Nearly 20,000 of Mississippi Power’s 195,000 customers are still unable to receive service due to damage caused by Hurricane Katrina. While workers continue to restore facilities in the company’s service area, there are numerous things customers should keep in mind.

“It will be months before everything is back to normal,” said Kurt Brautigam, company spokesman. “Everyone needs to continue to exercise caution around any downed lines or other situations that might be dangerous.

“We’re still rebuilding lines in numerous areas and we need to hear from customers when they complete repairs to their homes or businesses. We also ask that they call if they have questions about new service arrangements.”

Customers can call Mississippi Power’s outage reporting number at 1-800-ITS-DARK (800-487-3275) or the customer service number at 800-532-1502.

Along the Coast, inspections are required by local authorities before Mississippi Power can provide temporary service or service for new construction. Customers can call city or county code offices. The connection fee for residential service only has been waived until further notice.

All of Mississippi Power’s customer service offices are open except those in Gulfport, Pass Christian, and Moss Point.

Customers can mail bills to the P O Box address on their bill (P O Box 245, Birmingham, AL 35201)

Important safety information during the next several weeks:

•Trash contractors or garbage removal crews should not pile debris higher than 12 feet (from the ground) in their trucks. Transporting tall piles of trash runs a significant risk of snagging or coming in contact with power lines, causing significant damage, possible injury and delaying restoration efforts.

•Do not pick up or dispose of transformers, capacitors or other similar electrical equipment. Do not pick up or dispose of downed power lines, cables, or telephone lines unless they are clearly removed from nearby poles.

•Do not stack debris piles near utility poles, underground transformers and other facilities. The piles cause access problems for crews working on lines and may cause damage to poles and transformers during clean up.