How do you prepare to lose power during an ice storm in Georgia?

Arctic air is settling over the eastern United States this week, and with it comes freezing temperatures in North Georgia.

Forecasts show temperatures in the low 20s, but more importantly, a mix of rain and sleet is forecasted for the weekend.

Officials warn a buildup of ice on power lines and trees could cause power outages in the Atlanta metro area.

Here’s how to prepare to lose power with freezing temperatures outside.

How to prepare for a power outage

When ice blankets Atlanta, the city shuts down. That means it’s important to have a plan and supplies ready before the power cut outs.

According to the American Red Cross, here is what should be in your emergency preparedness kit:

• Coolers, either Styrofoam or reusable
• Ice, for packing food to keep it colder and safe to consume longer
• A digital food thermometer, to check food internal temperatures
• Water, at least one gallon per person, per day for two weeks. You can fill up bathtubs for non-drinking water
• Flashlights and batteries, and note that candles should not be used because of an extreme fire risk
• A battery-powered or hand-crank radio, when possible
• A first aid kit
• A seven-day supply of medications and medical items
• A cell phone and power banks
• Copies of personal documents, emergency contact numbers and extra cash
• A full tank of gas in the car

What to do during a power outage

If the power is out for less than 2 hours, perishable food should still be safe to consume. If the power is out for longer than 4 hours, food in the fridge should be thrown away and not eaten. Food is safe in an unopened freezer for up to 48 hours if the freezer is full, or 24 hours if the freezer is mostly empty, according to the Red Cross.

Here are some other things to do while the power is out:

• Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors shut as much as possible, go through food in the fridge first before the freezer. Eat your non-perishable food last
• If the power is going to be out for longer than a day, put some food into coolers with ice to prolong their safe consumption
• Keep your other food in dry, cool spots and keep it covered
• Turn off all unnecessary electrical equipment and unplug them
• Turn off and unplug any appliances that you were using at the time the power went out to avoid power surges when it kicks back on
• Leave one light on so that it will light when the power has returned
• Do not leave the house unless absolutely necessary. Traffic lights will also be out and driving conditions could be dangerous
• If using a portable generator, only attach equipment directly to the outlets on the generator, do not attached the generator to your home’s electrical system
• Review the generator’s safety instructions before use, and make sure you have carbon monoxide alarms
• Never use a generator, grill, camp stove, gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside the home, and keep them away from doors, windows and vents that let air inside

What to do when the power comes back on

When power has finally been restored, it’s important to not go near any electrical power lines. If you see any power lines still down, report them to officials in your area.

Red Cross officials say to never taste-test food to see if it survived the power outage. Instead, throw away any food that was above 40 degrees for more than 2 hours, or if it has an unusual odor, color or texture.

If the freezer has remained below 40 degrees, and there are still ice crystals inside the freezer, the food can be refrozen.

Appliances, lights, charging cords or other electrical items can be plugged back in once the power is back on.

To track where power outages have been reported and where they have been restored, follow the USA Today power outage tracker.

Irene Wright is the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.