Preparation and Lighting Safety
Before severe weather strikes, households should unplug major appliances to protect them from potential power surges when electricity is restored. Residents are also advised to fully charge cellphones and other essential communication devices while power remains available. When the lights go out, safety guidelines recommend using flashlights or battery-powered lanterns instead of candles to significantly reduce the risk of accidental fires during an emergency.
Electrical Hazards and Downed Wires
During an outage, residents must strictly avoid contact with electrical conductors, including household appliances, metal objects, and standing water that could be energized. Furthermore, officials warn never to touch any downed or low-hanging wires, including telephone or television cables that may be dangerously in contact with power lines. Property owners should never attempt to clear tree limbs from power lines themselves or walk through debris fields where fallen wires might be hidden from view. Anyone who encounters a fallen or low-hanging line is urged to immediately call 911 or Georgia Power.