Key takeaways:
- When the power goes out, the first thing you should do is determine whether the issue is in your home or on the grid.
- If it’s a grid issue, contact your utility.
- If the power is out only in your home, contact a local emergency electrician.
The power just went out. Should you call a local electrician for an emergency service?
Not necessarily. In many cases, the best option is to contact your utility. If the outage is happening at the grid level, it’s up to your electricity provider to resolve the issue.
We’ve put together some resources and tips for handling power outages in the Atlanta area.
Check Your Breakers and Panel
The first thing to do when the power goes out is to determine whether the issue is in your home or on the grid.
Here’s what you can do:
- Check your electrical panel. If you see breakers in the off or middle position, reset them to see if power comes back.
- Next, check your electrical meter (it’s usually outside, on a side or back wall near where utility lines enter your home). If it’s blank, the grid is out. If you see data displayed on the meter, the issue is coming from your home.
- Are your neighbors getting power? Can you see streetlights on? You can also check your utility’s website or app to see if an outage has been reported yet.
If the power outage is limited to your home, call an emergency electrician. Otherwise, you should let your electricity provider know that the power is out.
How to Report a Power Outage in Atlanta
Contact your utility if the power is out in your neighborhood. The sooner they know about the issue, the sooner they can start fixing it.
We’ve put together a list of phone numbers and online reporting tools for the main utilities in the area. If you don’t see yours listed, you should find this information on your power bill or on your electricity provider’s official website.
- Georgia Power. Report an outage online or call 888-891-0938 for dangerous outages (for instance, if you can see downed power lines).
- Cobb EMC. The utility has an online form, but you can also text “OUT” to 898-362.
- Jackson EMC. You can call 800-245-4044 or report the outage online after logging into your account.
- Sawnee EMC. Call Sawnee EMC at 770-887-2363 or report the outage online.
- Snapping Shoals EMC. You can report an outage online after logging in to your account, or call 678-814-4961.
- Walton EMC. The utility has an online platform where you can report outages, but you can also call 678-639-3300.
- Marietta Power & Water. Contact this utility at 770-794-5160.
What To Do in Case of Downed Power Lines
Downed power lines can occur when a tree falls onto them, usually during a storm. You should assume all downed power lines carry live electricity and treat them like a life-threatening hazard.
If you see a downed power line:
- Stay at least 30 feet away. That’s about two car lengths.
- As long as it’s safe to do so, keep others away from the area.
- Call 911 right away, and your utility company next using the numbers provided above.
- Electricity is highly conductive. Don’t touch anything that could carry power from the downed line, like water, trees, fences, or cars.
Wait for first responders while keeping a safe distance from the downed power lines, and warn others of the danger.
When to Call an Electrician for an Emergency Service
If you see an issue with your electrical panel or notice you’re the only one on the block without power, it’s time to call a local electrician.
Power to your home can get cut off for many reasons, ranging from an old panel to faulty wiring. Because outages are more common at the grid level, it’s best to rule out a local outage before calling an electrician.
However, only an electrician can help you if your home isn’t getting power when the grid is fine. They’ll run a few tests, figure out why your home isn’t getting power, and go over the options for repairing your electrical systems.
Call Kalahari Electrical Services for Emergency Repairs in Atlanta
Kalahari Electrical Services is available 24/7 to handle electrical emergencies. If your power is out and the issue isn’t coming from the grid, give us a call, and we’ll dispatch our expert technicians to your home.
You can contact us at 678-665-2309 or schedule a service online if you’re not dealing with an emergency.
FAQ
What should I do first when the power goes out?
Start by checking whether the outage is affecting only your home or the entire neighborhood. Inspect your breaker panel for tripped switches, check your electrical meter, and see if streetlights or neighbors’ homes still have power.
How can I tell if an outage is with my home or the power grid?
If your breakers are fine but your meter display is blank, the issue is likely with the power grid. If the meter shows data and nearby homes have power, the problem is probably within your electrical system.
Who should I contact if the power is out in Atlanta?
If the outage affects multiple homes, contact your electricity provider. For example, Georgia Power customers can call 888-891-0938 or use their online outage tool. Look up your electricity provider online or find a power bill to get the number you should call.
