Storms & Public Safety

Once the height of the storm passes and weather reports indicate it is safe, we immediately enter the restoration phase of our emergency operations. Our restoration phases are designed to assess and repair our facilities and restore power across approximately 5 square mile service area as quickly and safely as possible.

Safety Alert!

Avoid any contact with damaged weather heads, lines or meter boxes. You should assume they are still energized until a licensed electrician makes an assessment.

Phase 1 | Public Safety 

The City begins assessing our facilities, making critical repairs to our main feed line, water, and sewer facilities. We then restore power to our  shelters and fire station, and make repairs to our electric grid that will bring the majority of our customers back into power as quickly and safely as possible. 

What you can do: 

• Stay Safe: Phase 1 is our public safety phase, and we appreciate your patience as we restore these critical services first. If possible, stay off the roads, and avoid downed power lines.
• Know We're On It: Just as you’d pull over on the highway to let an ambulance pass, you can help us restore power by staying off the roadway.

Phase 2 | Individual Customers 

Once power is restored to public safety locations, the City begins accepting outage reports from individual customers. Restoration priority is given to medically essential customers and those circuits that feed the most customers. 

What you can do: 

• Report your Outage by calling (352) 472-2161
• Report your Outage online

Phase 3 | Final Repairs

Once power is restored to medically essential and major circuits, the City will begin targeting the remaining isolated outages. We know this phase can be the most frustrating for those few customers who are still without power, and we appreciate your continued patience as we direct all our resources toward completing the restoration process. 

What you can do:

• Check your circuit breaker for any tripped switches. If there is storm related flooding in your home, please address this first before flipping breakers on. 
• Visually inspect the service point at weather head and meter base.
  • Avoid any contact with damaged weather heads, lines or meter boxes.
  • You should assume they are still energized, until they are inspected by licensed electrician or City official makes an assessments. 
• Once all phases are complete, and you still do not have power; please call our office (352) 472-2161 so we may assist you in determining the cause of your continued outage.