Preparing for Winter Weather Conditions By Jim Cheatham Though February is usually associated with cold weather in Georgia, it could also bring warm weather and we could see both in the same week. However, its important to prepare for possible cold weather emergencies.Lets start with some definitions:A winter storm watch is issued by the National Weather Service when there is a potential for heavy snow or significant ice accumulations, usually at least 24 to 36 hours in advance.A winter storm warning is issued by the National Weather Service when a winter storm is producing, or is forecast to produce, heavy snow or significant ice accumulations.Georgians do not see many of these. However, they often confuse people as to what they mean. Georgians do see cold temperatures, and we do see moisture. As you know, when these two things combine, it can be a real mess.What can you do? Always have a plan to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Think about that. Can your family go 72 hours in the winter without power? Keep in mind that leaving the affected area and riding it out in a warmer climate is a plan. You must have a plan that you can successfully implement that works for your familys set of circumstances. Be prepared. Have you taken precautions to keep your water pipes from freezing? Is your car winter-weather ready? Do you have the appropriate clothing? What if you had to walk home? Remember layers. Do you have the necessary items in place to make your plan successful? Have you practiced your plan? That last question is very important. Its not a plan until it is a practiced plan.Stay weather aware. Georgians are lucky that it is rare for us to have a rapidly changing weather condition that we did not know was coming. Take advantage of all the information that comes from the National Weather Service and local news stations, and plan accordingly. What does Alpharetta Public Safety do?Alpharetta Public Safety (APS) is constantly monitoring the weather, and discussions and planning start early and often. APS utilizes an abundance of caution in making plans as well as in conveying warnings to the community. As previously stated, Georgians are not usually surprised by a winter weather front, but if you have lived here a few seasons, you have seen it rain on the east side of town and get inches of snow on the west side and vice versa. Depending on the forecast, APS dedicates resources to monitor conditions full-time and begins to send out real-time information. APS also shares information from other sources like Georgia Power and Georgia Department of Transportation, and makes preparations so that weather conditions have as little impact as possible on its community response.A little forethought and prevention can go a long way. Be safe, and stay weather aware.Useful linksOutageMap.GeorgiaPower.com/external/m.html511ga.orgReady.gov/winter-weather Weather.gov/wrn/winter_safetyCDC.gov/disasters/winter/duringstorm/outdoorsafety.htmlOsha.gov/dts/weather/winter_weather/hazards_precautions.html
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