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When an outage does occur, we focus on restoring service interruptions as quickly and efficiently as possible, without sacrificing safety. Be assured, it is our goal to minimize the frequency of outages and limit incidences to the smallest number possible.

Our primary goal is to safely restore power to the greatest number of customer in the shortest time possible.

Unfortunately, when these inevitable outages occur, we can't restore everyone's power at the same time. Damage often occurs at numerous points in the distribution system. We systematically repair in the most efficient manner, following a sequence of repairs that restores power to large groups of consumers before tackling smaller groups and individual consumers.

THE PROCESS OF RESTORING POWER

1. The main distribution line from the substation must be fixed before anyone can have power.
    
2. Next, line crews fix the lines that bring power to the greatest number of people.
    
3. After larger groups of consumers are back on the line, crews fix service lines to individual homes.

WHAT TO DO WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT

If your lights go out, please take the following steps to determine the cause of the problem.

	Check the fuses or circuit breakers and replace or reset as needed. If this proves to be the cause, the problem is most likely with your own wiring and you may want to contact a licensed electrician. If our crew responds to an outage call and the trouble is with your own electric service you will be charged for a $75 service call.
	Call your neighbor to see if their lights are out, too. If they are, then the trouble is probably somewhere outside on our lines.
	Call us at (800) 927-6201 any time of the day, and let us know your power is out. When you call please have the following information:

• Name
• Service location
• How far the outage extends
• Phone number where you can be reached
• If someone in your household is on life support

It's a good idea to shut off and unplug large appliances around your home if an outage happens, as power surges can occur and overload circuits when service is restored. And for everyone's safety, please call us anytime to report a hazardous condition that may cause an outage.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU HAVE PARTIAL POWER

If you have partial power, this may be an indication of an overload or defective appliance. Check your breakers or fuses, as they are safety devices to cut off power to an electrical circuit if it becomes dangerously overloaded or if a short circuit occurs. When you find the cause, reset the breaker or replace the fuse. It may be necessary to call an electrician.

Please keep in mind, if we dispatch a line crew to respond to your outage call and find the trouble is with your own electric service, you will be charged for a $75 service call as FMCS is not responsible for problems on the member's side of the meter.

BE PREPARED

... for power outages BEFORE they happen.

	Know where the flashlights are kept, as well as extra batteries. Keep in mind that candles can be dangerous, so please use caution.
	Know the location of your electrical service panel. Remember, it's important to check your breakers or fuses before you call to report an outage.
	Keep emergency supplies on hand such as bottled water, convenience foods, and a battery operated radio.