Outages

Reporting an Outage

Power Restoration Policy

Why is My Power Out?

Generators

Hurricane Readiness

Outage Map FAQ

SMECO strives to keep the power on for every home and business in our community.

We’ve had our share of hurricanes and ice storms, and sometimes, these weather conditions can cause our customers to lose power
Although SMECO works as quickly as possible to get the lights back on, there are some steps you can take before, during, and after an outage
The key is being prepared – Be sure to plan for these fundamental needs
SMECO’s power restoration policy is to make repairs that will restore service to the most people in the least amount of time

If someone in your household depends on electricity to operate a life support system, plan ahead for alternate sources of power or lodging

Have an alternate source of light: keep flashlights and extra batteries where they can be found easily

Keep a battery-powered radio with fresh batteries, and stay tuned to local news bulletins and weather reports.

Stock emergency food and related items

Ideal choices are nonperishable foods that do not need cooking, such as:
- canned fruit
- canned milk
- peanut butter
- crackers
- cereals and cereal bars
- canned soup
- canned tuna
Stocking up on refrigerated or frozen foods may not be a good idea if the power goes out

Keep a manual can opener handy, along with disposable plates and utensils

Keep your grill available year-round for cooking during an outage (Always use a gas or charcoal grill outside)

Store extra water in clean jugs, bathtubs, laundry tubs, or other containers if you know a storm is on the way

Plan an alternate source of heat in the event of a cold-weather crisis

If you have a fireplace or wood stove, keep adequate kindling and firewood on hand
Have extra clothing, blankets, or sleeping bags available

Keep fresh batteries in your smoke detectors

Keep your automobile’s gas tank full

Maintain a supply of cash

If you have livestock, you will need a means of obtaining adequate supplies of fresh water

A generator is recommended

It is helpful to have a corded phone available

Leave the freezer and refrigerator closed so food will stay cold longer

Use stored water to flush a toilet, then pour water into the toilet tank (not the bowl) before flushing again

Turn off the water supply to the toilet before flushing
Toilet tanks hold several gallons of water, so plan accordingly
Remember, melted snow or ice can be a source of water during winter outages (but not for drinking)
During the summer, you may be able to use water from a pool or hot tub

Make sure the oven and stove are off; this will prevent fires if the power comes back on while you’re away

Turn off your heating system to prevent electric demand from jumping suddenly

Place your portable generator outside, never in the house, garage, attic, crawl space, or basement. Carbon monoxide from generators is deadly

Make sure your generator is connected safely; an improperly connected generator can cause serious injury or death
When your power comes back on, turn off and disconnect your generator

Never touch downed power lines or attempt to remove trees from power lines

Contact with live lines may result in serious injury or death
Let qualified SMECO crews handle the clearing and repair work
Please report downed power lines to SMECO immediately by calling (888) 440-3311.