MACON, Ga. — As Central Georgia prepares for freezing temperatures Christmas weekend, the Macon-Bibb Emergency Management Agency is getting ready, too.
They have some safety tips for everyone, from travel to staying safe at home. Wednesday night might have been rainy, but it didn't stop Central Georgians from coming out in droves to see the downtown Macon Christmas light display. Some of the visitors say the incoming weather will impact their travel plans.
"I have no clothes for that type of weather," said Reagan Batten about her canceled trip to West Virginia. "Like, it's snowing!"
Canceled trips and an incoming polar plunge will definitely help things 'feel' like Christmas.
"I was going to go to Europe," said Yvonne Settles.
"We are not going to be here for the cold weather. We're going back to Florida," said one family from Panama City.
If you're traveling south of Macon for the holidays, Bibb EMA Director Spencer Hawkins says you should be OK. North of Macon, he warns, watch out for some black ice.
"Before you leave, make sure your tires are aired up properly. Make sure you have a full tank of gas," he advised. "Make sure that in case something does happen, you have a fully charged cell phone. Make sure you have some blankets in the car."
These are some of the coldest temperatures Central Georgia's seen in a few years, so the county is trying to get the word out.
"You want to be ready. There is a chance, a very small one, that we could lose power. So you want to make sure you have a plan for that," Hawkins said.
One suggestion: using a space heater. Hawkins says you need to make sure to use those safely.
"Keep a minimum of three feet away from any blankets or clothing or papers or anything like that," he explained. "Please, only use additional heating elements that are rated for indoor use."
Hawkins says to make sure your outside pipes are insulated to make sure they don't freeze over. He says make sure your pets and plants are inside to make sure they're safe too.
He says United Way has a system, 211, that helps direct people to safe places to stay. Hawkins says the elderly and the homeless community are some of the most susceptible to cold weather. He advises people to check on their neighbors.
If you do lose power, Hawkins says don't use candles to see in the dark. Instead, use flashlights or glow sticks. He says those usually last longer, and are much safer.