Georgia Power is monitoring Hurricane Michael, provides storm tips

Listen as Catherine Howden talks about how GEMA is preparing to respond to Hurricane Michael. (video by John Spink. Edited by William Thweatt)

Georgia Power is monitoring Hurricane Michael and adjusting its response plans as the storm progresses, but no power outages have been reported so far, said Ashley West, a spokesperson for the company.

West said Georgia Power leaders are meeting to plan their response to the storm, and are following up with reports from the National Weather Service and other agencies, including the state's Emergency Management Agency.

Ahead of the storm, Georgia Power is encouraging people to charge their cell phones and turn off air conditioners, to avoid power surges that overload them. After the storm passes through, people should avoid touching downed wires, or those that are hanging close to the ground — including TV and telephone lines that touch power lines. And they should avoid pulling tree limbs off power lines. Downed trees may also obscure power lines that have fallen.

Outage alerts and maps are available online at www.georgiapower.com/storm. Power outages can also be reported by calling 1-888-891-0938.