Georgia Power says it's ready for Tuesday's snow and ice, but are you?

ATLANTA - Snow and ice could mix with brutal cold, potentially toppling trees and power lines.

Snow and ice along with the brutal cold are in store for North Georgia on Tuesday. 

Georgia Power gears up for winter storm

What we know:

Utilities and road crews are keeping a close eye on the threat of inclement conditions.

What they're saying:

Georgia Power says it is closely watching the weather, keeping its teams on alert in case the electricity goes out.

"It’s looking like there’s going to be snow and potential ice so we’re just getting our crews ready to respond to be able to get to those affected areas as quickly as possible," said Alicia Brown, a Georgia Power spokesperson. "With snow and icy weather, that tends to cause some of the tree limbs to freeze and become heavier, which could cause them to break off and sometimes take down power lines, so that is a possibility. "We have our bucket trucks to be able to repair any lines that our down. We have our self-healing grid that can help reroute power to certain areas before crews get there."

What if the power goes out?

Dig deeper:

While many homes in Georgia rely on natural gas for heating, a loss of power can still pose significant challenges.

To minimize the impact of power outages, residents are encouraged to take the following steps:

• Assemble an emergency kit: Stock up on at least three days’ worth of non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and a manual can opener. These essentials can make a significant difference if power restoration is delayed.

• Improve home insulation: Inspect homes for drafts and seal gaps to retain heat. Insulating pipes can also prevent freezing and bursting, reducing the risk of water damage.

• Ensure alternative heating: Prepare safe options like fireplaces or wood stoves. If they have not been cleaned or inspected recently, that should be a priority. Generators should be placed outdoors and away from windows to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Staying safe during power outages

What you can do:

If power outages occur, residents are advised to follow these safety precautions:

• Conserve heat: Keep doors and windows closed to maintain warmth indoors. Layer clothing and use blankets to stay comfortable.

• Protect food: Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food. A full freezer can keep items safe for up to 48 hours without power.

• Stay informed: Monitor weather updates through the FOX 5 Storm Team app and power restoration efforts through reliable sources. Georgia Power’s Outage & Storm Center and the Georgia EMCs Outage page provide real-time information.

• Seek warming shelters: In the event of prolonged outages, some communities may open warming shelters to provide relief from the cold. FOX 5 will provide a list of those on the website as they come in as well as the latest closures.

Officials stress the importance of preparedness as the storm approaches.