Outage Prep Center

To report an outage, you may log into your account and report an outage; call one of our offices; or use the My NGEMC mobile app available for free from your iPhone™ or Android™ app store. 

Before the storm, be prepared for power outages. Use the following checklist to prepare for power outages:

Have Plenty of Food and Water 

• Keep a 3 to 5 days supply of drinking water in plastic bottles. Plan on at least 1 gallon of water per person, per day.
• Store a manual can opener with enough nonperishable foods for 3 to 5 days. Canned meats, tuna fish and peanut butter are good foods to store. Don’t forget pet foods!
• Conserve water by using paper plates and plastic utensils.
• Have a camp stove or grill for outdoor cooking.

Stay In Touch

• Have a portable, battery-powered radio and alarm clock.
• Have one non-portable phone that will work even if power is interrupted.
• Plan where to meet and how to communicate with family members if separated.
• Keep essential family member contact information near your phone, in your wallet, and in your glove compartment.

Keep Things Going

• Keep plenty of gas in your car.
• Keep extra coats and blankets in your car during cold weather.
• Keep extra batteries, matches, propane, charcoal and firewood.

Stay Happy, Healthy and Warm

• Coordinate with neighbors for care of the elderly and disabled living alone.
• Maintain a supply of prescriptions, nonprescription drugs, vitamins and special dietary foods.
• Playing cards, books, drawing and writing supplies, and board games help pass the time. If you have a video camera and tapes, your family can make a storm documentary.
• Keep sanitary and personal hygiene supplies replenished. Premoistened cleansing towelettes are useful and help conserve water.
• Use plastic trash bags and ties for garbage.
• Put first-aid kits in your home and car.
• Make sure you have cold weather clothing, appropriate weather gear, blankets and sleeping bags.
• Use flashlights and other battery-operated lighting instead of candles.
• Keep fire extinguishers fully charged.
• Fill your bathtub with water for bathroom use before the storm (if you have a well).

Check to see current weather conditions(link is external).

Keep these things in mind as you prepare:

• To serve you more quickly during a power outage, North Georgia EMC needs the correct phone number for your home address. Please check your bill, and make sure we have your correct phone number. If the phone number listed is incorrect, please contact NGEMC. You can update your phone number through our Online Member Services Center. 
• Stay informed about the weather in your area. Click here for local weather reports www.weather.com. If you're warned about approaching violent storms that could cause power outages, turn the temperature in your refrigerator and freezer to the lowest setting, to provide maximum chilling before the power goes out.
• NOAA Weather radios are both AC and battery operated and feature an alarm to alert you when a storm is approaching. Always keep your NOAA radio in a location where every family member can find it and locate it in the event of a storm. Be sure to have extra batteries in case the storm is a lengthy one.
• If your freezer's not filled with food, fill jugs with water and place them in it to freeze. This will help food stay frozen longer during an outage and will also help your freezer run more efficiently.
• Make sure you have flashlights, fresh batteries, and a battery-operated radio handy, and fill containers and your bathtub with water.
• In case phone service is still available, make sure you have a corded phone, which does not rely on electricity for use.
• If you or a family member requires life-support equipment such as a respirator, have a backup source of power ready. Keep your backup generator in good condition and test it periodically. Use proper safety precautions when installing and using generators. 

Before a severe storm arrives, meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team.

Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case. Pick two places to meet: Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire; or, outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home. Everyone should know the address and phone number.

Ask an out-of-state friend to be your "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone should know your contact's phone number. Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to take care of your pets.

(Source: American Red Cross)

Know the difference between tornado watches and warnings so you can be prepared to take shelter. 

Tornado Watch:

This means that tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms and listen to your local radio/television stations for more information regarding the upcoming storm.

Tornado Warning:

This means a tornado has been spotted in the area or indicated in the area by storm radar. Take shelter immediately - relocate to your basement or in an interior hallway on the first floor of your home.

• Avoid downed power lines. When you venture outside after a storm, check the area for downed power lines. If you see one, contact NGEMC immediately at any of its four offices. Don't go near or drive over a downed power line. Always assume a downed power line is energized. 
• Check your breakers if your power goes out. Test your own electrical equipment before calling NGEMC to report an outage. Circuit breakers may be located inside or outside your home. They are housed in a gray utility box. Always push the breaker to the "off" position first, then to the "on" position. In addition, remember to take all safety precautions when operating your breakers. Look around for loose or sparkling wires; place an open hand near - but not touching - the panel to sense for heat. If any of these conditions exist or if you have a concern, contact an electrician before taking any action.
• Report power outages by online by logging into your account; through the My NGEMC Mobile App; or by calling any NGEMC office. 
• Never use candles for lighting. Avoid using candles during power outages - the risk of fire is too great. If you must light a candle for light, place them on a stable surface away from combustible materials, and keep a close eye on children. .Never leave a candle burning when leaving the room or when going to bed.

If you or a family member requires life-support equipment such as a respirator, be sure to have a backup source of power ready if the power does go out.

In the event of a prolonged power outage, keep these tips in mind if you have a patient with a medical need:

• Keep your backup generator in good condition and test it periodically. Never run the generator in an enclosed area like a garage or carport where potential lethal carbon monoxide fumes could build up. 
• Assemble extra medical supplies.
• Keep medical prescriptions filled and up-to-date.
• Make arrangements for transportation and an alternate location, both nearby and a little farther away.
• More safety tips and information from the FDA.