BE PREPARED...IT'S OUR MOTTO, TOO!

During hurricane season, preparation is the key.

The following planning, safety tips and information will help you better deal with the situation.

Please follow these links if you would like more information as to what to do after the storm, or more specific information for Natural Gas Users, Propane Gas Users, or Electric Users.

Please take the time to acquaint yourself with the following safety and preparation measures you and your family should take in the event of an actual storm or emergency. Florida Public Utilities recommends the following procedures and precautions.

In the plan you should decide:

• When should the family evacuate?
• Where should we go and how will we get there? Make sure you include alternative locations and routes in your plan.
• Will we use emergency shelters located in or near our area?
• If we require electricity for medical reasons, where can we go if the electricity is out for an extended period of time?
• What will we do with other automobiles, boats, recreational vehicles, etc.?
• What valuables, important papers, and family keepsakes should we take?
• Where family member will we notify and how will be making contact after the hurricane passes?
• What will we do with family pets?
• What will be done prior to the storm to protect our property and who will do this?
• Do all our family members and relatives have a Hurricane Plan?

 

How to prepare for the Hurricane

Here is a sample list of things to have on hand prior to a Hurricane.

• Canned goods and non-perishable foods that don't require cooking:
• Bottled water (one gallon per person per day)
• Baby formula and food
• Coffee and tea (instant)
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Canned meats and fishes
• Canned soups and puddings
• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Canned fruit juices
• Dried fruit
• Prescription medicine -- two-week supply
• Manual can opener
• Disposable plates, cups and utensils
• Water purification tablets
• Infant care items -- disposable diapers, wipes
• First aid supplies
• Flashlights or lanterns and extra batteries
• Ice chest
• Masking or duct tape
• Battery-operated radio
• Non-electric clock
• Canned heat -- sterno
• Portable outdoor camping stove or grill with fuel supply (do not use indoors)
• Fire extinguisher (ABC type)
• Plastic sheeting for drop cloth
• Chlorinated bleach

 

Safety Tips

During and after the hurricane, many potential dangers will be present. These are a few tips that may save you life.

• Treat any downed wire as if it is energized, stay away and don't touch. You can't tell by looking if a downed wire is energized or not. Telephone or cable television wires that are touching a power line could become energized and should also be avoided. Notify FPU or call 911 to report the location of any downed lines.
• Don't attempt to repair the electrical system or pull tree limbs off lines. Stay clear of areas where there is a lot of debris or downed trees. It could conceal an energized power line.
• Stay clear of chain link fences that may be energized if touching a downed line.
• Stay away from any water that may have downed wires in or near the area.
• Stay away from areas where FPU crews are working. Whether you're driving or walking, pay attention to all warning signs, drive cautiously and let the crews work to restore power quickly and safely.
• If you have an electric generator, please ensure that you have isolated your home or business from the FPU electrical service lines (If you are one of Florida Public Utilities Electric customers in Marianna or Fernandina Beach, Florida) by opening main breakers or other devices. Serious injuries to others, even if they are located long distances away, can occur if the generator energizes the electrical wires outside the home. Please plug appliances directly into the generator rather than energizing the wiring in the house if possible.
• If a hurricane or severe weather is imminent, DO NOT shut off your gas UNLESS you are directed to evacuate your area by civil defense, police or fire officials. This guidance is given to all of Florida Public Utilities’ (FPU) gas customers when severe weather is approaching.
  If you are directed to evacuate:
  Natural gas customers (those who receive their gas via underground pipeline) should shut off the gas valve at their meter.
  Propane customers (those who have tanks or cylinders) should shut off their gas valve located on the tank or cylinder.
  Before severe weather advances, find out from an FPU representative where your meter or valve is and how to shut it off.
• Check yard for loose items. Move or secure items not firmly installed. This includes grills, patio furniture, swings, pool equipment and supplies, even water hose reels. Items such as these can be blown around by hurricane winds causing unnecessary damage to your home, propane tank or gas meter.

 

Please follow these links if you would like more information as to what to do after the storm, or more specific information for Natural Gas Users, Propane Gas Users, or Electric Users.