THE VILLAGES, FL (352today.com) – As Hurricane Helene approaches Florida, Duke Energy shares that it is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its customers.
The utility giant reports that it has deployed 8,000 workers throughout the state to quickly address anticipated power outages. Given the storm’s strong winds and heavy rain, these preparations are very important.
A strategic response team
Duke Energy’s deployment is not just about numbers; it includes a variety of skilled workers. The company says that the team consists of power line technicians, vegetation workers, damage assessors, and support staff. This diverse group makes sure that every part of power restoration is addressed, from fixing broken lines to removing obstacles that might slow down recovery.
Duke Energy states that it is boosting its workforce by bringing in teams from its Midwest operations in Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana, along with local crews. This added support will help effectively address any challenges from Hurricane Helene.
Staging locations for quick access
Duke Energy affirms that it is getting ready for the upcoming storm by establishing staging areas at key locations including Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg College Tarpon Springs, The Villages, and the Suwannee Valley Farmer’s Market. The company says that these spots were chosen for their proximity to the storm’s expected path, enabling crews to respond quickly when it is safe. The goal is to reduce outages and restore power as quickly as possible.
“As soon as conditions allow, our dedicated team will be on the ground, carefully assessing the damage and working tirelessly to get the lights back on for our customers,” says Todd Fountain, Duke Energy Florida storm director. “In the meantime, our customers should continue to prepare for this rapidly moving storm and remain vigilant in the days ahead.”
Customer safety and preparedness
Duke Energy says that it is focusing to restore power quickly but reminds customers to keep safety first. It’s important for people to stay updated on the storm and follow local emergency advice. Preparing for Hurricane Helene includes gathering necessary supplies, securing outdoor belongings, and getting ready for possible power outages.
Duke Energy Florida encourages its over two million customers to keep these safety tips in mind:
- Avoid walking, swimming, or driving in floodwaters.
- If water is rising and could harm your home or business, or if you need to leave because of flooding, make sure to switch off your power at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
- Always avoid replacing a fuse or touching a circuit breaker with wet hands or while on a wet surface.
- Avoid fallen or drooping power lines. Treat all lines as if they are live, including any trees or branches touching them. If you see any power line dangers, call Duke Energy at 800.228.8485 or reach out to your local emergency services.
- If a power line falls on your car, stay inside. Only get out if there’s a fire or another serious danger. If you have to exit, try to jump away from the car and land on both feet. Make sure that your body is not touching the car when your feet hit the ground.
- Electricity flows easily through water, so keep your distance from fallen power lines and electrical wires. Avoid driving over or standing close to these lines. They can be difficult to see in the rain and may be concealed in standing water. If you come across large areas of standing water, stop, reverse, and find a different route.
To report a power outage, you can text OUT to 57801, call 800-228-8485, or use the online form or mobile app. For more safety tips, please visit duke-energy.com/StormTips.