Georgia EMC Encourages Storm Preparedness for National Preparedness Month

(Tucker, Ga., September 3, 2025) – September is National Preparedness Month and Georgia EMC is encouraging electric membership corporation (EMC) members across the state to take time now to prepare for emergencies, especially as the Atlantic hurricane season continues through November 30.

EMCs across Georgia are always working behind the scenes to ensure a rapid response in the event of severe weather. This includes stocking essential materials like power poles, transformers and wire to restore power safely and efficiently following storms.

In addition to having necessary supplies, EMCs depend on established mutual aid agreements that enable them to bring in experienced line crews from other cooperatives, both within Georgia and from other states, during major outages.

“Helping each other in times of crisis is part of who we are,” said Harry Reeves, vice president of training and safety at Georgia EMC. “When storms hit, whether in Georgia or in neighboring states, our linemen don’t hesitate. They feel a calling to stand shoulder to shoulder with fellow line crews and do whatever it takes to safely bring the lights back on for families and communities.”

As Georgia’s EMCs stand ready, they also encourage their members to take simple but important steps to safeguard their homes and families in the event of a major storm.

BE PREPARED BEFORE A STORM HITS:

Make an Emergency Plan

• Identify your safe space and ensure every family member understands what to do during an emergency.
• Visit ready.gov/plan for help creating a family emergency plan.

Know Your Family’s Medical Needs

• If anyone in your household relies on electrically powered medical devices, have a plan in place. This may include a battery backup, generator or pre-arranged relocation plan for extended outages.

Prepare an Emergency Storm Kit

• Every household should have a ready-to-go kit stocked with food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and a weather radio. Visit ready.gov/kit for a complete checklist.

AS A STORM APPROACHES:
• Secure your home by protecting windows, doors and bringing in outdoor items.
• Fill your gas tank to ensure you have a backup power source for charging devices or evacuating if needed.
• Charge medical equipment or relocate if necessary.
• Stay informed with trusted weather apps, local news and weather.gov.
• Know how to report an outage. Visit your EMC’s website or follow their social media channels for updates and instructions.

Georgia EMC and its 41 member cooperatives, along with their statewide generation and transmission partners, remain committed to safety and reliability, especially during hurricane season. Together, we can all take steps to be better prepared when the unexpected strikes.

About Georgia EMC:
Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 electric cooperatives, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned co-ops provide electricity and related services to 5 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area. To learn more, visit www.georgiaemc.com and follow us on Facebook and X.