SECO Energy hosted a Storm Preparedness and Readiness meeting as Atlantic hurricane season begins. The meeting focused on engaging with officials and key community leaders to discuss detailed strategies for hurricane season. The meeting was an essential part of the cooperative’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and resilience of the communities we serve.

Attendees included several notable figures such as Representative Yvonne Hinson; staff from the offices of Representative Ryan Chamberlin, Congresswoman Kat Cammack, and Congressman Daniel Webster; Citrus County Fire Chief Craig Stevens; and various emergency management officials from Marion, Citrus, and Sumter counties. 

The meeting was opened with a warm welcome from SECO Energy’s CEO, Curtis Wynn, and followed up by a presentation led by John LaSelva, Chief Operating Officer, focusing on the cooperative’s storm readiness process involving extensive pre-storm preparation that includes system hardening, vegetation management, and the development of an emergency response plan with FEMA contracts in place. Also mentioned were meticulously planned pre-storm logistics, such as securing hotel accommodations for assisting crews, fuel, and staging personnel and equipment.

Following a storm, SECO conducts thorough damage assessments and restores service in the priority order mandated by the State – shelters, hospitals, feeders with the highest member count, then individual services and area lights. All reports and invoices are compiled and submitted for FEMA reimbursement to ensure financial accountability and recovery. SECO Energy’s Vice President of Financial & Administrative Services, Anh Reynolds, discussed FEMA reimbursement requirements and how the cooperative plans and prepares for the potential financial aftermath of a storm.  

Kathy Judkins, Manager of Community and Economic Development and Government Relations for SECO Energy, provided information on Emergency Operation Center preparations and post-storm activities. She also shared SECO Energy’s role in providing timely and accurate information to officials and key community leaders, which helps them offer information when their constituents call on them. 

SECO Energy places a strong emphasis on communication internally and externally. Amanda Richardson, Manager of Corporate Communications for SECO Energy, concluded the presentation by highlighting the cooperative’s strategic storm communication efforts. She discussed the cooperative’s strategic storm communications plan, implemented to ensure that all the employees, members, and communities served have the information and support they need to weather the storm. This includes updates on the storm’s track and intensity, restoration progress, and essential community alerts.

The meeting was an essential step in reinforcing the community’s resilience and readiness for the Atlantic Hurricane Season, which spans from June 1 to November 30. The collaborative efforts and shared insights will significantly contribute to a coordinated and effective response to future storm events. 

CEO Curtis Wynn emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts and the role of community leaders in ensuring an effective and swift response to storm impacts. “Our preparedness and readiness are crucial to the safety and well-being of the communities we serve,” said Mr. Wynn. “The collaborative efforts of our leaders and emergency management teams are vital in ensuring a quick and effective response. At SECO Energy, we are committed to leveraging all our resources and expertise to protect our members and maintain service reliability during the hurricane season.” 

For more information about SECO Energy’s storm preparedness and response efforts, visit SECOEnergy.com. 

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