Power Outage in Atlanta: What To Do, Who To Call, and How To Prepare

Power outages in Atlanta, Georgia are common enough that every resident, visitor, and business owner should know what to expect and how to respond. Whether the lights go out during a summer thunderstorm in Buckhead or a winter ice event in East Atlanta, having a clear plan makes a big difference.

This guide walks you through what causes power outages in Atlanta, how to report them, how to stay safe, and how to prepare before the next one hits.

Who Handles Power Outages in Atlanta?

In most of Atlanta, electricity is provided and serviced by Georgia Power, which is responsible for:

• Maintaining power lines and infrastructure
• Restoring power after storms, accidents, or equipment failures
• Providing outage maps and restoration estimates

Some nearby areas and suburbs may be served by electric membership cooperatives (EMCs) or local utilities, but within the City of Atlanta and much of Fulton and DeKalb Counties, Georgia Power is usually your first contact for a power outage.

Checking and Reporting a Power Outage in Atlanta

When the power goes out, you want to know if it’s just you or a wider issue.

1. Check Your Home First

Before you report an outage:

• Check your breaker panel – a tripped breaker can cut power to part or all of your home.
• Look outside – are streetlights out? Are nearby homes or buildings also dark?
• Check only what’s safe – never approach downed lines or damaged equipment.

If it looks like only your home is affected and your breaker panel seems fine, there could be an issue with the service line to your house. That still needs to be handled by the utility.

2. How to Report an Outage to Georgia Power

Georgia Power provides several ways to report a power outage:

• Online outage reporting (through their official website)
• Mobile app (for account holders)
• Automated phone system via the customer service number on your bill

📞 You can generally reach Georgia Power customer service at:
1-888-660-5890 (toll-free customer service and outage reporting line).

When you report an outage, it helps to have:

• Your service address
• Your account number (if available)
• A brief description of what you noticed (sparks, loud noise, tree down, etc.)

Using Outage Maps and Restoration Estimates

During storms or system issues, it’s useful to know how widespread the outage is.

Georgia Power Outage Map

Georgia Power provides a public outage map where you can usually:

• See areas affected by outages
• Check estimated restoration times, when available
• See cause categories (such as storm damage or equipment issues)

While times listed are estimates and may change, they give Atlanta residents a general idea of how long the power might be out so they can plan for:

• Food storage
• Work and school obligations
• Medical or mobility needs
• Phone and device charging

Common Causes of Power Outages in Atlanta

Atlanta’s climate and infrastructure create some predictable outage patterns. Understanding these can help you prepare.

Severe Thunderstorms and Summer Weather

From late spring through early fall, pop-up thunderstorms and severe weather can cause:

• Downed trees and branches onto power lines
• Lightning strikes damaging transformers or equipment
• Short but widespread outages in neighborhoods across the metro area

Neighborhoods with mature tree canopies, like Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, and parts of Midtown, may see more tree-related outages.

Tropical Systems and Heavy Rain

Remnants of tropical storms and hurricanes can bring days of rain and wind, leading to:

• Saturated soil and falling trees
• Flooding that damages underground equipment
• Longer restoration times if conditions stay hazardous

Winter Weather and Ice

Although ice storms are not frequent, when they do hit Atlanta:

• Ice accumulation on trees and lines can lead to large, prolonged outages
• Bridges and roads may become hazardous, slowing down utility repair crews

Equipment Failures and Accidents

Even on clear days, outages may result from:

• Vehicle accidents involving power poles
• Transformer or equipment failures
• Planned maintenance in certain areas (sometimes with prior notice)

What To Do During a Power Outage in Atlanta

Once the power goes out and you’ve confirmed it isn’t just your breaker, focus on safety, preservation, and communication.

Stay Safe Around Power Lines and Outdoors

• Never touch or go near a downed power line – treat every line as energized.
• If a line is down across a roadway or sidewalk, keep others away and report it to Georgia Power and, if needed, to 911.
• In dense parts of the city (like Downtown, Midtown, or the Westside), be cautious at intersections if traffic lights are out.

Manage Food and Appliances

To protect your food and appliances:

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
• Unplug sensitive electronics (TVs, computers) to avoid damage from power surges when power returns.
• If lights flicker repeatedly, consider turning off major appliances until power stabilizes.

Use Safe Lighting and Heating

• Use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns instead of candles when possible.
• If you must use candles, keep them away from curtains, bedding, and children, and never leave them unattended.
• Do not operate gas stoves, grills, or portable generators indoors—this can cause deadly carbon monoxide buildup.

Power Outages and High-Rise or Multi-Unit Buildings

Many Atlantans live in apartments or condos, especially around Midtown, Buckhead, and Downtown. Outages in these buildings can feel different than in single-family neighborhoods.

Consider:

• Elevators may be out of service. Avoid using elevators if the power is unstable or flickering.
• Water pressure may drop in some buildings if pumps are powered down.
• Electronic access systems (fobs, keypads, garage doors) may fail without backup batteries.

If you live in a building:

• Know where emergency stairwells and exits are.
• Ask your property manager about backup power systems, if any.
• Keep a small “blackout kit” (flashlight, batteries, small battery-powered fan) in an easy-to-find place.

Staying Informed During an Atlanta Power Outage

When the power is out, information becomes a priority.

Local Information Sources

While you shouldn’t rely on any single source, many Atlanta residents turn to:

• Local radio stations on battery-powered or car radios
• Atlanta-based TV news, accessed via mobile data
• Official City of Atlanta and Fulton County channels for emergency notices

Using Your Cell Phone Wisely

During a long outage:

• Conserve battery by turning down screen brightness and closing unneeded apps.
• Keep at least one portable power bank charged at home.
• Use texting instead of calling when possible, to reduce network congestion.

What If You Depend on Electricity for Medical Needs?

Some Atlanta residents rely on powered equipment such as oxygen concentrators, home dialysis devices, or motorized mobility equipment.

While specific medical advice should always come from your healthcare provider, many people in this situation:

• Register with their utility’s medical needs or critical care program if available.
• Maintain backup batteries, oxygen tanks, or alternative equipment where possible.
• Identify the nearest hospital or urgent care center that could be reached in an emergency.

Major hospital systems in Atlanta include:

• Emory University Hospital – 1364 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322
• Grady Memorial Hospital – 80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Piedmont Atlanta Hospital – 1968 Peachtree Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

If a power outage is creating an immediate life-threatening situation, call 911.

When Should You Call 911 vs. the Power Company?

Knowing who to call helps keep lines open for true emergencies.

Use this quick guide:

Preparing for Future Power Outages in Atlanta

Because Atlanta experiences frequent thunderstorms and occasional extreme weather, treating outages as expected rather than rare can make life easier.

Build a Basic Power Outage Kit

Consider keeping:

• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Battery-powered lantern or radio
• Portable power bank for phones
• Non-perishable food and manual can opener
• Bottled water
• Copies of important phone numbers written on paper

If you live in an area prone to tree-related outages, like parts of Druid Hills, East Lake, or Cascade, an outage kit is especially useful.

Plan for Heating and Cooling

Atlanta summers can be hot and humid, and winter cold snaps can be uncomfortable without power.

Many residents:

• Keep lightweight, breathable clothing and battery-powered fans for summer outages.
• Have extra blankets and warm layers ready for winter outages.
• Know the locations of nearby cooling centers or warming centers, which may be announced by the City of Atlanta or Fulton/DeKalb Counties during extreme weather.

For example, during significant heat or cold events, community centers and recreation centers in Atlanta are sometimes used as public shelters or relief sites. Check local government channels or local news for current locations when events occur.

What Visitors to Atlanta Should Know About Power Outages

If you’re staying in a hotel or short-term rental in Atlanta:

• Ask the front desk or host what their procedure is if power goes out.
• Keep a small flashlight or phone light handy at night.
• Know where the stairs and exits are in case elevators are unavailable.
• Store important items (keys, wallet, medications) where you can find them easily in the dark.

Hotels in central areas like Downtown, Midtown, and near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport may have backup generators that keep essential functions running, but room power can still be affected depending on the building.

Dealing With Traffic and Transportation During an Outage

Power outages in Atlanta can affect traffic flow and public transportation.

• Treat intersections with dark signals as four-way stops, driving slowly and making eye contact with other drivers.
• MARTA rail and bus services may experience delays or changes if a major outage affects stations or signals.
• Parking garages with electric gates may need manual assistance from staff.

If you commute by car from suburbs like Sandy Springs, Decatur, or College Park, allow extra time when you know there are outages in the metro area.

After the Power Comes Back On

Once electricity is restored:

• Turn on appliances and electronics one at a time to avoid overloading circuits.
• Check your refrigerator and freezer. If food has been warm for an extended period, consider whether it is still safe to consume.
• Reset clocks, alarms, and internet routers as needed.
• If you noticed repeated outages or damage (like scorch marks on outlets or buzzing noises), contact a licensed electrician for an inspection.

For repeated service issues in the same area, many Atlantans also keep notes on:

• Dates and times of outages
• How long they lasted
• Any related damage

This can be useful when talking with your utility, your landlord, or your insurance company.

Understanding how power outages work in Atlanta, who is responsible for what, and how to stay safe and prepared can make an inconvenient situation much more manageable—whether you’re a longtime resident in Southwest Atlanta, a student in Midtown, or a visitor staying near Downtown.