Georgia Power, Georgia DOT encourage drivers to be winter road ready in new video

ATLANTA, Nov. 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Winter weather is coming, and Georgia Power encourages customers to prepare during Georgia's Winter Weather Preparedness Week the week of November 27. New this year, the company has introduced a video created in partnership with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) highlighting simple guidance and preparedness tips to help Georgians be "winter road ready."  The new video is part of a larger series of Georgia Power videos available at GeorgiaPower.com/WinterPrep featuring useful information on various winter weather topics including Watches vs. Warnings, Staying Connected, Electrical Safety and more.

Tips highlighted in the new video include: 

• Stay safe around downed power lines. Severe winter weather can cause trees and power lines to fall on cars and roadways. If you see a downed power line, call 911 or Georgia Power immediately and, if you are trapped in your car by a downed power line, do not try to exit the vehicle before first responders arrive.
• Watch for crews working on the roads, including Georgia Power and GDOT vehicles. Utility linemen are included in Georgia's "Move Over Law," which requires drivers to move over one lane when utility crews are working on the roadside.   
• Pay attention to alerts and advisories. Stay off the roads as much as possible before, during and after winter weather and wait until GDOT provides an "all clear" to travel. Dial 511 from your mobile phone to access GDOT's Travel Information System.

In addition to the Winter Weather Preparedness Week video series at GeorgiaPower.com/WinterPrep, the company's online Outage & Storm Center features safety and preparation tips, as well as tools and resources to help customers stay connected and informed before, during and after severe weather. The Outage & Storm Center also houses Outage Maps and an interactive Outage Map which provides near real-time information on where outages are occurring across the state, as well as estimated restoration times. Customers can also connect with Georgia Power on Facebook and Twitter for helpful information every day, and restoration updates during severe weather.

Winter Weather Preparedness Week is an annual statewide campaign spearheaded by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and supported by multiple companies and organizations, including Georgia Power. To learn more, visit http://www.gema.ga.gov.

Additional Resources from the Georgia Department of Transportation
Before getting on the road during winter weather Georgia DOT urges motorists to call 511 for updated information on roadway conditions. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, including closures and reports of icing or other hazardous conditions on interstates and state routes. Callers can transfer to operators to request complimentary vehicle assistance on interstate highways across Georgia from the Highway Emergency Response Operators (HERO) and the Coordinated Highway Assistance & Maintenance (CHAMP) programs - 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 511 for vehicle assistance or to report an issue. Visit www.511ga.org. For information about Georgia DOT, visit www.dot.ga.gov. Follow Georgia DOT on Facebook (www.facebook.com/GeorgiaDOT) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/gadeptoftrans).

About Georgia Power 
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.5 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is consistently recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

SOURCE Georgia Power