What to do when the lights go out:

Tupelo Water & Light Department makes every possible effort to provide inexpensive and reliable electric service to our customers. However, on occasion, a power outage affecting you may occur. Several factors may be the reason for these outages. Some of the most common reasons are automobile accidents involving power poles, fallen trees or limbs on the lines, and storms. If you are experiencing an outage, please follow the steps below to assist us in restoring your power:

	Determine if the entire house is without electric service.
	Check the switch box for tripped breakers or fuses. Main disconnect switches may be located outside under the meter base or at another location in your house.
	Determine if only you are out of power or if others in your neighborhood are without power. You may notice if your neighbor's lights are on or if the street lights are on.

Call our office at 841-6460 and report the outage. Tupelo Water & Light Department maintains 24 hour emergency service to respond to your call. Provide your name, address, phone number, and a brief description of your outage. This description should include: when the power went off, any loud noises at the time of the outage, and any trees or limbs you may have noticed in contact with the wires. Report the location of any automobile accidents involving power poles or equipment. After reporting the outage to TW&L, turn off all electrical equipment including heating/cooling systems, electric water heaters, and electrical appliances. Turning off these items will help reduce the initial demand for energy when the power is restored. If the initial demand for energy is too great, then the power may go off again. Some other electrical appliances or equipment to consider may include:

	VCRs & TV sets
	Stereos
	Microwave Ovens
	Refrigerators & Freezers
	Washers & Dryers

Thirty minutes after continuous power has been restored, you can generally resume the normal use of your electrical equipment and appliances.

How we prepare to minimize power outages:

Tupelo Water & Light Department has an aggressive maintenance program of inspections, pole replacements, tree trimming and state of the art system facility upgrades to help minimize and reduce the number of outages to our customers. Employees and crews are well trained in the latest techniques of engineering, construction, maintenance and service restoration.

During times when severe weather conditions are expected, TW&L prepares employees and fleet vehicles to meet any possible outages and customer needs that may result. Line crews and tree trimming crews are on standby to restore any outages which may occur from inclement weather. Tupelo Water & Light employees are dedicated to restoring power to our customers as quickly as possible and are willing to work around the clock until every customer has their electric service back on.

Traffic Lights
The Tupelo Water & Light Department maintains eighty-five (85) traffic light intersections within the city. If you notice a traffic light which is malfunctioning, please call our office immediately @ 662-841-6460. Remember, during a power outage or other emergency which causes the traffic lights to be out or flash, always treat the intersection as a 4-way stop and proceed with caution.