Be Storm Ready Before Severe Weather Strikes
JULY 2026 | IN THIS ISSUE
SMART TOOLS FOR EXPLORING YOUR EV OPTIONS COMFORT YOU CAN FEEL. SAVINGS YOU CAN COUNT ON. SIMPLE WAYS STUDENTS CAN PREVENT ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
PREPARING BEFORE THE STORM
If you’ve lived in Northeast Georgia very long, you know that storm season can keep you on your toes.
One day, the forecast calls for sunshine. The next, you’re watching dark clouds roll in and wondering whether you’ll be spending the evening listening to thunder. The truth is, storms are a fact of life here. While we can’t prevent them, we can prepare for them. Because we care about you and your family’s safety, we want to encourage you to plan ahead before severe weather arrives in our community.
When a storm is approaching, most people naturally focus on what they need to do at home. I thought you may also like to know what happens behind the scenes at Jackson EMC before a storm ever reaches our area.
Preparing for storms is something our team works on year-round. We inspect equipment, maintain power lines, trim vegetation and make improvements across the electric system to help reduce outages and improve reliability. We also regularly train for emergency situations so we’re ready when severe weather strikes.
When a major storm is in the forecast, those preparations ramp up. Crews check vehicles and equipment, materials are staged where they may be needed in our service area and employees across the cooperative prepare to respond. We also work closely with other electric cooperatives through mutual aid agreements so additional crews can be available if widespread damage occurs. It’s one of the ways cooperatives help one
Smart Tools for Exploring Your EV Options
You can learn more about your options for electric vehicles through the EV tools and resources on our website. Whether you’re interested in reducing fuel costs, learning about charging options or comparing vehicle models, our website makes it easy to get started.
Members can compare EVs by price points, driving range, estimated charging costs and more. It also includes information about home EV charging equipment, public charging stations and rebates for qualifying Level 2 chargers.
Because every member’s needs are different, Jackson EMC’s EV resources are designed to help you find information that makes sense for your home, budget and routine. From short commutes to busy family schedules, our EV tools can help you better understand how an EV may fit into your life.
We’re here to help you navigate your energy choices with trusted information, helpful resources and personalized support along the way.
other and serve communities during difficult times.
But storm preparation isn’t just Jackson EMC's responsibility. It's something you share with us. Taking a little time now to prepare your family before severe weather arrives can make a big difference if the power goes out. You can look in this issue of JEMCO News for helpful storm preparation information and count on our team to be ready when you
CHIP JAKINS, President & CEO
Comfort You Can Feel. Savings You Can Count On.
When you buy a home, you want more than four walls and a roof. You want a home that feels comfortable in every season without high energy bills.
Thousands of local families live in a Right ChoiceTM home, built exclusively in Jackson EMC’s service area by leading homebuilders. Right Choice homes are designed and tested to meet higher standards for energy efficiency, comfort and long-term affordability.
In a Right Choice home, energy-efficient features can help reduce your heating and cooling costs for years to come. And because Right Choice homes qualify for Jackson EMC’s lowest residential rate, homeowners continue benefiting long after move-in day.
Explore the difference a Right Choice home makes and learn which subdivisions are building new homes in partnership with Jackson EMC. Scan this QR code
Be Storm Ready Before Severe Weather Strikes
Storms can develop quickly in northeast Georgia, and preparing before severe weather arrives can help keep you and your family safer and more comfortable.
While Jackson EMC crews prepare year-round to respond to outages and restore power as conditions and safety procedures allow, there are important steps you can take now to be ready before a storm is at your doorstep.
Having a storm plan and emergency supplies in place ahead of time can make a stressful situation easier to manage. When strong storms or tropical systems threaten our area, being prepared can help you stay connected with loved ones, protect your household and avoid last-minute trips for supplies. Most importantly, planning ahead helps keep your family safe.
Many of the largest power outages in Jackson EMC’s service area are caused by tropical weather systems and
severe storms. That’s why we encourage every member to think through what your family may need before bad weather arrives.
Jackson EMC had a comprehensive storm response plan that covers everything from staging equipment and supplies to coordinating additional crews during major outages. Your family should have a storm plan, too.
After a storm, stay away from downed power lines and assume every line is energized. Report downed lines immediately to Jackson EMC and call 911 if there is an immediate danger to life or property.
YOUR STORM PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST
Stock an emergency supply kit
Keep important phone numbers written down somewhere, not just in your cell phone
Sign up for local weather alerts and warnings
Document and insure your property
Store important documents in a safe, waterproof location
Know your evacuation route
Discuss your plans with family and neighbors
Fully charge phones, medical devices and portable battery packs before storms arrive
Fuel vehicles and generators before severe weather reaches the area
Identify a safe place to go if your household relies on electricity for medical equipment
Download the MyJacksonEMC app and verify your contact information is up to date
YOUR EMERGENCY SUPPLIES KIT
LIGHT
Keep battery-powered flashlights and lanterns ready to use. Avoid using candles, which can create a fire hazard.
WATER
Store bottled water for drinking — at least 1 gallon per person, per day, for three days. If your home uses a well, fill bathtubs or large containers with water for household use, like flushing toilets.
FOOD
Keep nonperishable foods on hand that don’t require cooking, such as canned fruit, peanut butter, trail mix, crackers and bread. Don’t forget a manual can opener.
CASH
INFORMATION
Charge cellphones and portable battery packs before storms arrive so you can stay connected with family and receive updates. Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio available for local weather alerts and emergency information.
CONTACTING JACKSON EMC
If your power goes out, report it using the MyJacksonEMC mobile app, online at outage.jacksonemc.com or by calling 1-800-245-4044. During major storms, we’ll also share updates on our social media channels. Please do not report outages through social media.
BEFORE USING A GENERATOR
Keep a small amount of cash on hand. Credit card systems and ATMs may not be available during extended outages.
MEDICAL
Make sure you have enough prescription medications in case pharmacies are closed or travel is difficult after a storm. If a loved one depends on electricity for medical equipment, create a backup plan now. That may include a generator, backup power source or identifying another safe location to stay if outages are prolonged.
Portable generators can help power your home during extended outages after a storm. However, improper use can create serious safety hazards for your family and utility crews. If you plan to use a generator, take time now to learn how to operate it safely.
LEARN HOW YOU CAN SAFELY OPERATE A GENERATOR.
COOPERATIVE SPIRIT IN ACTION ACROSS OUR COMMUNITIES
Every weekend, hundreds of local students face a challenge many families never need to consider: where their next meal will come from when school cafeterias are closed. Jackson EMC employees recently volunteered with New Path 1010, a nonprofit based in Barrow County dedicated to helping students facing food insecurity.
The weekend backpack program provides children with easyto-prepare meals and snacks to take home from school, helping ensure they have access to food throughout the weekend.
During the volunteer event, employees helped pack and organize food bags were distributed to students across the community. The effort is one of many ways Jackson EMC employees support local organizations working to meet important needs throughout the cooperative’s service area.
As a cooperative, caring for the community is part of who we are. Whether restoring power after severe weather or partnering with nonprofits like New Path 1010, Jackson EMC employees are proud to serve and support the communities our members call home.
Being your cooperative means more than providing electricity — it means investing in people, building connections and working together to make our communities stronger.
YOU CAN SEE NEW PATH 1010 IN ACTION BY WATCHING THIS VIDEO
OPERATION ROUND UP ® : YOUR DONATIONS AT WORK
$85,000 IN GRANTS RECENTLY AWARDED
The Jackson EMC Foundation Board of Directors recently approved a total of $85,000 in grants to local organizations.
Organizational Grant Recipients:
$10,000 to Camp Amplify, Winder, to support children in Barrow, Franklin, Gwinnett, Hall and Jackson counties for its Building Leaders Building Hope Program to participate in outdoor activities, creative programs and mentorship.
$10,000 to Camp Twin Lakes to support children in Barrow, Clarke, Gwinnett, Hall and Jackson counties to participate in its camp program.
$10,000 to Extra Special People, Watkinsville, to support people with disabilities throughout Jackson EMC’s service area for its summer camp.
$10,000 to Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) of Athens to support children in Barrow, Clarke, Franklin, Jackson, Madison and Oglethorpe counties to participate in its summer camp program.
$10,000 to Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) of Georgia’s Piedmont, Winder, to support children in Banks, Barrow, Clarke, Gwinnett, Hall and Jackson counties to participate in its summer day camp.
$5,000 to Camp Kudzu to support children and teens with diabetes from Barrow, Clarke, Franklin, Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson, Lumpkin and Madison counties for its camp program.
$5,000 to Divas Who Win Freedom Center, Athens, to support girls in Barrow, Clarke, Jackson and Oglethorpe counties through its summer leadership program.
$5,000 to Families of Children Under Stress to support people ages 5-29 with disabilities in Barrow, Gwinnett, Hall and Lumpkin counties for its summer camp.
$5,000 to Foster Siblings Reunited (dba Siblings Forever) for its Family Connections Program to help reunite siblings in foster and adoptive care in Clarke, Gwinnett, Hall and Lumpkin counties through camp experiences.
$5,000 to Muscular Dystrophy Association to support children in Barrow, Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson, Lumpkin and Madison counties living with neuromuscular disease for its summer camp program.
$5,000 to the Northeast Georgia Ice Hockey Association, Athens, to support children with financial need in Banks, Barrow, Clarke, Franklin, Jackson, Madison and Oglethorpe counties for its youth hockey program.
$5,000 to Spectrum Autism Support Group, Suwanee, to support people with autism and their families in Gwinnett County for its summer day camp program.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, OR TO APPLY FOR A JACKSON EMC FOUNDATION GRANT, JACKSONEMC.COM/FOUNDATION
Simple Ways
STUDENTS CAN PREVENT ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
Heading off to college is an exciting milestone for many families. Between move-in day, new classes and newfound independence, electrical safety may not be top of mind. Mini fridges, laptops, gaming systems and phone chargers in dorm rooms often use more electricity than students realize.
Small spaces and overloaded outlets can quickly create fire and safety hazards. A few smart habits can help your student stay safe while settling into campus life.
Only plug a dorm room fridge into an outlet. Plugging too many appliances into a single outlet may overload it and become a fire risk.
Replace any worn or frayed cords. Damaged cords could spark a fire.
Keep cords visible to avoid overheating. Avoid placing cords under rugs, beds or doorways.
Create a dedicated charging station in your room. Don’t charge phones under a pillow or bedding, which could overheat.
Report any electrical issues fast. If you notice flickering lights or warm outlets, report it immediately to your housing staff or campus maintenance.
Taking a few simple precautions can help your student avoid electrical hazards and focus on what matters most — learning, growing and enjoying campus life.
MEMBERS MAKE IT DELICIOUS
Veggie Flatbread Pizza
INGREDIENTS:
pack Naan Stonefire Original Flatbread pint fresh sliced mushrooms red and green bell pepper each, sliced or diced cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
DIRECTIONS:
FEATURED RECIPE WINNERS WILL RECEIVE A $200 GROCERY STORE GIFT CARD AND A HAND MIXER
Fresh spinach
Fresh parsley
mushrooms
Sauté mushrooms and bell peppers in olive oil. Wilt fresh spinach by heating it in the oil. Spread margarine on flatbread. Add shredded mozzarella cheese. Next, add spinach, mushrooms, peppers, black olives and parsley. Top with additional mozzarella cheese. Drizzle with oil and bake in a 375-degree oven for 10 minutes.
The amounts of cheese and vegetables can be adjusted to your personal preference.
"I created this recipe because I wanted something easy and healthy. I’m watching my cholesterol and fats, so I’m focusing on healthy recipes with healthy ingredients, like olive oil. This pizza is healthy and it’s also very filling.”
-SHAREN LIDE, Auburn
3 oz. can of sliced black olives
YOUR POWER. YOUR COMMUNITY.
JACKSON EMC OFFICES
1000 Dawsonville Highway Gainesville, GA (770) 536-2415
85 Spratlin Mill Road Hull, GA (706) 548-5362
850 Commerce Road Jefferson, GA (706) 367-5281
825 Buford Dr Lawrenceville, GA (770) 963-6166
EMC SECURITY
55 Satellite Blvd., NW Suwanee, GA (770) 963-0305 or (706) 543-4009
@JacksonEMC
RESTORED 1951 TRUCK
Cele brates
JACKSON EMC’S COOPERATIVE HERITAGE
Jackson EMC is honoring its cooperative roots with the restoration of a vintage 1951 Ford F1 truck that reflects the early days of serving members across northeast Georgia.
Before bucket trucks became part of our fleet in 1964, crews relied on pickup trucks like this one to transport tools and materials while building and maintaining the electric system.
To preserve this piece of history, Jackson EMC's fleet team carefully restored this truck to capture the look and feel of the cooperative’s early fleet — complete with the original red paint style — while adding a modern engine and automatic transmission for reliability.
The restored truck is a tribute to the dependable truck that supported Jackson EMC's crews as they built and maintained the co-op's electric system. You can expect to see the truck at events in the community across the cooperative’s service area.
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