Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper is urging Georgians to prepare as extremely cold weather moves into parts of the state, with a potential winter storm expected to bring ice and snow beginning Friday night and lasting through the weekend. Harper says it is critical for pet and livestock owners to take precautions now to keep animals safe and warm, and he also warns that prolonged power outages at agricultural and food production facilities can lead to economic losses and serious food safety concerns.

For pet owners, Harper recommends regularly checking and cleaning dogs’ paws to prevent ice and snow buildup that can cause discomfort or injury. Pets’ paws should also be wiped after outdoor walks to remove antifreeze, salt, and other de-icing chemicals. Because cold tolerance varies by age, health, weight, and coat type, owners are encouraged to monitor pets closely and limit time outdoors based on each animal’s needs. Providing multiple warm sleeping areas indoors or under shelter can help pets regulate their comfort. For those setting up shelters for stray or feral cats, the commissioner recommends using straw for insulation, noting that blankets can absorb moisture and may freeze, increasing the risk of hypothermia.

Livestock owners are also urged to ensure animals have access to appropriate shelter that stays dry, using straw or similar bedding, since moisture greatly increases the risk of cold stress. Harper advises staging abundant feed, hay, and fresh, unfrozen water, and checking water sources daily to ensure they have not frozen. Windbreaks can help reduce exposure, but they should be sturdy enough to withstand strong winds. Because storms can last multiple days and may cause blocked roads or power outages, producers are encouraged to plan ahead, stage feed close to animals, and ensure generators are operational.

Harper also highlighted food safety concerns tied to extended power outages at food processing plants, retailers, manufacturers, and storage facilities. Consumers are reminded that an unopened refrigerator can keep food cold for up to four hours, while a freezer can keep food at safe temperatures for roughly 48 hours.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Response and Food Safety Team is prepared to coordinate with state agencies and private industry to restore power to critical agricultural facilities as quickly as possible. The department will serve as the state’s ESF-11 lead when the State Operations Center comes online Saturday morning, coordinating agricultural response efforts statewide. In addition, GDA Law Enforcement and Emergency Management staff will be deployed alongside Georgia Forestry Commission chainsaw crews to help cut and clear roadways as needed.