Memphis Safety Tip: Reporting a Streetlight Out Is a Small Action That Carries Real Impact

If you notice a streetlight that’s out, flickering, or staying on during the day, it’s easy to ignore — but it’s worth reporting.

In Memphis, where a lot of property crime is opportunistic and fast-moving, lighting matters.

A working streetlight can help: • Reduce concealment around homes, businesses, parking lots, and sidewalks • Improve camera footage quality at night • Make suspicious activity easier to notice • Add friction for quick-hit theft and vehicle break-ins

A streetlight outage isn’t just a maintenance issue — it can become a small security gap for the whole block.

How to report it to MLGW MLGW has a dedicated streetlight outage reporting process. You can report a problem two ways: 1) Online: Go to MLGW’s website and search “streetlight outage” or use their Streetlight Outage Report form. 2) By phone: Call 901-320-1497 to report the outage. When you report it, include as much detail as possible: • Closest street address or intersection • Pole number, if visible • Whether the light is out, flickering, dim, damaged, or on during the day • Any helpful landmark nearby

After submitting the report, you should receive a confirmation number so you can follow up or track the request.

MLGW notes that most repairs are typically completed in about a week, depending on weather, workload, and repair conditions.

Bottom line: Reporting one dark streetlight takes just a few minutes, but it can improve visibility and safety for an entire street, parking lot, or neighborhood entrance.

Small action. Real community benefit.