With cold weather rolling in, Cobb Electric Membership Corp. is helping customers prepare their homes to be energy efficient and unaffected by winter storms.

The Marietta-based provider works year-round to prepare for winter weather and maintain — or quickly restore — power for members. Line maintenance crews work 24-hours-a-day, every day of the year to keep the lights on for members. Meanwhile, field service representatives perform home energy audits and educate members on home heat loss.

Here are a few helpful hints from Cobb EMC on preparing for winter storms and the power outages that may come along with them:

* Don’t find yourself in the dark. Keep flashlights in multiple rooms and fluorescent camping lanterns on hand. They’re much safer than candles for those with children and pets running around in the house.

* When TVs and computers aren’t working, battery-powered radios can keep you informed and battery-powered TVs can keep you entertained. Remember to replace batteries every three years and stock up early. Stores’ supplies deplete quickly when meteorologists predict a storm.

* Stay connected. Unless a storm takes down your phone line, landlines should still work. Though cordless models will eventually run out of charge. Keep cellphones fully charged and avoid heavy use once the power goes out, as it can quickly drain battery life.