Coweta-Fayette EMC taking proactive approach as Winter Storm arrives
Pictured above: A tree falling across power lines is one of the hazards during a winter storm. (Photo from Coweta-Fayette EMC Facebook)
From Coweta-Fayette EMC Press Release
PALMETTO – As winter weather forecasts continue to change and develop this weekend, Coweta-Fayette EMC is taking a proactive approach to ensure the cooperative is fully prepared to respond to potential impacts from an approaching storm where ice remains the primary concern.
Weather models in recent days have shown shifting projections related to timing, accumulation, and impact. While conditions may continue to change, CFEMC believes it is better to be fully prepared than to be caught off guard.
“When it comes to severe weather—especially ice—it’s always better to prepare for the worst and hope for the best,” said Chris Stephens, CEO of CFEMC. “Forecasts can change quickly, but our responsibility to our members doesn’t. Preparing early allows us to respond safely and effectively if conditions worsen.”
In advance of the storm, CFEMC activated its emergency response plans, mobilized internal teams, and secured additional restoration resources. Contract crews from MasTec, Okefenokee EMC, Asplundh, and Southern Line are staged and ready to assist with restoration efforts if needed, once conditions are safe.
“All employees across the cooperative—operations, engineering, dispatch, communications, and member services—are activated and prepared to respond,” Stephens said. “Even if the storm shifts or impacts are less severe than projected, this level of preparation ensures we’re ready for our members.”
Ice storms can be especially damaging to electric systems. Ice accumulation adds significant weight to trees, power lines, and poles, often resulting in broken limbs, downed lines, and complex repairs that may take time to complete.
Restoration and Safety Considerations
Restoration efforts during winter storms may be impacted by hazardous conditions such as icy roadways, falling debris, and extreme cold. Power restoration is prioritized by critical infrastructure first, followed by outages affecting the largest number of members.
CFEMC encourages members to take the following precautions:
• Stay off the roads if possible, especially during icy conditions, to reduce accidents and allow crews to work safely.
• Slow down and move over when approaching utility crews working near roadways.
• Never operate generators indoors, in garages, or near windows or doors.
• Do not use ovens, grills, or outdoor heaters to heat homes due to fire and carbon monoxide risks.
• Ensure carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly.
• Continue to monitor local weather forecasts and follow guidance from emergency officials.
• Please be cautious of any downed power lines in the area. Always assume that they are live and dangerous. Stay far away, keep others clear, and report the situation immediately to Coweta-Fayette EMC at 770-502-0226 or call 911 until help arrives.
Members are encouraged to follow CFEMC on social media for timely updates and to use the cooperative’s outage map located at https://outage.utility.org/ to view system-wide outage information and restoration progress.
