As we deal with lower temperatures this winter season, we want to remind you to be prepared if snow and ice ever appears in our community. Make sure you have your disaster kit ready with extra water, flashlights, batteries, non-perishable foods, and other items.

Make sure you have a plan! Talk with your family and friends. Try to avoid being out in the cold, icy weather, but if you are, make sure your car’s tire pressure is good.

Space heaters and fireplaces can be very convenient this time of year, but you must be careful and avoid having space heaters in tight spaces, where they can cause a fire.

“it’s extremely important you get your fireplace inspected annually,” said Macon-Bibb County Emergency Management Director Spencer Hawkins. “Call your local chimney sweep to come out and see it. It can be really dangerous if you’re using it and it’s damaged.”

For weather updates, check out the Emergency Management Facebook page, and sign up to get MBC Alerts at maconbibb.us/EMA.