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SECO Energy Braces for Hurricane Ian

SECO Energy is bracing for the heavy rains and winds pummeling its service territory when Hurricane Ian crosses Central Florida later Wednesday and Thursday. Currently, Hurricane Ian is a major Category 4 hurricane with maximum wind speeds of 155 mph – just 2 mph shy of being a Category 5 hurricane.  

 

Hurricane Ian is situated in the Gulf of Mexico about 60 miles west of Naples. Based on the National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecast, the storm could lose strength before it makes landfall in the Charlotte Harbor area on the west coast of Florida Wednesday. As of 8 a.m. Wednesday, the hurricane is slowly moving north northeast at 10 mph.  

 

The latest track for Hurricane Ian has shifted slightly south. Residents along Florida’s west coast have been urged to evacuate the area. NHC forecasts heavy rains and flooding across Central and North Florida through Thursday. Hurricane Ian’s path is dangerously close to SECO Energy’s service area. Members will begin to experience gusty winds and large amounts of rain Wednesday afternoon as Ian closes in. Ian could potentially stall over Central Florida and dump rain through Friday. SECO members should prepare for extended power outages due to this major hurricane. SECO’s service territory will experience large amounts of rain, heavy winds, and the possibility of tornadoes and flash floods.   

 

CEO Curtis Wynn stresses caution during Hurricane Ian’s impact. Wynn stated, “Hurricane Ian is an extremely large, dangerous hurricane that may devastate SECO Energy’s service area. I urge members to be prepared for heavy rains and high wind speeds. Be cautious, don’t approach downed power lines, stay informed about Hurricane Ian’s track, and prepare to hunker down at home or at a local shelter if needed. The potential for tornadoes after a hurricane is high.” 

 

SECO Energy has closed its five Member Service Centers for the duration of Hurricane Ian so that all employees can focus on restoration efforts. SECO’s Emergency Restoration Plan determines the system’s restoration priority of each affected feeder. Essential services such as hospitals, shelters, schools and government agencies are the highest priority. Line repairs that will restore power to large groups of members are next, feeders that serve large commercial services and then individual electric services in less populated areas. 

 

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a State of Emergency for all 67 Florida counties on Sunday, September 25. County Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) in Central Florida are monitoring Hurricane Ian’s impact. Schools have closed across Central Florida and shelters are opening. For a list of shelters including general, pet-friendly and special-needs visit FloridaDisaster.org. SECO members who require continuous electric service to power life-sustaining medical equipment should have a backup power source or relocate to a shelter. Once SECO Energy enacts its Emergency Response Plan and after Hurricane Ian passes through SECO’s area, members should visit the cooperative’s Daily Restoration Plan Map to identify if crews are working in their area that day.   

 

StormCenter is SECO Energy’s outage and communications platform for members to report outages, check the status of an existing outage and enroll in outage communications and alerts via email, text, voice or all three. Visit StormCenter today and bookmark on your smartphone or tablet to report outages quickly and easily. 

 

Major weather events can cause extended power outages. SECO Energy reminds members to follow safety protocols when using a generator during a power outage. Generators emit deadly carbon monoxide (CO) that is odorless and colorless. Thousands of people die each year from CO poisoning. Never operate a generator in an enclosed space, including a garage. Always place the generator at least 15 to 20 feet away from your home and never near open windows. 

  

Before operating a generator, thoroughly read and review the owner’s manual. Never plug a generator directly into an electrical outlet. This current flow is deadly for utility personnel. Keep children away from an operating generator and store fuel in approved containers. Do not smoke while fueling a generator. Always operate a generator in a dry space. If it is raining, use a canopy or cover. SECO Energy’s Hurricane Handbook includes generator safety tips and how to prepare for before, during and after a storm. 

 

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see when SECO Energy crews/contractors are working in your area, visit our new System Improvement map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > About. 

 

 

Path of Hurricane Ian
Hurricane Ian’s current location on September 28, 2022. Graphic courtesy of the National Hurricane Center. 

 

 

 

Generator Safety Tips for Atlantic Hurricane Season

The 2020 Atlantic Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. This year, forecasters at the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University (CSU) predict tropical storm and hurricane activity will be well above average. SECO Energy warns members to keep safety in mind while using a generator during power outages.

 

Before purchasing a generator, learn the difference between stationary and portable generators. Stationary generators are permanently affixed with an approved disconnect and transfer switch. This switch isolates a home’s circuits from SECO Energy’s electric system. This isolation is critical to eliminate the risk of electricity backfeeding onto SECO’s lines. Installing a stationary generator and disconnect and transfer switch is not a do-it-yourself job. Portable generators are more common and less expensive than stationary generators. Homeowners use extension cords to plug appliances directly in to the portable generator.

 

When major weather events cause extended power outages, homeowners often utilize generators. SECO asks members using a generator to operate the equipment in a manner that promotes safety for homeowners, their families, SECO employees and contractors and the public.

 

Generators emit the deadly, colorless, odorless gas carbon monoxide (CO). Thousands of people die each year from CO poisoning. Never run a generator in an enclosed area such as a house, garage or covered porch. Never place a generator outside of an open window where CO can leach into the home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends installing a battery-operated CO detector in your home. Choose an area where the sound of the alarm will wake the home’s inhabitants. Outside of bedroom doorways is a good choice.

 

Never operate a generator in the rain – you can be shocked or killed. Plug appliances directly into the portable generator or use an extension cord to prevent electric shock. If using extension cords, choose a heavy-duty outdoor extension cord with a watt or amp rating equal to the sum of the appliance. Examine extension cords for cuts, tears or frays – replace damaged extension cords.

 

Fuel the generator safely to avoid fires. Do not fuel a generator while it’s in operation. Gasoline and diesel fuel should be stored in approved containers and out of the reach of children. Extinguish all flames, including cigarettes, during fueling. Stage a fully charged fire extinguisher near the generator.

 

Generator engine parts are scorching hot while the machine is running and take time to cool after the machine is off. Touching engine parts can result in severe burns. Keep children away from running generators. If the generator is faulty, contact a qualified technician for repair or service. Repairing or servicing a generator is a job best left to a professional. Test the generator at the start of hurricane season.

 

SECO Energy is StormReady and prepared for the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season. Members should prepare for the possibility of tropical storms and hurricanes by assembling an emergency supply kit, enrolling in StormCenter outage notifications and bookmarking StormCenter and SECO’s daily restoration plan map on their smartphone or tablet. Through StormCenter, members receive outage alerts via email, text, voice message or all three that include crew status and estimated restoration time. Members will receive follow-up outage communication with updated restoration times and the outage cause if known. StormCenter is available online at SECOEnergy.com>StormCenter.

 

For more information about generator safety, visit our Generator Safety page. “Like” SECO on Facebook and “follow” @SECOenergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

Generator Guide for Storm Season Safety

The 2019 Atlantic hurricane season began June 1 and lasts through November 30. SECO Energy reminds members who use portable back-up or permanent whole-house generators during power outages to operate with safety in mind. Read and follow generator safety tips to protect your family, property and SECO employees from harm caused by improper generator operations.

 

Before purchasing a generator, research options and determine your electric needs (depending on the appliances you wish to operate) with a knowledgeable retailer. Read the generator’s operating instructions and safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electric shock or fire.

 

If choosing a whole-house generator, employ a licensed electrician to install the generator, the disconnect switch, the transfer switch and connect the generator to the home’s electric panel. This is not a do-it-yourself job. Research qualified electricians who are licensed and insured. Always follow local, state and national fire and electric codes and ensure that your electrician pulls the required permit(s) before installation.

 

Electric generators require proper ventilation and air flow. Never operate a portable generator inside a building – even an enclosed garage. During operation, generators emit fumes that contain deadly carbon monoxide gas that is odorless and colorless. Install CO detectors near sleeping areas and replace batteries annually.

 

To prevent electric shock, plug appliances directly into the portable generator. If you use an extension cord, choose a heavy-duty outdoor extension cord with a watt or amp rating equal to the sum of the appliance. Cords should be intact with no cuts, tears or frays.

 

Practice safe fueling to avoid fires. Never fuel a running generator. Store gasoline and diesel in approved containers well out of the reach of children. Extinguish all flames and cigarettes when handling fuel. A fully charged fire extinguisher should be staged near the generator at all times.

 

Generator engine parts are very hot during operation. Touching engine parts can result in severe burns. Warn children to stay clear of a generator in operation. If the generator is faulty, contact a qualified repair technician for service. Similar to installing a generator, repairing a generator is not a do-it-yourself project.

 

If you connect your portable generator into your home’s electrical panel, the National Electrical Code requires a transfer switch to ensure complete disconnection from utility-supplied power. A transfer switch eliminates the risk of backfeeding energy to utility lines. Using the transfer switch is the safe way to connect a generator directly to your home and avoid injury to SECO employees. Never remove or tamper with a generator’s safety devices.

 

The 2019 hurricane season is here. SECO encourages members to prepare early for the possibility of power outages after tropical storms and hurricanes. Gather emergency supplies now, well before a storm threatens. Test your generator before you experience a storm-related power outage.

 

SECO is StormReady and encourages members to be prepare for power outages. Report outages 24 hours a day, seven days a week with StormCenter. Members can enroll in voice, text or email outage communications, set do not disturb times and check the status of an existing outage. Visit StormCenter on your smartphone or tablet and bookmark the page in preparation for storm season.

 

For more information about generators, visit our generator safety page. “Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and “follow” @SECOenergy on Twitter for the latest storm alerts and company news.

Generator Safety During Power Outages

The 2018 Atlantic hurricane season started strong with three named storms in the season’s initial six weeks. In early August, however, the outlook was revised to predict a “below-average” season. Still, a storm can hit at any time. To protect your family, property and for the safety of SECO employees, read and follow these safety tips before installing or operating a generator.

 

Before purchasing a generator, research options and discuss your home’s size and watt needs with a knowledgeable retailer. Read and follow the generator’s operating instructions and safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer.

 

Installing an emergency generator is not a do-it-yourself job. To avoid injury, only a certified electrician is qualified to install the generator, install the disconnect and transfer switch and connect the generator to the home’s electric panel. Always follow local, state and national fire and electric codes, a permit for installation may be required.

 

Electric generators require proper ventilation and airflow. Never operate a generator inside a building – even an enclosed garage. During operation, electric generators emit fumes that contain deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gas – which is odorless and invisible. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 400 Americans die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning and more than 4,000 are hospitalized.

 

Fuel safety is critical. Always store gasoline and diesel in approved containers out of the reach of children, and extinguish all flames and cigarettes when handling fuel. A fully charged fire extinguisher should be staged near the generator at all times.

 

Generator engine parts are very hot during operation – do not touch. Severe burns may result. Warn children to stay away from a generator in operation. Only use an extension cord free of exposed wires and frayed shielding. If the generator is faulty, contact a qualified repair technician for service. Similar to installing a generator, repairing a generator is a project best left to an expert.

 

To avoid injury to SECO employees, always disconnect from your metered electric utility service before starting the generator. Never remove or tamper with a generator’s safety devices.

 

Follow these safety tips to operate a generator safely during power outages. Visit SECO Energy’s website to learn more about generator safety.

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for the latest storm alerts and company news.

Don’t be Caught in the Dark about Generator Safety

The 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season has officially arrived, and with it the possibility of rain, lightning, heavy winds and downed trees – all of which can cause power outages. For SECO members, especially those who need continuous power to run life-saving devices, a generator can provide electricity when service is interrupted, but generators should be used with caution.

 

Before operating a portable generator, read and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions in the operating manual. Always run a generator outside; never operate indoors or in an enclosed area. Portable generators emit carbon monoxide (CO) a colorless, odorless invisible gas that can be fatal to humans and pets. Never operate a generator when it is wet – this poses a risk for electrocution (OSHA advises using a canopy to protect from rain). Do not fuel a generator while it is running and store gasoline in approved containers, out of the reach of children.

 

A permanent or back-up generator is hard wired directly to your home’s electrical system. Installing a permanent generator is not an average do-it-yourself project. Hire a reputable electrical contractor to install the generator and to wire in its disconnect and transfer switchgear. Do not attempt to connect the generator directly to your electrical panel. Before starting your generator, always properly disconnect from SECO’s service. Read and follow the operating and safety instructions in the generator operations manual.

 

Kathryn Gloria, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services, stated, “SECO’s electric system is expertly designed, soundly built and well maintained, which means outages are rare and are typically restored in less than an hour. But when major storm events come through and there is a family member who is dependent on electric medical devices, a generator should be a strong consideration. Do your research, determine your families’ needs and purchase a reliable, cost-effective unit. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep safety in mind.”

 

Learn more about generator safety online. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.