ATLANTA – Hundreds of Georgia Power employees are preparing for restoration duty as Hurricane Frances is expected to move into parts of Georgia and Florida and cause widespread power outages.

Georgia Power is assembling restoration crews into several “A-Teams” from headquarters located in every area of the state. A-Teams consist of 20-25 linemen, engineers and technical support employees and 10-12 bucket trucks and supply trucks. So far, four Georgia Power A-Teams from metro Atlanta and north Georgia will be traveling Sunday to a staging area located at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry, Georgia. Nine other A-Teams from the metro Atlanta, Macon and Columbus areas as well as Georgia Power’s mobile storm command centers and supply trailers will begin traveling Monday to assist with restoration where needed.

This current plan is based on early predictions that show Hurricane Frances will hit Georgia early next week. Georgia Power employees are constantly monitoring the changing forecast. The company is prepared to adjust plans and add more resources if needed, depending on the path of the storm.

In accordance with a plan known as the Southeastern Electric Exchange Mutual Assistance Agreement, Georgia Power will restore service to our customers first and then send crews to assist other utilities that request help.

The Georgia Power Storm Center will be fully operational Monday morning.

In the event of a major power outage, Georgia Power’s first priority is to restore electricity to emergency agencies, such as police and fire departments, and hospitals. The next priority is to restore power safely to as many customers as possible with each repair.

Here are some safety tips for customers to follow when severe weather hits:

• Residents who have a life-threatening medical emergency should call 911.

• Always avoid downed power lines. Any downed line should be considered energized and therefore dangerous. Report downed lines immediately to local public safety authorities and stay out of the immediate area.

• Avoid debris lying on the ground that may conceal downed power lines, and make sure there are no downed lines before allowing children out to play.

• Steer clear of Georgia Power crew work areas. Equipment and energized lines may be in the area and could create a safety hazard.

• When driving, watch for crews working along the roadways, and obey all traffic signs and directions around work areas.

• If possible, when leaving your home and power is off, turn off the main breaker as a precaution to avoid a power surge once the power is restored.

• Don’t attempt to make repairs to Georgia Power’s electrical system or pull limbs off lines.

• Be patient. Be assured that Georgia Power crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power to customers.

• Customers should use extreme caution if using candles during a power outage. Always keep candles away from flammable objects, and never leave them burning unattended.

If the weather interrupts electrical service, customers are urged to call the Customer Care Center at 1-888-891-0938. This line is answered by an automated system designed to handle power outage calls; however, customers may also talk directly with a customer service representative. The most efficient way for customers to report outages is to leave all information on this system.

Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company, one of the nation’s largest generators of electricity. The company is an investor-owned, tax-paying utility, serving customers in 57,000 of the state’s 59,000 square miles. Georgia Power’s rates are more than 15 percent below the national average, and its 2 million customers are in all but six of Georgia’s 159 counties.