PIEDMONT, Ala.- City leaders in Piedmont used Tuesday evening’s City Council meeting to review preparations for a possible winter weather event that could bring extended power outages.

Officials discussed contingency plans for a storm scenario similar to historic winter events, where power was restored quickly downtown and along major trunk lines, but residents in outlying areas were left without electricity for as long as 10 to 12 days. City leaders noted that homes served by smaller or older power lines, including those in back alleys and rural sections, are especially vulnerable during heavy snow or ice.

During the meeting, council members voted to give Mayor Kevin Farmer the authority to secure personnel, equipment, and other resources needed if winter weather conditions worsen. Officials said the city is preparing for the worst while praying for the best, and hoping the system ultimately shifts away from the area.

Emergency operations were also reviewed. Officials confirmed that only two city facilities currently have generator power—City Hall and the police department—which would serve as primary emergency centers during prolonged outages.

Piedmont Rescue EMS officials warned that winter weather could increase emergency call volume, particularly from residents who rely on electrically powered medical equipment. Residents using home oxygen concentrators or similar devices are urged to prepare now by securing backup oxygen supplies or making alternate arrangements in case of extended power outages. EMS crews are planning for extended shifts and additional staffing if a major storm impacts the area.

City leaders say updates will continue as forecasts become clearer and residents are encouraged to prepare ahead of time rather than wait until conditions deteriorate.