Report An Outage
During a power outage HEMC's goal is to restore power as safely and
quickly as possible. As a member there are certain steps you can take to
assist us in meeting this goal.
Make sure HEMC has up-to-date information.
Having the correct phone number is critical during outages. As soon as a
customer calls to report an outage, the outage reporting system request
the customer leave the phone number at the location of the outage.
However, many times a customer will either leave the phone number
from where they are calling - a neighbors' or relatives' house or the
number from a second home. It is CRITICAL to power restoration for HEMC
to have the phone number of the location that is experiencing the
outage. This is for full time, as well as, seasonal residences. Without
the correct number power restoration is severely hampered.
A time to look to see if we have your correct phone number is when
you receive your monthly bill. If the number that appears on your bill
is NOT the phone number of that location, please call the Habersham EMC
office at to make the correction.
When you call to report an outage, please have account information.
Please have the account number, the name as it appears on the bill and the meter number when you call or e-mail.
This information will greatly help HEMC with power restoration,
especially if you have multiple accounts. This information will guide us
directly to the outage site in the event that one location has power
and another does not.
Tips for when your power goes out
Electricity helps with almost everything we do. That's why it can be
frustrating when the lights go out. With a little preparation, you can
weather the storm with the least possible inconvenience.
Be Prepared
Catastrophes like ice storms and tornadoes may cause extended outage. If
that happens, you can bet Habersham EMC will be working as quickly as
possible to restore your electricity.
If your power goes off:
- Check your home's breaker panel (and any outdoor disconnects) to make sure the outage isn't due to a tripped breaker.
- Call your neighbors to see if their power is off. This will help
determine if the problem exists within your home or on our lines.
- If the problem is outside your home, call Habersham EMC - we're
available day or night, 365 days a year. We can process your call
quicker if you have this information ready:
- Name on your HEMC account
- Phone number at the location of the outage
- Cause of power outage (if you know it)
If you call during a time of widespread outages, an automated system
may answer your call. Listen carefully and follow the directions. This
system can take many more calls than live operators could in times of
heavy phone traffic.
It will be necessary for you to have a land line phone (not a
cordless phone) or cell phone available because a cordless phone will
not work when power is off.
Protect Your Family and Property
- Limit opening your freezer and refrigerator to prevent food spoilage. Food will keep longer if doors remain closed.
- Don't cook inside with charcoal and be careful with candles, fireplaces, fuel lamps, etc.
- If you use a portable generator, isolate it from our lines with a
double-pole, double-throw transfer switch. Not doing this could cause
electrocution to anyone coming in contact with the lines or a direct
feedback and ruin all the appliances in your home.
Wise Preparation
It's smart to have these items on hand during extended outages:
- Flashlights, extra batteries, candles and matches or some type of fuel lamp (kerosene, oil, propane) and extra fuel.
- Water. If you depend on a well, you'll need to fill bathtubs or
other large containers for household use. Fill clean pitchers or jugs
for drinking water.
- Nonperishable foods that don't need cooking are ideal, like
canned fruit, powdered milk, peanut butter, bread and crackers. Don't
forget the manual can opener!
- Have blankets, sleeping bags and extra clothes, including hats.
If you have a fireplace, make sure there's kindling and a good supply of
wood.
- An AM/FM radio with extra batteries for local information and a
NOAA weather radio for weather warnings. A wind-up or battery-powered
clock will come in handy, too.
It is very important for members on
life-support equipment to make alternate plans for power or lodging in
the event of a prolonged outage.