As Winter Storm Fern brings subfreezing temperatures to the state this weekend, as well as the potential for significant snow and ice, Georgia Power is encouraging customers to take steps now to prepare and stay safe and warm. The company is preparing as well, with crews across the state engaged and ready to safely and quickly respond to potential damage from the storm and restore service for customers.

Whether exploring new ways to save energy or preparing for severe weather and potential power outages, resources available on GeorgiaPower.com and the company’s social media channels include useful tips for weathering Winter Storm Fern. Important safety tips include:  

• 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.

• @GeorgiaPower on X (Twitter) – Follow @GeorgiaPower on X for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more.

Georgia Power works every day to help customers save money and energy, and keep energy rates low for customers. Extended sub-freezing temperatures can lead to increased energy use and the company encourages customers to consider taking steps today to minimize the impact of severe cold weather on their bills. Simple tips that can have a big impact on energy use are available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Save.