How To Handle Freezing Temperatures? Atlanta Officials, Weather Service Have This Advice

Weather officials say they are expecting record breaking low temperatures stemming from an arctic mass on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Forecasters say the wind chill early Tuesday is expected to drop to 5 degrees or less in the eight-county region that includes the cities of Blairsville, Ellijay, Jasper, Dawsonville and Dahlonega.

So how should Georgians handle the freezing temperatures?

Mayor Kasim Reed says in a statement that residents should remember "the four P's": people, pipes, plants and pets.

Reed says residents should disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and keep at least one indoor faucet on and dripping slowly.

Space heaters should be kept a safe distance from flammable materials, including furniture and drapes. Residents also should check on elderly neighbors or those who may have other needs to be sure they're prepared for cold weather.

Adam Baker of the National Weather Service in Peachtree City told GPB’s Ellen Reinhardt that people should cover their outdoor spickets.

“It just couldn’t hurt to do that,” said Baker. “You’ve got a large chunk of time of below freezing there. It’s definitely a good idea to cover those exposed outdoor pipes.”

On whether these early extreme temperatures are an indicator of what kind of winter the state will experience, Baker says that is difficult to know.

“Compared to normal, the three month period for this winter is supposed to be below normal temperatures and above normal precipitation,” he noted. “Going that far out we really can’t pinpoint much more than that. But I’m sure people aren’t really excited to hear that part.”

Contributors: Ellen Reinhardt

Tags: mayor kasim reed, freezing temperatures, cold weather, how to handle cold weather in georgia, cold weather coping tips, freezing tempartures, record cold