As the Atlanta area prepares for up to several inches of snow, Kroger and Publix are working to keep their doors open.

The grocery chains serve and employ thousands of people at stores and facilities around the metro area.

“The safety of our customers and associates is first and foremost,” said a statement from Kroger, whose local corporate offices are in the Northlake area of DeKalb County. Stores and the offices are planned to remain open as the company works to meet demands of “a wintry weather event,” the company said.

Publix, which maintains offices in Marietta and a distribution center in Duluth, is in about the same position.

The company began prepping a week ago, with the distribution center starting early deliveries to stores this week, Publix said Thursday afternoon.

“We are monitoring the weather and making plans accordingly,” a statement from the chain said. “At this time we plan to be open for business Friday. We will determine if and when we will need to close depending on the severity of the storm.”

The National Weather Service uses specific winter weather terms to ensure that people know what to expect in the coming days and hours. (Erica A. Hernandez/AJC)

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