Aug 18, 2008 2:22 pm US/Eastern
FPL Positioning Crews For Post Fay Outages
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
As Tropical Storm Fay inches toward South Florida, Florida Power and Light crews are preparing to restore power to thousands left in the dark in the storm's wake.
"There are still uncertainties in both the forecast track and intensity, but it's likely that the storm will disrupt service to some of our customers. FPL is in a state of readiness. We have a plan of action to restore power safely and as quickly as possible. We're prepared, and we encourage our customers to make their own preparations and to plan for their safety," said FPL President Armando J. Olivera.
FPL says depending on Fay's path, both overhead and underground electrical systems may be damaged from the storm's heavy rains, high winds, blowing debris and fallen trees. Customers should be aware that restoration efforts in the wake of a storm may be hampered by flooding, fallen structures and other obstacles.
Prior to the start of this year's storm season, FPL says they extensively trained repair crews to quickly and safely respond to damaged electrical systems. FPL has assistance agreements with other out of state utilities to speed support, supplies and equipment to areas that need restoration.
Immediately after the worst of Fay passes, FPL plans to deploy field teams which conduct damage assessments. This will help FPL assign crews and materials to each problem area and will enable them to provide customers with an estimate of when power will be restored to their area.
FPL's restoration plan calls for restoring power to the greatest number of customers as quickly as possible and along with restoration to facilities that are critical to the community, such as hospitals, police, fire, communications, water and sanitation services. FPL does not assign restoration work according to when a customer calls to report an outage, where a customer lives, or the status of an account.
Once restoration is complete and power is restored to every customer whose home or business can receive it, FPL enters into a recovery phase focused on returning the system to its pre-storm state.
Residents who lose power in Monroe County should contact the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative Association.
There are two hurricane hotline numbers for the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative.
- The Tavernier office is: 305-852-2431.
- The Marathon office is: 305-743-5344.
If the power does go out, here are some basic tips that will keep you, your family and your employees safe while the power is out.
- Assume all cables and wires are energized and stay away from them.
- You should also keep away from flooded areas and areas filled with debris because they may be hiding downed power lines.
- If you plan on using a portable generator, make sure to use it outside of your house or building, and connect appliances or equipment directly to it.
- If you leave your home, turn off all appliances or turn off your main breaker.
- You also need to avoid driving in damaged areas after a storm. You might interfere with rescue or restoration efforts, as well as jeopardize your own safety.
If you see a downed power line, call 911 or FPL at
1-800-4-OUTAGE.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Hurricane Ike Hits Texas Coast
Click to enlarge
I-Team: Tracking The Florida Stimulus Money Trail 
Stumble It!
