Widespread power outages are often due to fallen trees or accumulated ice and snow as a result of severe weather. Check out the list of current outages in the Coweta-Fayette EMC Service area. Coweta-Fayette EMC says that fallen trees and broken limbs are the largest cause of power outages to their customers. These fallen trees and limbs can either be due to severe weather, or due to residents whose trees grow too close to the right-of-way and make contact with power lines. More localized outages can be the result of a problem on the line between your house and the main power supply, or even the result of a problem with your home wiring. If your power goes out, first check your fuse and breakers. If they aren't the problem, check to see if your neighbors' power is out. This information will help when you call to report your outage to your electricity provider (Coweta-Fayette EMC 24-Hour Outage Hotline: 770-502-0226).

During a widespread outage event, power is restored according to your electricity provider's emergency restoration plan. This usually means that any emergent safety risks are taken care of, and power is first restored to critical facilities, such as fire stations and hospitals. Power is then restored to as many customers as possible in the shortest amount of time possible. Power restoration usually begins with an inspection of the regional substations. There are numerous substations throughout the area (Coweta-Fayette EMC has 22). Then crews begin work on the main distribution lines that go from substations to neighborhoods (a daunting task -- CFEMC has more than 5,000 miles of distribution lines!). Finally, restoration is made at the tap line level (tap lines are the lines that go from your house to the distribution lines at the roadway).

After a storm, downed power lines can be a major safety risk. If you see downed power lines, make sure that you keep safe by following these rules...

ALWAYS treat a downed line as if it were energized with live voltage. NEVER assume that the line is "dead" because it is on the ground or because power is out nearby. ALWAYS stay far away from a downed line. Electricity can travel through the ground for a larger distance than you might think. NEVER attempt to remove anything from a downed or damaged line. This includes limbs, other wires, and anything else that might by laying across a power line. The electricity can easily travel through the object (especially wet limbs) and electrocute you. Also use extra care when you're removing storm debris. Make sure it isn't entangled in an electrical wire. If you're trapped in your vehicle by a downed line, DO NOT try to get out. Use your cell phone to call for help. If you MUST get out (due to fire or other urgent danger), you should "bunny hop" away from the vehicle. Why? Because electricity radiates outward from the source. If you take regular steps, your feet could bridge two different areas of voltage, and cause the electricity to travel through you. If someone is electrocuted by a downed line, call 911. DO NOT try to remove the person from the electricity source -- you might also be electrocuted.