures dropped significantly.
Atlanta rarely sees major ice events, but when they hit, they can cause significant, long-lasting outages. Georgia Power prioritizes safety and won’t work in dangerous conditions, so patience is key while crews clear ice and restore lines.
For the latest updates, visit GeorgiaPower.com/Storm or follow local news. Stay safe, Atlanta—hunker down, stay warm, and look out for each other.
If conditions worsen or you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911. For non-emergency outage info, use Georgia Power channels.