Gwinnett County Resident Emergency Plan: What to Do When Bad Weather Hits - The place Gwinnett residents trust to explain what’s happening

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Bad weather in Gwinnett County can escalate quickly. Heavy rain, strong winds, ice, extreme cold, and power outages are not unusual—and when they happen, panic spreads fast. The good news? You don’t need to panic if you have a Gwinnett County emergency plan in place.

This guide is written specifically for Gwinnett County residents. It explains what to do before, during, and after severe weather, what to have on hand if electricity, gas, or heat goes out, and how to use Gwinnett County emergency resources when you need help.

Why Gwinnett County Residents Need a Weather Emergency Plan

Gwinnett County is one of the largest and fastest-growing counties in Georgia. With dense neighborhoods, busy roads, and mixed housing types—from apartments to large subdivisions—emergencies can impact thousands of residents at once.

During severe weather in Gwinnett County:

Power outages can last hours or days
Roads may flood or become unsafe
Warming or cooling centers may open
Emergency services may be stretched thin

Your goal is to be prepared enough to stay safe at home unless officials tell you to leave.

Step 1: Prepare Before Severe Weather Hits Gwinnett County

Preparation is the most important part of any Gwinnett County emergency plan.

Create a Household Emergency Plan

Every Gwinnett County household should know:

Where to shelter during storms
How to communicate if phones or internet go down
Who checks on children, seniors, or neighbors
How to safely exit the home if evacuation is needed

Write it down and keep it visible.

Stay Connected to Gwinnett County Emergency Alerts

Gwinnett County provides emergency updates through:

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your phone
Local news stations serving Gwinnett County
County emergency announcements during storms

Charge phones, tablets, and power banks before weather worsens.

Step 2: What to Do During Severe Weather in Gwinnett County

When storms move through Gwinnett County, your priority is personal safety.

If Gwinnett County Issues a Severe Weather Warning

Stay indoors and away from windows
Move to an interior room or lowest level of your home
Avoid unnecessary travel on Gwinnett County roads
Keep pets inside

If Power Goes Out in Gwinnett County

Turn off and unplug appliances to prevent damage
Use flashlights instead of candles
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed
Report outages when safe to do so

If Roads Flood in Gwinnett County

Do not drive through standing water
Avoid low-lying roads and underpasses
Stay home unless emergency officials say otherwise

Step 3: What Gwinnett County Residents Need If Power, Gas, or Heat Goes Out

Every household should maintain a Gwinnett County emergency supply kit.

Emergency Supplies for Gwinnett County Homes

Power & Lighting

Flashlights (battery or rechargeable)
Extra batteries
Portable power banks
Car phone chargers

Food & Water

Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day for 3 days)
Non-perishable food
Manual can opener
Disposable plates and utensils

Warmth & Comfort (Critical in Winter)

Blankets and sleeping bags
Extra clothing layers
Hats, socks, gloves
Towels to block drafts

Health & Safety

First aid kit
Prescription medications (3–7 day supply)
Hand sanitizer and wipes
Masks if air quality becomes poor

Documents & Communication

Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
Printed emergency contacts
Copies of IDs and insurance documents

If Heat Goes Out During Cold Weather in Gwinnett County

Cold weather emergencies do happen in Gwinnett County, and homes can lose heat quickly.

What Gwinnett County Residents Should Do

Stay in one room to conserve heat
Wear layered clothing
Use blankets instead of unsafe heat sources
Keep doors closed between rooms

What NOT to Do

Do not use grills or ovens for heat
Do not run generators indoors
Do not leave candles unattended

If Gas Service Is Interrupted in Gwinnett County

Gas outages require extra caution.

Safety Steps

Turn off gas appliances if instructed by authorities
Leave immediately if you smell gas
Call emergency services from outside
Do not attempt repairs yourself

Step 4: Gwinnett County Emergency Shelters & County Resources

When conditions become unsafe, Gwinnett County may open emergency shelters or warming centers.

Gwinnett County Emergency Support May Include:

Temporary warming or cooling centers
Emergency transportation assistance
County-run emergency shelters
Public safety updates and instructions

Always follow official Gwinnett County guidance when shelters are announced.

Step 5: After Severe Weather Passes in Gwinnett County

Storm damage can still be dangerous.

What to Do After the Storm

Avoid downed power lines
Check for gas or water leaks
Photograph damage for insurance
Dispose of spoiled food
Use caution when traveling in Gwinnett County

Support Your Community

Check on neighbors, especially seniors
Share verified Gwinnett County information
Report hazards to local authorities

FAQs: Gwinnett County Emergency Plan

How long should Gwinnett County residents prepare for outages?
Plan for at least 72 hours without power or services.

How much water should I store?
One gallon per person per day for three days, plus extra for pets.

Do Gwinnett County apartments need emergency kits too?
Yes. Supplies should be portable and easy to carry.

Should I evacuate during bad weather in Gwinnett County?
Only if Gwinnett County officials tell you to evacuate.

How can I help others during emergencies?
Check on neighbors and share official Gwinnett County updates.

Final Reminder for Gwinnett County Residents

Severe weather is part of life in Gwinnett County—but panic doesn’t have to be. A clear, simple Gwinnett County emergency plan helps you protect your family, your home, and your peace of mind.

Prepare once. Stay informed. And when bad weather hits Gwinnett County, you’ll be ready—not worried.

Emergency Phone Numbers for Gwinnett County

🚨 Immediate Emergencies

911 – Call this number for ANY life-threatening or urgent situation (fire, medical emergency, crime in progress, severe road hazards). This goes to Gwinnett County emergency dispatch.

👮‍♂️ Public Safety & Assistance

Law Enforcement

Gwinnett County Police – Non-Emergency: 770-513-5700
Use this for police assistance when the situation is not life-threatening (non-urgent reports, follow-up questions).
Gwinnett County Police Crime Tip Line: 770-513-5480
To report tips anonymously or about suspicious activity.

Fire & Medical Services

Gwinnett County Fire & Emergency Services – Non-Emergency: 678-518-4800
For questions about fire safety, permits, inspections, or EMS billing.

🧑‍🚒 Other County Services That Can Be Useful in an Emergency

Water & Sewer Emergency (Gwinnett County Dept. of Water Resources): 678-376-7000 – Call for water breaks, sewer backups, or stormwater emergencies.
Gwinnett County Roads / Transportation Emergencies: 770-822-7474 (8 am–5 pm Mon–Fri)
After hours / weekends: Call 911 for immediate hazards like fallen trees or blocked roads.
Gwinnett Helpline: 770-995-3339 – Assistance and referrals for emergency shelter, health services, food help, and family support services.

Important Emergency & Preparedness Websites

Local Government & Emergency Information

Gwinnett County Office of Emergency Management (OEM)
Official emergency planning info for Gwinnett County.
🔗 https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/departments/police/emergencymanagement
Gwinnett County Fire & Emergency Services
Info on response services, fire safety, and EMS.
🔗 https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/departments/fireandemergencyservices
Alert Gwinnett Notification System
Free emergency alerts sent directly to phones and email.
🔗 https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/departments/police/emergencymanagement/alert-gwinnett

Additional Resources

National Weather Service (NWS) for Atlanta Area
Up-to-date weather warnings and forecasts for Gwinnett County:
https://www.weather.gov/atlanta
Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security (GEMA/HS)
Statewide emergency planning and support.
🔗 https://gema.georgia.gov

📌 Tips for Using These Numbers

911 is for emergencies only. If you’re unsure, call 911. The dispatcher can help determine how urgent the situation is.
Use non-emergency numbers (like 770-513-5700) for routine reports that don’t require an immediate response.
Save these numbers in your phone and keep a written copy in your emergency kit.