Let’s Stay Safe Out There

Walton EMC Reminds You to Take Precautions During the Stormy Season

A year ago this month, Hurricane Irma roared through this area causing historic damage to Walton EMC’s electricity distribution system. At the height of the storm, 50,000 co-op accounts experienced a power outage. Nearly 79,000 individual outages were reported before it was all said and done. That’s a lot of people in the dark — even if for a short time.

Scientists and weather forecasters are expecting a less intense hurricane season compared to last year’s destructive and costly one. Should things turn stormy, however, Walton EMC urges you to be prepared and always make safety the top priority.

Safety reminders

Ensure that you and your loved ones know how to protect against the hazards of the aftermath of severe storms. Brad Adcock, Walton EMC’s director of safety and training, provides this advice:

1. Stay away from any downed line, even if you think it's a phone or cable TV line.

2. Take care when stepping into a flooded area. Submerged outlets or electrical cords may energize the water, posing a potential lethal trap.

3. Do not use electrical appliances that have been wet. Water can damage the motors in electrical appliances, such as furnaces, freezers, refrigerators, washing machines and dryers. For those that have been under water, have them reconditioned by a qualified service repairman, or purchase new ones.

4. Know how to properly operate portable electric generators. If improperly installed or operated, they can become deadly. Power from generators can backfeed along power lines and electrocute anyone coming in contact with them, including line workers making repairs. Read Walton EMC's Portable Generator Guide to learn how to choose and safely operate a generator. Also, note that a qualified, licensed electrician should install your generator to ensure that it meets local electrical codes.

Be prepared

To maximize safety as well as comfort during the stormy season, think like a Boy Scout and always be prepared. Walton EMC's Storm Center provides a library of information to help you.  

Power Outage Preparation Checklist
Hurricane Preparation Guide
Plan for Medically Fragile Patients

Report an outage

Online: Visit our website and click on the provided link to repot an outage from your mobile device or a computer. Report online.  

By phone: Call us at 770.267.2505. If you call us, follow the voice prompt to report the outage. In order for the system to serve you efficiently, be sure, when the voice prompt asks, to enter the correct telephone number at the location of the outage.

Current Outage Map
Power Outage FAQs

This is how the Walton EMC outage management system map looked when Hurricane Irma rolled through Georgia last year. The hundreds of stacked icons represent tens of thousands of outages.


Contact Us

Call (770) 267.2505 to speak to a Customer Care Representative from Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.