Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper Urges Georgians to Prepare for Extreme Cold

Thu, Jan 22 2026

ATLANTA, GA - Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper is urging Georgians to prepare as extremely cold weather moves into parts of the state. It is critical that Georgia pet and livestock owners take precautions to keep their animals safe and warm. At the same time, prolonged power outages at agricultural and food production facilities can cause economic loss and significant food safety concerns. With a potential winter storm expected to bring ice and snow beginning Friday night and lasting through the weekend, Georgians are encouraged to prepare now.

Video statement from Commissioner Tyler J Harper:

(Click the image to play video.)

Cold Weather Safety Tips for Pet Owners

• Regularly check and clean your dog's paws to prevent ice and snow buildup that can lead to discomfort or injury.
• Wipe paws after outdoor walks to remove substances such as antifreeze, salt, and other de-icing chemicals.
• Remember that cold tolerance varies by age, health, weight, and coat type. Monitor pets closely and limit exposure based on their individual needs.
• Provide multiple warm sleeping areas indoors or under shelter, allowing pets to move and regulate their comfort as needed.
• When setting up shelters for stray or feral cats, use straw for insulation. Blankets can absorb moisture and may freeze, increasing the risk of hypothermia.

Cold Weather Care Tips for Livestock

• Ensure animals have access to appropriate shelter that remains dry, using straw or something similar for bedding, as moisture significantly increases the risk of cold stress.
• Provide abundant, easily accessible feed, hay, and fresh, unfrozen water to help livestock maintain body heat and energy levels. Check water daily.
• Reduce exposure by installing windbreaks that are sturdy enough to withstand strong winds.
• Plan ahead for a storm that may last multiple days or have severe impacts such as blocked roads or power outages; stage feed and hay nearby animals and check that generators are operational. Offer plentiful feed, hay, and fresh water ahead of the storm.

Food Safety & Power Outages:

• Extended power outages at food processing, retailers, manufacturing, or storage facilities can cause significant food safety concerns.
• GDA's Emergency Response and Food Safety Team stands ready to coordinate with other state agencies and private industry to help get power back online to critical ag facilities as fast as possible.
• For consumers, if you lose power, your unopened fridge will keep food cold for up to 4 hours, and your freezer will hold food at safe temperatures for roughly 48 hours.

GDA Emergency Response:

• GDA will serve as the state's ESF11 lead when the State Operations Center comes online on Saturday morning, and GDA staff will coordinate the state's agricultural response with other state agencies and private industry.
• GDA Law Enforcement & Emergency Management staff will be deployed with the Georgia Forestry Commission's chainsaw crews to help cut and clear roadways as needed.

• Category

• Commissioner

Media contacts

• Matthew Agvent,Communications Director
• Liz Rivera-Brown,Deputy Communications Director

About the GDA
The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is the voice of the state's agriculture community. The department's mission is to provide excellence in services and regulatory functions, to protect and promote agriculture and consumer interests, and to ensure an abundance of safe food and fiber for Georgia, America, and the world by using state-of-the-art technology and a professional workforce.

Find us on Facebook • Follow on Twitter: @GDAFoodSafety •@GeorgiaGrown

For more information, visit https://www.agr.georgia.gov.

Georgia Department of Agriculture
Tyler J Harper, Commissioner
19 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW
Atlanta, GA 30334