A storm preparation checklist

We’re prepared for storm season and urge our customers to prepare, as well. Keep your family safe with a plan that includes evacuation routes, special medical needs, important phone numbers and supplies.

The following checklist can help you and your family stay prepared for impending storms this hurricane season:

• Develop your emergency plan and review that plan with your family.

• Photograph or record your home – inside and out – for insurance purposes.
• Update the phone number and email address on your FPL account.

• Save your FPL account number to the notes section of your cell phone.
• Bookmark FPL.com/outage and save 1-800-4OUTAGE to your cell phone to report and check the status of your restoration.
• Follow FPL for progress reports on Facebook.com/FPLconnect and @insideFPL on Twitter.

• Contact your local emergency management office if you or anyone you know has special needs, in case of evacuations.
• Determine your backup power source or make arrangements to relocate if a storm warning is issued and someone in your home is dependent on electric-powered, life-sustaining medical equipment.
• Gather important documents, including: insurance policies, health cards, birth certificates, social security cards, list of important phone numbers and medications, and a copy of your FPL bill – storing them in a waterproof container.
• Prepare to be self-sufficient for up to 14 days, according to emergency operations officials. Stock up on: non-perishable food, extra batteries, medications, baby supplies and pet food
• Purchase bottled water. The American Red Cross recommends one gallon of water per person per day for up to 14 days.
• Keep a battery-operated radio with you and a two-week supply of fresh batteries.
• Check your emergency equipment, i.e. flashlights, battery-operated radios, extension cords, cell phones and chargers, and emergency generators.
• Charge your cell phone and keep it ready by obtaining portable chargers.
• Read and follow all the manufacturer’s guidelines, if you plan on using a generator, to avoid dangerous shortcuts and ensure safe operation.
• Purchase a carbon monoxide alarm inside your home to detect the toxic fumes generators emit.
• Install an approved hurricane shutter system over windows and doors, or have alternate coverings such as plywood.

• Secure and prepare your home by storing outside objects inside, fasten doors and windows, cover valuables and furniture with plastic and move away from windows.

• Trim trees and vegetation that are near power lines before or early in the season. Clear debris quickly – trash pickup will be suspended when a hurricane warning is issued. For more information on our tree trimming policies and to contact a specially trained line clearing professional, visit FPL.com/trees.

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