While we haven’t had any name storms threaten Florida so far this year, the risk is there.
Florida is no stranger to hurricanes. Powerful storms have pummeled the state on a yearly basis, but we can’t let our guard down. That’s why now is the time to think about what could happen.
The Sunshine State’s largest power provider offers recommendations on how to prepare.
“So what customers need to be doing right now is they need to prepare, they need to have an emergency plan. Just like we’re preparing, you know, they need to know what’s going to happen,” said Conlan Kennedy, with Florida Power & Light, which brings utilities to nearly 11 million people across the state. “If a storm comes through, what are you going to do with your pets? What are you going to do with your loved ones? Do you have a loved one to have any electronic medical equipment that they need?”
While FPL and other power companies like JEA, Beaches Energy and Clay Electric intend to keep your electricity on, no grid is hurricane-proof, so they urge you to make a plan for the worst-case scenario.
“So now’s a great time to stock up on nonperishable items. If you have a generator, you know, obviously those can be used,” Kennedy said.
You can limit your risk by fortifying your home and property now. One of the biggest culprits for power outages: falling trees and limbs.
“A great thing that customers can do now before a storm strikes — have their trees trimmed by a professional,” Kennedy said. “A customer should not go around powerlines individually, but they can hire a tree trimmer.”
Utility crews train year-round for catastrophic storms, with thousands of trucks, top-notch technology and backup resources.
“In anticipation of supply chain issues, we stocked up on additional supplies. So we have what we need to be prepared for the 2022 hurricane season, and we’re ready,” Kennedy said. “We take it very seriously, and we’re ready to respond for our customers.”
You can find a hurricane checklist and more resources in the Weather Authority’s 2022 Hurricane Survival Guide.