Before the Power Goes Out
- Make sure FKEC has your current phone numbers. FKEC’s phone system automatically matches the phone number you call from to your account and electrical equipment. For faster outage reporting, log in to SmartHub and go to Settings (under More) → Contact Methods to verify the phone number(s) you are most likely to use when reporting an outage. You can also call (305) 852-2431 to verify or update your information.
- Enroll in Outage Notifications including Outage Texting via SmartHub.
- Make sure FKEC can access your meter equipment. To make repairs, FKEC must have 24-hour access to your meter.
- If your power goes out, check your breakers first. Approximately 33% of all power outages are caused by breaker issues, which are the responsibility of the member to resolve.
- Report the outage by calling or texting. Call (305) 852-2431 or Text 451-83 to report your outage.
- Track the status of a power outage online. View our Live Outage Viewer to check the restoration status of an outage.
Preparing for an Approaching Storm
- When lowering TV antennas or satellite dishes, avoid power lines and equipment.
- Turn off all swimming pool pumps and filters, and wrap them in waterproof materials.
- Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings ahead of time to keep food fresh longer in the event of a power outage.
- Turn off and unplug any unnecessary electrical equipment.
- When working on a ladder, look up and note the location of power lines before you begin. Make sure you and your tools are at least 10 feet away from power lines.
- Local emergency operations officials urge residents to prepare to be self-sufficient for 3 to 14 days.
- Check your disaster supply kit
- Have supplies such as non-perishable food, diapers, batteries, water, a manual can opener, etc…
- Refill prescriptions and maintain at least a two-week supply during hurricane season.
- Install an approved hurricane shutter system over windows and doors — or alternative coverings such as plywood.
- If you plan to use a portable generator following the storm, safely store gasoline. Remember, gas station pumps will not work without electricity.
- Keep extra cash on hand. An extended power outage may prevent you from withdrawing money from automatic teller machines or banks.
- Review evacuation routes in case you must evacuate.
- Contact a veterinarian or kennel to arrange for safe sheltering for your pet if you must evacuate. Public shelters may not accept pets.
- Fill cars and equipment gas tanks and check oil, water, and tires. Gas pumps don’t operate without electricity.
- Listen for weather updates on local stations and on NOAA Weather Radio. Don’t trust rumors, and stay tuned to the latest information.
- Clear property or tie down any items that could become flying missiles in high winds (i.e., lawn furniture, potted plants, and trash cans).
- Brace double entry and garage doors at the top and bottom.
- Secure your boat early. Drawbridges will be closed to boat traffic after an evacuation order is issued.
- Backup all computer data and ensure that the backup is stored in a safe place off-site.
- If you manage a business, run through your business continuity plan to ensure your communications plan is up-to-date and employees are aware of their responsibilities after the storm.
- Leave work/close the office with sufficient time to secure your home, obtain supplies, and evacuate if necessary.
Storm Safety Tips
At FKEC, safety is a cornerstone of our commitment to members and employees. FKEC urges our members to be prepared and be aware of potential electrical hazards at all times, especially before, during, and after a severe weather event. Below are electricity-related tips to keep you and your family safe during hurricane season.
Before a storm threatens:
- Make sure FKEC has your current contact information (including cell phone and email) on your electric account. This is important because when you call, our computers automatically recognize your phone number and match it to your FKEC account for a faster response.
- Have your trees properly trimmed to minimize their potential impact on your home and your power system.
- Keep your yard free of debris during hurricane season.
- Do not attempt to trim vegetation growing on or near any overhead power lines. Contact FKEC at (305) 852-2431 to make a tree trim request or submit a Tree Trim Request online.
- If you or someone in your home is dependent on electric-powered, life-sustaining medical equipment, it is your responsibility to have an emergency plan for backup power or a plan to relocate when a storm warning is issued. FKEC cannot ensure power restoration based on medical emergency needs.
How FKEC is Prepared
FKEC’s comprehensive storm plan focuses on readiness, restoration, and recovery. Prior to every storm season, FKEC conducts extensive training to prepare employees to respond quickly and safely after a storm. We also coordinate assistance agreements with other utilities for additional support, which will enable us to quickly deploy equipment and crews in the event a storm causes damage to our service territory.
FKEC also works closely with emergency operations officials to update lists of infrastructure and facilities that are critical to the community, such as hospitals, police, fire, communications, water treatment plants, and transportation providers. This information is used to establish priorities for restoration in areas affected by a storm.
Pre- & Post-Storm Plan
FKEC works year-round to stay prepared for hurricane and tropical storms. Learn more about the 7 steps we follow as part of our storm restoration plan.