Storm Preparation

Navigating an outage and severe weather can be challenging, but being prepared makes it easier to handle the situation.

Start preparing now:

• Make sure you have backup power sources, such as flashlights and battery-operated radios, readily available.
• Fully charge your phone, laptops, and other electronic devices.
• Be sure to keep your contact information updated with Southern Rivers Energy to ensure seamless communication during an outage.
• Plug your TV and electronic equipment into surge protectors to possibly reduce damage from lightning or sudden changes in power.
• Sign up for local weather alerts.
• Like and follow Southern Rivers Energy’s Facebook page.
• Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to get updates from local authorities.
• Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, extra batteries, first-aid supplies, and medications.
• Consider purchasing a generator or portable power station but ensure you can use it safely to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Ensure your home is insulated to keep the heat in during winter outages and cool air in during summer outages.
• If anyone in your household depends on electrically powered medical equipment, you need a backup power plan.
• Learn how to manually open electric garage doors or gates and know how to turn off your home’s gas, water, and electricity.
• Remember, the specifics of your checklist might vary depending on your family’s needs, the time of year, and your location. The key is to be as prepared as possible before an emergency occurs.

Here are a few additional important tips to consider for hurricane and extended outage preparedness:

• Gas up your car: Fill your gas tank for evacuation or if gas stations lose power.
• Have an emergency kit: Include flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, cash, and important documents in a waterproof container.
• Charge backup batteries and power banks: Keep phones and essential devices powered during outages.
• Secure outdoor items: Bring in or tie down anything that could become a hazard in high winds.
• Check on neighbors: Especially the elderly or those with special needs, to make sure they’re prepared too.
• Know your evacuation route: If you need to leave quickly, familiarize yourself with local shelters and safe routes.

 

Reporting Outages

When hundreds of SRE members lose power simultaneously, it becomes challenging for the phone and text lines to manage the influx of requests. Luckily, SRE’s smart meters can automatically detect power outages and send a signal to our office when your meter goes out.

However, we still rely on member reporting when there are isolated outages. To report an outage, call 866-244-4890 or, if you’re enrolled in TextPOWER, simply text "Out" to 877-358-1383. Reporting outages promptly helps us restore power as quickly as possible.

Be sure to keep your contact information up to date with Southern Rivers Energy to ensure seamless communication during an outage.

Not enrolled in TextPOWER? To enroll, ensure your cellphone number is listed on your account by logging in online or calling 770-358-1383 during business hours. Then, text “Join” to 877-358-1383 and verify your account by confirming your service address. If your number isn’t found, you’ll be prompted to update it. Save the number in your phone as "Southern Rivers Energy" to text “Out” during an outage and receive alerts when power is restored. Please note that the TextPOWER number differs from the Outage Hotline, which remains 1-866-244-4890 for calls.

 

Outage FAQs

What should I do if I see a downed power line?

Always assume a downed power line is live and dangerous. Stay at least 50 feet away (roughly the length of two buses) and immediately contact Southern Rivers Energy at 877-358-1383. If the line is across a street or sidewalk, call 911.

Remember, there’s no way to tell if the line is energized, so keep your distance and avoid fences, standing water, or debris nearby, as they could also be electrified.

Why can’t you tell me when my power will be restored?

Unless the outage cause is obvious (such as a fallen tree or vehicle accident), it can be difficult to predict how long repairs will take until our crews assess the situation.

During widespread outages, especially after major storms, it may take days just to assess all the damage and ensure safety before restoration efforts begin.

We prioritize making the area safe, assessing the damage and restoring power.

We strive to provide accurate updates as soon as we have more information, but we avoid giving false expectations.

Why does SRE follow an order when making repairs?

Our restoration process prioritizes repairs that restore power to the most members at once. The electrical grid is similar to a network of roads; fixing the "driveway" (the service line to your home) won’t help if the "main road" (transmission or distribution lines) is blocked. Major damage at substations or on main lines must be repaired before we can address smaller service lines.

Additionally, repairing service lines can take as much time as restoring power to hundreds of customers, so we focus on the repairs that benefit the most members first.

Why did I see a crew arrive, only to leave without restoring power?

The crew you saw may have been part of the initial assessment process, identifying the cause of the outage and determining what repairs and equipment are needed. They relay this information to dispatch so the proper crew can be sent with the necessary supplies and personnel.

In widespread outages, crews may also be tasked with ensuring safety by disconnecting power or securing downed wires before repairs can be made. The actual repair may be completed later by a different team.

Why does my neighbor have power but I don’t?

There are a couple of reasons for this.

First, neighboring homes might be on different circuits or parts of the grid, meaning they could be restored at different times.

Second, if you’re the only one without power, there could be damage to the service line leading directly to your home. Check your weatherhead and meter base for damage, as repairs to these components are the responsibility of the homeowner and must be handled by a licensed electrician before we can restore power to your property.

 

Helpful Resources:

Hurricane Helene Storm Prep (For Computers) 

Hurricane Helene Storm Prep (For Mobile Phones and Devices)

Power Outage Meal Prep: 11 Easy Recipes for Your Family Meals for a Power Outage.pdf (pdf)

Local Shelters and EMAs: Helene Shelters.pdf