FIRST ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE OUTAGE MAP:
http://outage.fecc.coop/

CALL FIRST ELECTRIC at 1-888-827-3322 to report the outage.
Our automated outage reporting system will identify your telephone number and match it to your electric account. If your account does not have an accurate telephone number, you will be prompted to identify your account location. You will also have the opportunity to provide a cause of the outage if known. Your information will be fed immediately into an outage analysis and dispatchers will use this information and direct crews to the source of the problem and restore your power.

Report by Text Message
First Electric Cooperative offers you the ability to report an outage via text. Signing up is easy:

1.Create a new text message on your cell phone.
2.Type “FECC” in the body of the message.
3.Send the text to number 85700.

Please note that the cell phone you use must be on file with First Electric. You can call 800-489-7405 to add the number to your account. Please allow at least 24 hours for the system to update before reporting an outage via text.

In the event of a power outage, simply text “OUT” to 85700. The system will ask you to confirm your address and then send restoration status updates when you request them.

Other keywords:

“STATUS” – You will be sent a restoration update on the outage, including an estimated time of restoration if available.
“HELP” – You will be sent the outage reporting number 888-827-3322.
“FECC STOP” – You no longer will receive notifications until you enroll again.

The co-op does not charge for this service, but standard text messaging rates from your carrier still apply. Need help? Call First Electric at 800-489-7405.

COPING WITH AN OUTAGE

PROTECT YOUR APPLIANCES: Turn off all large appliances that come on automatically and disconnect sensitive equipment such as VCR’s, computers and TV’s to avoid damage from lightning or a power surge. If all of these appliances come back on at once, they might overload your homes electric circuits. Leave a single lamp turned on to let you know when your electric service has been restored.

PLAY IT SAFE: Never touch downed power lines or anything contacting power lines. Although you may see lines that are down, they could still be energized. Never attempt to move trees from power lines. Let qualified servicemen from First Electric handle the clearing and repair work.

CONFIRM THE OUTAGE: First check lights and appliances in other rooms. If you still have power in some areas, most likely a fuse or a circuit breaker in your house has blown. If all lights are off, check to see if neighbor’s lights are also off. This will help First Electric determine how widespread the outage is.

LIGHT: Always have alternate sources of light on hand. It could be a flashlight with extra batteries, candles, kerosene or oil lamps. Keep your alternate light source in an established place when it can be found easily in an outage situation.

INFORMATION: Have a battery-powered radio available. The radio will bring you weather reports, local news bulletins and other important emergency information. During a widespread outage, First Electric will contact local radio stations about restoration efforts.

FOOD: Stock emergency food and related items along with a manual can opener. Keep your refrigerator/freezer doors closed as much as possible to reduce the chance of food spoilage.

When the Power Comes Back On…

Give the electrical system a chance to stabilize by gradually reconnecting the appliances you previously disconnected. When the power first comes back on, turn on only the most essential appliances and wait a few minutes before reconnecting others.

Before switching back on your heating unit, check the outdoor unit to assure that the fan and outdoor heat exchanger are free from ice and snow.

First Electric Cooperative strives to keep the power on for every home and business in our service area. But sometimes unexpected conditions will cause our members to temporarily lose power. As a First Electric Member, you are the most important part of our business and we strive to deliver consistent, uninterrupted service 365 days a year. When storms or other circumstances cause an outage, we take immediate action to restore service. Although First Electric works as quickly as possible to get the power back on, there are some steps you can take before, during and after an outage to make it easier to cope.