Temperatures over the holiday weekend are expected to drop dangerously low. We’re expecting at least 48 – 72 hours of below freezing temperatures beginning Friday, December 23 and lasting through Monday, December 26. Even though we’re not expecting any rain or precipitation, we can expect sustained winds up to 20 mph and gusts up to 37 mph. The wind chill on Friday is predicted to be 3 degrees.

With these low temperatures, and even lower wind chill, there’s a high risk of frostbite and hyperthermia. The Emergency Management Agency (EMA) wants to remind everyone of important guidelines for dealing with cold weather, to keep yourself and your family safe.

“We’re going to have multiple days of freezing and below freezing temperatures and wind chills. We’re not used to it, so we need to make sure we’re prepared and ready,” says EMA Director Spencer Hawkins. “We’re working with our partners to ensure those experiencing homelessness or without heat have a place to get warm and stay safe.”

Avoid going outside unless necessary.

• Wear layers when going outside.

• Utilize scarves, hats, gloves, long sleeves, and other items to keep yourself covered from harsh winds.

• Limit children’s outdoor exposure as much as possible, but make sure they’re dressed very warmly and in layers if you must go somewhere.

These temperatures are NOT SAFE for your pets! 

• Bring your dogs, cats, and other pets inside.

• Limit your pets’ time outside on bathroom breaks.

• Ensure livestock and outdoor animals have shelter and appropriate warming items.

 Check your home. 

• Cover pipes to keep them from bursting.

• Leave faucets inside the house dripping.

• Turn outdoor spigots on (low) to keep water flowing to avoid freezing.

• Ensure your heating system in your home is safe and operational.

• Be cautious when using space heaters and make sure they’re at least three feet away from all furniture and materials. (More below from the Fire Department.)

Check your vehicle.  

• Freezing and below temps reduce tire pressure, so check your tires regularly to ensure proper inflation.

• Parts of North Georgia are expecting snow and ic

e, so be aware and drive carefully if you’re headed that way for the holidays.

• Keep an emergency kit in your car to be prepared for any situation. This should include extra blankets, hand warmers, water, and non-perishable food items. Click here for additional information for what should go in an emergency kit.

The Macon-Bibb Fire Department is also reminding everyone of the steps to take to stay warm safely.  “We see a lot of space heater fires this time of year, and many of these are preventable,” says Fire Educator Sergeant Jeremy Webb. “We want to make sure each home has a working smoke detector, so we’ll bring you one!”

• Your home should have a Working Smoke Alarm on every level of your home and in each bedroom if possible and a Fire Escape Plan. If your home is without a Working Smoke Alarm, the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department will install one in your home FREE of charge. Please call (478) 751-9180 (M-F) or go by your nearest fire station.

• Space heaters are designed to warm a small area and should have a 3-foot clearance from all combustibles (beds, curtains, chairs, sofas, etc.). They should be turned off when you leave home or go to bed.

• In the event of a power outage, use flashlights instead of candles. If you must use candles, please place them on a sturdy object away from children, pets, and combustibles.

• Do not use cooking equipment (stove top/oven) for warming your home. This could cause a buildup of odorless toxic fumes.

• Do not burn charcoal inside your home.

• Install carbon monoxide alarms in central locations, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home, including the basement.

• Your furnace and fireplace should be serviced annually to ensure that it is in proper working condition.

Warmth for those who need assistance

If you or someone you know is without heat, housing, or a safe place, call The United Way of Central Georgia‘s help line by dialing 211. They can connect people with resources and support.