Keep these things in mind as you prepare:

• To serve you more quickly during a power outage, North Georgia EMC needs the correct phone number for your home address. Please check your bill, and make sure we have your correct phone number. If the phone number listed is incorrect, please contact NGEMC. You can update your phone number through our Online Member Service Center.
• Stay informed about the weather in your area. Click here for local weather reports www.weather.com. If you're warned about approaching violent storms that could cause power outages, turn the temperature in your refrigerator and freezer to the lowest setting, to provide maximum chilling before the power goes out.
• NOAA Weather radios are both AC and battery operated and feature an alarm to alert you when a storm is approaching. Always keep your NOAA radio in a location where every family member can find it and locate it in the event of a storm. Be sure to have extra batteries in case the storm is a lengthy one.
• If your freezer's not filled with food, fill jugs with water and place them in it to freeze. This will help food stay frozen longer during an outage and will also help your freezer run more efficiently.
• Make sure you have flashlights, fresh batteries, and a battery-operated radio handy, and fill containers and your bathtub with water.
• In case phone service is still available, make sure you have a corded phone, which does not rely on electricity for use.
• If you or a family member requires life-support equipment such as a respirator, have a backup source of power ready. Keep your backup generator in good condition and test it periodically. Use proper safety precautions when installing and using generators. 

Before a severe storm arrives, meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team.

Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case. Pick two places to meet: Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire; or, outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home. Everyone should know the address and phone number.

Ask an out-of-state friend to be your "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone should know your contact's phone number. Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to take care of your pets.

(Source: American Red Cross)

Know the difference between tornado watches and warnings so you can be prepared to take shelter. 

Tornado Watch:

This means that tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms and listen to your local radio/television stations for more information regarding the upcoming storm.

Tornado Warning:

This means a tornado has been spotted in the area or indicated in the area by storm radar. Take shelter immediately - relocate to your basement or in an interior hallway on the first floor of your home.

• Avoid downed power lines. When you venture outside after a storm, check the area for downed power lines. If you see one, contact NGEMC immediately at any of its four offices. Don't go near or drive over a downed power line. Always assume a downed power line is energized. 
• Check your breakers if your power goes out. Test your own electrical equipment before calling NGEMC to report an outage. Circuit breakers may be located inside or outside your home. They are housed in a gray utility box. Always push the breaker to the "off" position first, then to the "on" position. In addition, remember to take all safety precautions when operating your breakers. Look around for loose or sparkling wires; place an open hand near - but not touching - the panel to sense for heat. If any of these conditions exist or if you have a concern, contact an electrician before taking any action.
• Report power outages by online by logging into your account/clicking on Report an Outage; through the My NGEMC Mobile App; or by calling any NGEMC office. 
• Never use candles for lighting. Avoid using candles during power outages - the risk of fire is too great. If you must light a candle for light, place them on a stable surface away from combustible materials, and keep a close eye on children. .Never leave a candle burning when leaving the room or when going to bed.

If you or a family member requires life-support equipment such as a respirator, be sure to have a backup source of power ready if the power does go out.

In the event of a prolonged power outage, keep these tips in mind if you have a patient with a medical need:

• Keep your backup generator in good condition and test it periodically. Never run the generator in an enclosed area like a garage or carport where potential lethal carbon monoxide fumes could build up. 
• Assemble extra medical supplies.
• Keep medical prescriptions filled and up-to-date.
• Make arrangements for transportation and an alternate location, both nearby and a little farther away.
• More safety tips and information from the FDA.