Hurricane Season Tips from FPL

To help locals protect themselves this season, check out Florida Power & Light Company's comprehensive 2023 Residential Storm Tips

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Photo courtesy of NASA via Unsplash
Photo courtesy of NASA via Unsplash

As of June 1, the 2023 hurricane season is officially upon us. To help locals protect themselves this season, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) is urging customers to make storm preparations with the help of the 2023 Residential Storm Tips.

Read on for expert recommendations to help you stay safe before a storm threatens and preparing for an approaching storm:

Before a storm threatens

  • Determine if your home or business is in a flood and/or evacuation zone and review evacuation routes.
  • Develop your emergency plan and review it with your family.
  • Photograph or record your home—inside and out—for insurance purposes.
  • Determine your backup power source, or make arrangements to relocate if a storm warning is issued and someone in your home is dependent on electric-powered, life-sustaining medical equipment.
  • Clear tree and vegetation debris. Trash pickup will be suspended when a hurricane warning is issued. Click here for more information on tree trimming policies.
  • Do not attempt to trim vegetation growing on or near overhead power lines. Only hire qualified professionals to trim trees and other vegetation near power lines.

Preparing for an approaching storm

  • Turn off and unplug any unnecessary electrical equipment.
  • Turn off all swimming pool pumps and filters, and wrap them in waterproof materials.
  • Set your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings ahead of time to keep food fresh longer in the event of a power outage.
  • Note the location of power lines before working on a ladder. Be sure that ladders or scaffolds are far enough away so that you and the ends of the tools used don’t come within 10 feet of power lines.
  • Turn off and unplug televisions before lowering an antenna or satellite dish. Avoid power lines.
  • Store important documents—insurance policies, health cards, birth certificates, Social Security cards, important phone numbers, medications lists, and a copy of your FPL bill—in a waterproof container.
  • Bookmark this page and save 1-800-4-OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243) to your cell phone to report and check the status of power restorations.
  • Contact local emergency management office if you or anyone you know has special needs in case of evacuations.
  • Fill up your car with gas and fill propane tanks if you plan to use a grill for cooking immediately after a storm.
  • Prepare to be self-sufficient for an extended period of time, according to emergency operations officials. Stock up on nonperishable food, extra batteries, medications, baby supplies, and pet food.
  • Purchase bottled water. The American Red Cross recommends one gallon of water per person per day for up to 14 days.
  • Keep a battery-operated radio and a two-week supply of fresh batteries.
  • Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, battery-operated radios, extension cords, cell phones and chargers, and emergency generators.
  • Charge your cell phone and keep it ready by obtaining portable chargers.
  • Install an approved hurricane shutter system over windows and doors, or have alternate coverings such as plywood.
  • Bring outside objects inside, fasten doors and windows, cover valuables and furniture with plastic, and move away from windows.

For more storm and safety tips, click here.

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