GEORGIA – Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency Thursday ahead of a winter storm that’s expected to impact the state starting Friday.
The state of emergency, effective immediately through Tuesday, Jan. 14, grants authorization for the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) to activate the State Operations Center (SOC) and mobilize any needed resources to address potential impacts.
Recommended Videos
RELATED | Schools cancel classes across parts of the U.S. South as another burst of winter storms move in
According to Kemp, the Georgia Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Safety began treating roads early Thursday to prepare for the approaching winter storm.
He also asked Georgians to help crews do their jobs by limiting travel as much as possible in the coming days.
“Hazardous conditions, including ice and snow, can develop quickly and make travel very dangerous. Plan ahead and stay tuned to updates from state and local officials to ensure you and your loved ones remain safe while our first responders continue to work tirelessly throughout this weather event,” Kemp said in a news release.
According to the governor’s office, the winter weather event will unfold across North and Central Georgia. The greatest impacts are expected along and north of the Interstate 20 Corridor, although snow and/or ice accumulations are possible as far south as Columbus and Macon.
The state of emergency order also prohibits price gouging; suspends hours-of-service limitations for commercial vehicle operators involved in response activities; and temporarily increases weight, height, and length limits for commercial vehicles transporting essential supplies.
MORE | Florida cold snap: How to protect pets, plants, pipes and people
Residents should check with their local officials for information about warming centers and comfort station locations. State parks with warming centers can be found here.
Here are more tips on winter weather preparedness:
- Use electric space heaters with automatic shut-off switches.
- Keep heat sources at least three feet away from furniture and drapes.
- Insulate your home and ensure doors and windows are sealed.
- Check and install a working carbon monoxide detector.
- Have backup heat sources like extra blankets, sleeping bags, or a wood-burning fireplace.
- Check your antifreeze, brakes, heater, tires, and wipers.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full.
- Carry an emergency-ready kit with items like a portable phone charger, ice scraper, extra blanket, sand for traction, and jumper cables.
- Use generators outdoors and at least 20 feet from doors, windows, or vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Allow pipes to drip or insulate them to prevent freezing.
- Keep pets indoors and check on elderly or disabled relatives and neighbors.
For more winter weather preparedness tips, visit gema.georgia.gov/winter.
Stay tuned for the latest updates from the News4JAX Weather Authority team and be sure to keep your weather alerts active. Do you have weather-related photos or videos to share? Head over to SnapJAX and let us see how you’re handling the cold!