(CUMMING, GA) – Sawnee EMC stands ready for the impact of Hurricane Helene, forecasted to intensify and make landfall as a Major Hurricane on Florida’s Gulf Coast, just southeast of Tallahassee.

Hurricane Helene is a sizeable, fast-moving storm, expected to impact Sawnee EMC’s service area with heavy rain and high winds. The storm is predicted to enter Georgia on Thursday evening, traveling through the middle of the state and exit northwest Georgia by Friday afternoon. 

Sawnee EMC has mobilized key personnel and procured additional crews, prepared trucks with emergency equipment and increased supplies of materials that will be needed.  Members are encouraged to do the same – get prepared.

Below is important Sawnee EMC outage related information and steps to take before the storm approaches.

Outage Information:

• Sawnee EMC’s Outage Map - https://sawnee.outagemap.cloud.coop/
• Outage Safety - https://sawnee.coop/outage-safety
• Preparing for a Storm - https://sawnee.coop/storm-preparation
• Power Restoration Steps - https://sawnee.coop/power-restoration
• General Outage FAQs - https://sawnee.coop/outage-faq

Sawnee EMC electric meters are programmed to report an outage immediately. However, there are a variety of ways for members to report an outage if they so choose:

• Report an outage via our website - https://sawnee.coop/report-outage
• Email our Customer Call Center at customerservice@sawnee.coop
• Report an outage by texting OUT to 855-938-3412 (member must be a SmartHub user)
• Download the app by searching “Sawnee EMC” in the App Store or Google Play
• Contact Sawnee EMC at 770-887-2363

As the Storm Approaches:

• Protect your home. Secure windows and doors and move loose items inside.
• Charge Up: Plug in all devices and keep them at a full charge.
• Check the Pantry: Make sure you have non-perishable food items and bottled water on hand.
• Fill Your Tank: It is always good to fill your car with gasoline in preparation. This can serve as another charging source for your devices while your home is without power.
• Activate Your Medical Plan: Now is the time to charge battery backup devices for medically necessary equipment. 
• Stay updated. Keep up with storm updates at www.sawnee.coop

About Sawnee EMC

Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an electric distribution cooperative headquartered in Cumming, Georgia. Sawnee serves electricity to approximately 200,000 accounts in seven (7) counties of greater north Georgia. Sawnee’s total assets exceed $881 million, with energy sales of 3.7 billion kWh and annual revenue of approximately $441 million. With a team of approximately 375 dedicated professionals and over 12,006 miles of distribution line, Sawnee stands ready at all times to meet the needs of its members/owners. SEMC strives daily to live up to their motto…

“At Sawnee EMC, We’re More Than Electricity, We’re Service”.

_{This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer}