How To Prepare For Power Outages: Hurricane Ian

FLORIDA — Strong winds from Hurricane Ian — expected to reach Category 4 status by Monday — could cause many power outages throughout Florida. Make sure you are prepared to be without electricity, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Sunday.

Category 4 storms have winds of 130 to 156 mph. At 5 p.m. Monday, Ian had sustained winds of 100 mph.

Ahead of the storm, Duke Energy will place crews and resources near areas that will likely be affected by the system.

“Restoring power as safely and quickly as possible, while keeping our customers informed, remains our top priority,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, on Sunday. “We want customers to know that our team is ready to respond to Ian or any other storm that could pose a threat to our electric system.”

Here's what residents can do to prepare for power outages:

Generators

If you are using a portable generator for backup power, be sure to use it properly.

Don't:

• Place a running generator inside your home or garage. Keep it at least 15 feet from any enclosed structure. The odorless carbon monoxide exhaust fumes are deadly.
• Store fuel in your home, or in your garage near potentially combustible appliances such as a furnace or water heater.
• Connect a generator directly to your home's electrical box. It can create a fire hazard, and might energize area power lines that utility workers assume are not "live."
• Run a generator in rain or damp conditions. If the electrical panel gets wet, it could cause electrical shock or damage the machine.
• Refuel a generator while it's running. Fuel spilled on a hot motor can spark an explosion or fire.

Do:

• Start and briefly run your machine a few times during the year to ensure it is ready when you need it.
• Make sure you have plenty of fresh fuel to power your generator. If the machine runs on gasoline, figure on up to 21 gallons a day if you want to operate it around the clock.
• Check the oil.
• Make sure the combined wattage of devices you plan to power does not exceed the generator's capacity.
• Use heavy-duty, properly grounded extension cords.
• Hire a qualified technician to install a transfer switch if you want to connect an emergency generator to your home's main electrical system.

Power Outage Map

• If you want to know how many areas are without power or need updates on restoration, click Florida on the map section of PowerOutage.US, and click on the county where you live for its outage report. This site lists the most recent reported outages along with each electric provider in the state.
• Sometimes when electric power crews are responding to outages, they will need to turn off nearby power lines or an entire power line that may have not been affected by storm or hurricane weather for safety reasons, Duke Energy said.
• If you have medical issues that require assistance from a health device that is powered by electricity, make sure to have an alternate location that will have electricity, or make sure to have power backups, the utility said.

Duke Energy outage reporting

Duke Energy customers can report an outage several ways:

• Visit duke-energy.com on a desktop computer or mobile device.
• Use the Duke Energy mobile app – Download the Duke Energy App from a smartphone via Apple Store or Google Play.
• Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply).
• Call the automated outage-reporting system, at: 800.228.8485.

There is also an interactive outage map where customers can find up-to-date information on power outages, including the total number of outages systemwide and estimated times of restoration.

Backup Batteries

• Have a portable battery charger or multiple portable battery chargers for your laptop, cell phone and other electronics. Make sure the portable battery is fully charged before power outages occur.

Other Ways To Prepare:

• Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity.
• Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
• Review the supplies that are available in case of a power outage. Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member. Have enough nonperishable food and water.
• Sign up for weather alerts from your nearby local weather provider, and follow hurricane tracking by the National Hurricane Center or your local emergency operations center.

Related: Tropical Storm Ian Track Unclear; DeSantis: Prepare For Power Outages