KISSIMMEE— In anticipation of a potential impact from Tropical Storm Helene, Kissimmee Utility Authority has activated its Emergency Operations Plan.
The utility is currently operating at Alert Level 3 and will advance to Alert Level 4 once the storm is within 24 hours of impacting its 85-square mile service territory in Osceola County.
Depending on its path, Helene may be capable of causing widespread power outages. In addition, restoration may be hampered by flooding, downed trees, high winds or other obstacles. Once wind speeds reach 45 mph or more, crews can no longer safely restore power. KUA crews are prepared to work long hours after the storm passes, conducting their damage assessment analysis and restoring service to customers as quickly and as safely as possible.
Customers who experience a power outage can report it quickly by texting the word “out,” to 877-582-7700. This is the fastest way to notify KUA about an outage.
After severe weather, KUA crews restore power by repairing transmission lines, substations and main distribution lines. Once the main power lines are repaired, crews turn their attention to individual customer outages. KUA’s real-time outage map can be viewed at kua.com/map.
To assist residents with storm preparations, KUA has developed a comprehensive storm preparedness guide. The 30-page handbook can be downloaded from the utility’s website at kua.com/storm.
Kissimmee Utility Authority is asking that customers take the following safety precautions:
- Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest setting and keep the door closed. If the power goes out, this will keep food fresh longer.
- Disconnect sensitive electrical equipment in the event of a surge when power is restored.
- Keep flashlights, battery-operated radios, extra batteries, canned food, and bottled water handy.
- If you own a swimming pool, turn off all pumps and filters. If you don’t, water from the approaching storm can damage them.
- If evacuating, KUA recommends all customers shut the main power off to their home at the main circuit breaker to avoid fires caused by rising waters.
- If your power goes out, use flashlights instead of candles or kerosene lamps. Be careful cooking over flames, a gust of wind through a door or window could start a fire and the fire department may not be able to respond.
- If you own a generator, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Place generators at least 20 feet away from your home, downwind away from open doors, windows, eaves, and vents.
- Plug appliances directly into the generator. Turn your electricity off at the fuse box in order to prevent safety problems. Additionally, remember to turn the generator off before turning your house power back on.
- Do not touch fallen or low-hanging wires and anything they may be in contact with. A seemingly harmless wire may still be energized. Also, stay away from puddles where downed lines may have landed.
- Please call KUA only to report downed power lines. For emergencies call 911.
Founded in 1901, KUA is Florida’s sixth largest community-owned utility powering 93,000 customers in Osceola County, Florida. For more information, visit www.kua.com.
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