#USA #Duke Energy #St. Petersburg #storm preparedness #Hurricane Isaias

Duke Energy Florida's Preparedness and Customer Safety Measures

Duke Energy Florida has announced a state of readiness as Hurricane Isaias approaches, prompting the utility provider to urge its customers to prepare for possible power outages. The threat of the hurricane, characterized by intense winds and heavy rains, could significantly impact the power supply across the region. Todd Fountain, the storm director for Duke Energy Florida, emphasized the importance of safety, stating, "The safety of our customers, communities, and employees remains our top priority."

The utility has been monitoring the storm closely, and once it is safe, repair crews will be deployed to restore power. However, restoring electricity can be challenging due to hazardous conditions such as strong winds and flooding. The company has set forth several vital safety protocols for its customers to follow during the storm.

Key Safety Protocols for Customers

Duke Energy advises customers to:
1. Avoid Floodwaters: Do not walk, swim, or drive through flooded areas. If rising waters are threatening your property, turn off your power at the circuit breaker panel or fuse box to prevent electrical hazards.
2. Handle Electrical Components Safely: Never change a fuse or touch a circuit breaker with wet hands or while standing on a wet surface. For homes that have flooded, power will not be reconnected until a certified electrician inspects the electrical system.
3. Stay Away from Downed Power Lines: Consider all power lines energized and report any hazards to Duke Energy or local emergency services. If you are in a vehicle and a power line falls across it, remain inside unless it is a life-threatening situation, in which case jump clear and land on your feet to avoid contact with the car and the ground.
4. Use Generators Cautiously: If you experience a power outage, a generator can be beneficial, but it must be operated according to the manufacturer's instructions. Disconnect nonessential electrical equipment to avoid overload once power is restored.
5. Monitor Food Safety: Minimize opening freezers or refrigerators to preserve food and refer to FDA guidelines if food safety is a concern.
6. Report Outages: Customers can report power outages by texting OUT to 57801 or through Duke Energy's mobile app or website.

Communication and Resources

Duke Energy encourages customers to receive real-time updates about restoration efforts by signing up for alerts. Customers can bookmark the outage map and download the mobile app for the latest information.
Additionally, they should consider downloading the American Red Cross Emergency app, which offers weather safety features, emergency checklists, and shelter locations. This app, supported by the Duke Energy Foundation, is available in both English and Spanish.

Duke Energy's Commitment to Energy Reliability

Duke Energy Florida, part of the larger Duke Energy corporation, serves approximately two million customers and operates across a vast 13,000-square-mile service area. The company is focused on providing reliable energy through modernizations and infrastructure upgrades. Their commitment to safety and service excellence remains unwavering, especially during inclement weather such as hurricanes.

Stay tuned for further updates from Duke Energy as they continue to monitor Hurricane Isaias and provide the necessary support to their customers. For more information, visit Duke Energy's website or follow them on social media platforms.