Now is the time to make a plan for cold weather, utility companies say

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Some of the coldest winds are forecasted to breeze through the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry in the next week.

Utility companies said that now is the time to come up with a plan. WTOC spoke with the experts who shared how to stay warm, and keep costs low.

Utility executives said the best thing you can do right now is prepare an emergency kit with items like a portable radio, flashlight, batteries, water, and non perishable goods. Experts also suggested setting your thermostat to 68 degrees, and if you need to adjust it, do so just one degree at a time.

“If you move that thermostat up just one degree at a time until the home achieves that temperature, you’re going to avoid turning on your auxiliary heat unnecessarily,” said Paul Fischer, spokesperson for Dominion Energy.

Experts also said the sun is a great natural way to keep your home warm.

“If you open your windows in the morning when the sun comes up, let that sun heat your house naturally inside. And that can really cut down on your HVAC cost”, said Joshua Peacock, Georgia Power representative.

If you use a space heater, make sure that you’re aware of anything around it.

“Make sure that it’s away from any fabrics, furniture, drapes,” said Peacock. “Make sure that it’s in a safe and secure area that it keeps it also from being knocked or toppled over. That could increase the risk of fire.”

Utility officials warned residents not to wait for the lights to go out and keep a stocked emergency kit, charged devices, and saved numbers of local electricians now.

A reminder - if power is lost and a backup generator is used, be sure to only use them outside and as directed.

Important cold weather safety tips for Georgia Power

Georgia Power shared the following important safety tips for preparing for cold weather:

• Take time now to develop a plan for your family, and connect with friends and family who may need additional support during a storm if they lose power. Build or update your emergency kit with essential supplies. Learn more here.
• Take care if using a portable generator. Follow all manufacturers’ instructions, avoid using generators in enclosed spaces and be mindful of electrical safety. Click here for more safety tips.
• Watch for Georgia Power crews working across the state as the storm moves through. If you must be on the roads, be cognizant of ice and other hazardous conditions and please move over one lane for utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road – it’s the law in Georgia.
• Never touch any downed or low-hanging wire. Warn those going out to play in snow or clear debris to watch for and avoid downed wires.
• Never pull tree limbs off of power lines yourself or enter areas with heavy snow, debris or downed trees as downed power lines may be concealed. Customers should call 911 or Georgia Power immediately if they see a fallen or low-hanging power line.

Georgia Power urges customers to prioritize safety during severe winter weather and provides the following tools to stay connected and informed.

• Outage Alerts – Customers subscribed to our free Georgia Power Outage Alert service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Check that your contact number is up to date to receive the latest information.
• Outage & Storm Center – Available at GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, customers can visit this site to check their contact information is updated to receive Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can also report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.
• Outage Map – Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power’s interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times.
• Georgia Power Mobile App – Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go.