PALMETTO, Ga. – While Coweta-Fayette Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) is far from the expected landfall of Hurricane Helene, significant impacts to our electric system are still highly likely due to the storm’s current forecast and track.
The National Weather Service predicts strong tropical-force winds for our area. With the heavy rainfall already experienced on Wednesday and more expected from Helene, these winds, combined with saturated soil, could cause a large number of trees to fall and potentially disrupt power.
“Coweta-Fayette EMC urges all members to prepare now, before Helene reaches our area,” said Chellie Phillips, Vice President of Communications and Public Relations. “Our crews are fully prepared, and we have the necessary supplies in place. However, we need our members to do their part as well. Stay informed by monitoring local media and following our social media channels for real-time updates. If outages occur, you can report them and track affected areas through the Storm Center section of our website at www.utility.org.”
Here are a few important steps to ensure you are ready:
- If you rely on critical medical equipment, make sure you have a backup plan in place.
- Fully charge all electronic devices and portable chargers ahead of the storm.
- If you see downed power lines or poles, treat them as if they are energized and dangerous. Do not touch or approach them. Immediately report downed lines to Coweta-Fayette EMC at 770-502-0226.
- Be cautious after the storm. Fallen debris can conceal downed power lines, and any item in contact with a live line—such as metal fences or standing water—can become energized.
- If your electricity is out, check with your neighbors. If they still have power, you may have a blown fuse or tripped breaker. Never attempt to replace a fuse or reset a breaker with wet hands or while standing on a damp surface.
- If you use a portable generator, operate it in a well-ventilated area. You can find generator safety tips at www.utility.org/storms.
Stay Connected for Updates: We are continuously monitoring the situation and will provide updates as needed. Please check our website at www.utility.org and follow our social media channels for the latest information during and after the storm.
Coweta-Fayette EMC is a member-owned energy company, serving over 82,000 accounts, headquartered in Palmetto, Ga. Coweta -Fayette EMC is an equal opportunity provider and employer /M/F/Y/D