What to do first
Get safe
Fire or smoke: leave and call 911. Downed lines: stay far back and call the utility.
Cut power if safe
Switch off the affected breaker only if you can reach the panel without touching water or damaged equipment.
Call and describe
Explain what you see, smell or hear and what's without power.
Keep clear
Keep people and pets away until the hazard is made safe.
Storm season in Huntsville
Spring and summer storms bring lightning, wind and falling limbs. After a storm, look for damage to your service mast and meter base from a safe distance. The utility owns the service drop; the mast and meter base are typically the homeowner's responsibility.
If your neighbors have power but part of your home doesn't, the problem is likely inside your system. See partial power outage.
Utility or electrician?
- Whole neighborhood dark: call your utility
- Downed line: call the utility and 911, stay back
- Only your home affected: check your main breaker, then call an electrician
- Burning smell, sparking or hot panel: call an electrician now
Related services
Emergency Electrician
Urgent help for burning smells, sparking, hot panels, water-exposed wiring and sudden loss of power at home.
Electrical Repair
Diagnosis and repair of dead circuits, failing outlets and switches, tripping breakers and other everyday electrical faults in your home.
Electrical Meter Services
Repairs to the homeowner-owned meter base, service mast and connections, coordinated with your utility.
Electrical Panel Services
Repairs, inspections and maintenance for breaker panels — loose connections, damaged breakers, labeling and capacity checks.
Related problems
Frequently asked questions
Call and you'll be told what help is available for your situation and address.
If there's smoke or the smell is strong and spreading, yes. Otherwise turn off the circuit if safe and call an electrician.
An electrician repairs the homeowner-owned meter base and coordinates with the utility.