COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Cobb County and Smyrna are sharing their preparedness plans ahead of Tuesday's anticipated freezing weather.
A representative from the Georgia Department of Transportation said crews are scouting and treating trouble spots in the metro, with crews working overnight until early Tuesday morning.
Cobb County also shared that they have prepared their trucks for emergencies.
Evan McBrayer is Smyrna's emergency management specialist and public information officer and said the public works department is using salt brine to treat the roads and the bridges.
However, there are also ways non-officials can prepare to drive in these conditions.
The manager of European and Domestic Auto Care in Atlanta, Eli Itow, said it starts before you even turn on your vehicle and get moving.
"Allow three to five minutes to let your vehicle completely warm up," Itow said. "Cold engine oil and cold transmission fluid are not good for your car."
Itow said he's had an influx of customers with these issues. He said when temperatures start to drop, he typically sees fuel leaks and batteries not holding charge. To get ahead of potentially bad road conditions, Itow suggested checking your tires.
"Before, if you can air up your tires because, in cold weather, tire pressure drops slightly," Itow said.
Itow said it's dangerous to drive if the tire tread doesn't look normal.
"You should notice even treadwear throughout your tires," Itow said. "If you put a penny in, you should still be able to see old Abe's head sticking up."
Itow also provided tips on how to brake if you encounter ice.
"On wet or icy roads, it takes three times longer to stop," Itow said. "So, you never want to hit your brakes really hard. Feather them as you come to a stop. If your ABS does kick in and the car starts to pulsate, just keep the wheel straight."
Itow shared one last tip for those having to commute this winter season.
When defrosting your vehicle, make sure to defrost it completely before driving, he said. Don't use warm or hot water, as it can crack your windshield. In addition, don't immediately turn your windshield wipers on, as it can damage them. And finally, try to use a scraper or a credit card to remove the ice first, defrost it, then turn on the wipers.
If you do have an emergency while driving, Smyrna Emergency Management Specialist Evan McBrayer said his team has brought in additional staff to handle it.
However, the best way to avoid a problem is to avoid the roads altogether.
"Only travel if you absolutely have to under these conditions," McBrayer said.