• Duke Energy is sharing important safety tips and ways to report and receive outage updates and notifications
• The hurricane preparation checklist comes as the U.S. observes National Preparedness Month

With hurricane season in full swing, Duke Energy Florida is offering steps customers can take to prepare for major storms and other emergencies.

September is National Preparedness Month and, as part of this campaign, Duke Energy is encouraging its customers to have a plan in place to respond to an extended power outage after a hurricane or other severe weather.

Launched in 2004, National Preparedness Month (NPM) is FEMA’s national annual preparedness outreach. NPM is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time.

“Duke Energy focuses on preparedness all year long to minimize the impact of storms and ensure the safety of our customers, communities and crews,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “We work hard to improve reliability for our customers, strengthen the grid against severe weather and provide timely information when outages do occur. However, it is vital that customers do what they can now to protect their families, homes and businesses when a major storm strikes.”

In a Wednesday news release, Duke Energy urged Floridians to create (or update) an emergency supply kit. Some of the items that should be included in the kit include, medicines, water, nonperishable foods and other supplies that might be hard to find after a storm hits.

The utility company also implored customers to keep their phones charged and to stay connected by making sure their contact information is up to date and their communication preferences are noted in their account so they can receive proactive updates from Duke Energy on the status of a power outage.

Above all else, Duke Energy asked that people stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging, and call the company or 911 if they encounter downed power lines or safety hazards.

Today’s tips come as Tropical Depression Seven formed Wednesday morning in the central Atlantic Ocean, becoming the sixth named storm of what’s been a rather quiet 2022 Atlantic hurricane season. Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center said the system will likely become Tropical Storm Fiona later in the day or on Thursday.

The most recent 2022 Atlantic hurricane season forecast predicts a reduced number of named storms, hurricanes and major hurricanes, but still envisions an “above-average” level of tropical cyclone activity this season.  The new outlook now anticipates 18 named storms rather than 20 the team released its initial 2022 seasonal forecast on April 7.