Here’s how to prepare for the winter storm coming to metro Atlanta

Winter weather is expected to hit in the coming days. There are several things metro Atlanta residents can do to prepare.

The following tips come from the Fulton County Fire Rescue Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

Make sure you have a cell phone, portable charger or extra batteries in case there is a power failure.
Have a battery-powered radio to listen to emergency instructions.
Have extra blankets, sleeping bags or winter coats. Do not turn on the stove for heat if the power goes out.
Light a fire in a fireplace or use portable space heaters.
Don’t use portable gas camp stoves or charcoal grills indoors. The fumes can kill you.
Never leave candles unattended. They can cause house fires.
Have drinking water, food you don’t have to cook and a non-electric can opener.
Make sure you have baby food, if there’s a baby in the house.
Get a first aid kit and make sure you have your prescription drugs and other medication.
Cat litter or sand can add traction on walkways. Rock salt can melt ice.
Leave water taps open so they drip. Open cabinets under the kitchen sink to allow warm air to reach pipes.
If pipes do freeze, thaw them slowly with an electric hair dryer — not with a torch.
Keep a shovel, windshield scraper, flashlight, battery-powered radio and food, water and blankets in your car.
If animals are outside, make sure fences and gates are secure and make sure they are wearing ID.
Bring pets indoors when temperatures drop.