Preparations are underway across Chatham County ahead of cold temperatures and potential snowfall

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Chatham County Emergency Management Agency is preparing residents for potential winter weather as cold temperatures roll in.

CEMA Director Dennis Jones is reminding people of the four P’s: people, pets, pipes and plants. Six warming centers will open across the county to provide shelter for people living without heat.

“People, pets, pipes and plants. This warming center is going to take care of the people and the pets so we want to make sure we are providing that level of service for those who need it,” Jones said.

Warming centers and transportation

The Greenbriar Children’s Center will operate as a warming center Saturday, opening at 7 a.m. and staying open until 7 p.m. The center will operate with those same hours on Sunday. CEMA has 75 cots prepared at Greenbriar, with room to expand if needed. Both people and pets are allowed.

This is one of six centers operating around Chatham County. Shuttle services will be available around Savannah to transport people to centers.

Chatham Area Transit is suspending all operations Saturday starting at 10 a.m.

Emergency preparedness

Jones encourages residents to prepare emergency kits for their homes in case of power outages.

“We encourage people to have an emergency kit year round. This is something that you can put into a Tupperware container, throw it in your closet, that way you have all the provisions of your family,” Jones said.

Emergency kit items include batteries, flashlights, canned food and board games to keep families occupied.

University preparations

Faculty and staff at Savannah State University prepared care packages for students. Students came to the dining hall to pick up brown bags with enough food to sustain them while dining halls are closed.

“I’m really happy that Savannah State University is helping with the care packages,” said Zell Wilson, a Savannah State University junior.

“This really shows how much they care for the student body for them to like move so hastefully and pull things together to make sure students are fed,” said Lepairea Harper, a Savannah State University senior.

Students are also anticipating potential snow on campus.

“Last time we had snow on campus it was very fun, it brought the whole campus together, so I’m glad to see that again if it happens,” said Ryan Dixon, a Savannah State University junior.