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Hurricane Season Begins: FPL’s Call to Action

As the Atlantic hurricane season commences on June 1, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) is making crucial efforts to bolster its infrastructure and enhance customer preparedness. This six-month period poses significant risks, and FPL's commitment to maintaining a resilient electric grid aims to ensure reliable service even in the face of severe storms.

FPL prepares meticulously all year long, focusing on optimizing its power lines and equipment to withstand hurricanes. The company has undertaken extensive measures, including hardening its electric grid with underground cables and employing innovative technology designed to mitigate potential outages.

Essential Preparedness Steps for Customers

To help customers navigate this hurricane season safely, FPL urges everyone—whether seasoned Floridians or recent arrivals—to develop a solid emergency plan. Here are some critical tips:

1. Create an Emergency Plan: It’s vital for families to devise a strategy that addresses communication and evacuation needs. Share this plan with everyone in your household.
2. Understand Your Generator: If you own a generator, familiarize yourself with its operation by reading the manual. Knowing how to use it safely during a power outage is essential.
3. Stay Safe Near Power Lines: Always maintain a safe distance from power lines—at least 10 feet. Do not attempt to trim trees or vegetation near power lines yourself; hire a professional instead.
4. Stock Emergency Supplies: Ensure you have radios, flashlights, and batteries on hand in case of power outages.
5. Shelter Planning: Decide whether you will stay at home or evacuate during a storm. If you have pets, make sure to incorporate them into your plans.
6. Support for Medical Needs: For those reliant on electrically powered medical devices, have a contingency plan ready to ensure their needs are met during outages.
7. Knowledge of Safety Protocols: It is critical to stay away from downed power lines and flooded areas, as they may harbor hidden dangers. Report any such lines by calling 911 or FPL’s outage line.

FPL emphasizes the importance of emergency preparation, as no electric grid can guarantee complete immunity from storms. Having an emergency plan could be the difference between safety and danger when a hurricane strikes.

FPL’s Commitment to Hurricane Preparedness

FPL's proactive approach to hurricane readiness includes improvements to its electric grid that enhance resilience against the forces of nature. Some of these efforts include:

• - Strengthening Infrastructure: About 97% of FPL's transmission structures are built from steel or concrete, ensuring they can withstand severe weather.
• - Underground Power Lines: Under the Storm Secure Underground Program, FPL strategically converts power lines to underground installation, improving grid reliability and efficiency during storm restoration efforts.
• - Smart Technology Implementation: Installation of smart grid technology has proven beneficial. For instance, during the landfall of hurricanes in 2024, smart devices helped prevent around 824,000 outages.
• - Proactive Tree Maintenance: FPL employs advanced imaging technology, such as LiDAR, to manage vegetation around power lines effectively, thereby reducing outages caused by branches during storms.

FPL’s storm hardening investments significantly assist in quickly restoring power when severe weather occurs. However, even with these measures, they remind customers of their responsibility to prepare adequately.

A Message from Leadership

Scott Bores, FPL’s president and CEO, acknowledges that while forecasts may indicate a milder hurricane season, the unpredictability of nature demands constant vigilance. “We cannot afford to be complacent,” he asserts, encouraging all Floridians to earnestly prepare for any eventuality.

For comprehensive advice on developing effective emergency plans, customers can visit FPL.com/Storm. This resource offers detailed checklists, suggestions, and crucial information tailored for preparing homes and businesses for the hurricane season.

About Florida Power & Light Company

Florida Power & Light Company, a massive utility provider, serves over 6 million customer accounts across Florida. By utilizing a variety of energy sources, including solar, natural gas, and nuclear power, they have built a reputation for reliable service, associated with fewer outages and greater efficiency. To stay informed about FPL's efforts and learn more about their resources, customers are encouraged to visit their websites, including FPL.com. Keeping residents informed and prepared is a fundamental part of FPL’s mission, especially as the hurricane season begins.