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Being prepared not only helps alleviate the anxiety caused by emergencies, it greatly increases the ability to overcome adversity. In Georgia, we face the threat of natural disasters year-round. Hurricane season alone runs June 1 through November 30. Hurricanes are often accompanied by high winds, heavy downpours, tornadoes and flooding. With the possibility of these incidents comes the possibility of power outages.

“At Georgia Power, we are ready for hurricane season. We prepare for severe weather all year long by making the grid stronger and more resilient. While no energy grid can be hurricane proof, we are committed to building a stronger and more resilient grid for our customers," said Storm Center Manager Ryan Poole. "When a storm hits our area as soon as it’s safe to do so, our restoration teams hit the ground to get the power back on for our customers, and we won’t stop until the last customer is restored.”

Before a storm hits, we closely monitor the forecast and mobilize extra crews in case they are needed. The Storm Center monitors changing conditions and is ready to respond to major storms 24/7.  Once the storm has passed and it is safe, skilled assessment teams survey damage, identify the cause of an outage and what’s needed to fix it.  After a storm, we won’t stop until all customers are back on.

However, weathering the storm starts well in advance. Georgia Power prepares all year long for natural disasters, including hurricanes. While no energy grid can be hurricane proof, the company is making smart investments to make the grid stronger and more resilient for customers. These investments include:

• Installing smart technology on power poles that helps prevent power outages, and when interruptions occur, they can help us to restore power faster; 
• Inspecting and improving power poles, lines and equipment, strengthening areas especially in coastal regions, and adding power line connections in neighborhoods;
• Upgrading, sometimes rebuilding, substations for safe and reliable power delivery to homes and businesses;
• Clearing brush and trimming tree limbs away from power lines, which also increases access for crews meaning faster restoration times if service is interrupted, and 
• Where it makes sense, we are relocating power lines underground.

Like Georgia Power is prepared, the company urges customers to be prepared too. We recommend having enough supplies to get you and your family through three days without electricity or running water. If you have kids and pets, don’t forget to prepare for them, as well.

First, create a family emergency plan and ensure everyone in your family is aware of the plan. It should include how you will communicate, a meeting place if your home is not an option, evacuation routes and shelter information, important phone numbers, storage and access to important documents and anything else that’s needed for your family. 

Next, build an emergency kit and keep it handy. The kit should include a battery-operated radio, first aid kit and medications, flashlight and extra batteries, non-perishable food including supplies for infants and pets, water (one gallon per person per day), a multi-purpose tool and personal hygiene items

Additionally, it is important to stay informed when the threat of an emergency is looming and throughout the incident. During severe weather and in blue skies, Georgia Power is committed to keeping customers informed through its personalized, free Outage Alerts, through the Georgia Power Mobile App and on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 

For more information, preparation guides and safety tips, please visit georgiapower.com/storm