Florida Power & Light showcases preparedness for potentially active hurricane season 

In Panama City, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) demonstrated the tools and technology the company uses to restore power faster following severe weather during a storm readiness demonstration on Thursday, June 6. 

“FPL is  prepared for the 2024 hurricane season and encourages its customers to focus on their  preparations, too,” the company said in a news release.

FPL has invested in what it says is a “stronger, smarter and more storm-resilient energy grid in Northwest Florida that benefits customers by improving the speed of restoration and reducing  outage times following severe weather.”

Since 2019, grid enhancements in Bay, Holmes, Jackson, Walton and Washington counties include installing more than 2,500 intelligent devices along the energy grid to  detect and prevent outages and minimize restoration times when outages occur and strengthening more than 70 main power lines, including those that serve critical facilities, such as hospitals.

“At  FPL, we know it only takes one hurricane to severely impact our customers and the  communities we serve,” FPL Northwest Region Vice President and General Manager J.T. Young said. “That’s why we prepare year-round and make smart investments that increase the resiliency of the electric grid here in Northwest Florida, helping us restore power faster following storms.”

“While no electric grid is stormproof, we are prepared to respond to  the challenges that may arise during this hurricane season and we ask our customers to also  share our commitment as they prepare their own emergency plans,” Young further said.

FPL said now is the time for customers to begin thinking about their hurricane preparedness plans. Customers can visit  FPL.com/Storm for helpful tips for their home and/or business.  

Suggested tips include creating a storm plan for you and your loved ones, especially for those who have  medically essential power needs; hiring a qualified professional to trim trees growing near power lines to minimize the  impact it may have on your home or neighborhood during severe weather; and stocking up on batteries and flashlights in case you experience a power outage.

“If you have a generator, study the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure safe operations,” FPL said. “Download the FPL mobile app as the most effective resource to stay in touch with us following a storm.”