#United States #Atlanta #Georgia Power #Emergency Preparedness #Storm Safety

Georgia Power Encourages Emergency Preparedness

As the peak of hurricane season nears, Georgia Power is urging its 2.8 million customers to prioritize preparedness during September, recognized as National Preparedness Month. The utility company is collaborating with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency to promote essential safety measures for homes, businesses, and communities.

Even though the state has not yet faced a significant hurricane or tropical storm this season, it’s critical to initiate proactive measures. National Preparedness Month serves as a reminder that emergencies can occur at any time, and being prepared is key.

Georgia Power is dedicated to enhancing the resilience and reliability of its electric grid. Utilizing Smart Grid technology, the company has improved its ability to identify and resolve outages efficiently, which is particularly vital during severe weather events. In 2025, the company's Grid Investment Program projected to enhance reliability for over 535,000 customers. This effort was pivotal in preventing more than 108 million minutes of customer outage time last year, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining service continuity.

Key Suggestions for Customers

Georgia Power encourages individuals to undertake the following actions to ensure they are well-prepared in the event of an emergency:

1. Build an Emergency Kit: Assemble sufficient supplies to sustain your household for multiple days. This kit should include essentials such as food, water, medications, and items tailored to the unique needs of all family members, including pets. Creating a grab-and-go kit with critical items can facilitate quick evacuations when necessary.

2. Create an Emergency Plan: Developing a comprehensive emergency plan is vital. Discuss with your family about communication methods, meeting locations, and evacuation steps prior to an emergency. This proactive planning can alleviate stress, conserve time, and minimize expenditures during crises.

3. Understand Your Risks: Familiarize yourself with the hazards most likely to affect your region. Knowledge of possible emergencies can empower individuals to take informed decisions regarding safety measures for themselves, their families, and their properties. To assist, Georgia Power provides thorough resources on their Storm Center webpage.

Staying Informed During Emergencies

In the event of emergencies such as hurricanes or severe thunderstorms, it’s paramount to stay informed. Georgia Power offers several resources to aid customers:

• - Outage Alerts: Customers can subscribe to free notifications about outages via text messages. Make sure your contact information is updated to receive timely updates.
• - Outage Storm Center: Accessible at GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, this site allows customers to verify their contact information for alerts, report outages, and access safety guidelines.
• - Outage Map: The interactive map on the Outage Storm Center provides near real-time details about outages statewide, alongside restoration time estimates.
• - Georgia Power Mobile App: Available for both Apple and Android devices, this app delivers storm and outage information on the move.
• - Social Media: Stay connected with updates and safety tips through Georgia Power’s social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Safety Considerations for Customers

During emergency situations, observing safety rules is crucial:

• - Be mindful of Georgia Power crews operating state-wide. If driving, adhere to the law by moving over one lane for stopped utility vehicles.
• - Never approach downed power lines. If encountered, call 911 or Georgia Power immediately.
• - If using portable generators, strictly follow all safety guidelines and be cautious about electrical hazards.

Conclusion

Georgia Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, stands committed to delivering clean, safe, and reliable energy to its customers. In light of its foremost mission during times of potential crisis, the emphasis placed on emergency preparedness reflects its dedication to client safety and service continuity. As National Preparedness Month unfolds, Georgia Power invites all to take the necessary steps to ensure readiness against unforeseen emergencies.