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Officials and Key Community Leaders Attend Storm Preparation Meeting at SECO Energy

Representative Yvonne Hinson (Florida House of Representatives) asking questions during SECO Energy’s Storm Preparedness and Readiness meeting.

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.

 

SECO Energy Storm Preparedness and Readiness Meeting held at SECO Energy headquarters on Tuesday, June 25, 2024

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. 

 

Joint group discussion networking with Chris Evan, Director of Emergency Management for Citrus County; David Casto, Director of Emergency Management for Sumter County; Anh Reynolds, SECO Energy’s VP of Financial & Administrative Services; and Ben Dawson, SECO Energy’s VP of Growth, Smart Grid & Operational Technology

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. 

 

“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 About SECO Energy.   

SECO News June 2024

Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to November 30 each year, presenting a heightened risk of severe weather and extended power outages. As the 2024 hurricane season begins, I want to address you directly regarding the forecasted weather patterns for our region and what we are doing to ensure your safety and well-being.

 

Wynn's Wire

 

The Colorado State University (CSU) Weather and Climate Research team is predicting an above-average season, with forecasts indicating the possibility of 23 named storms across the Atlantic basin. Eleven are expected to become hurricanes, with five potentially reaching major hurricane status. This projection surpasses the 30-year historical average and reinforces the need for heightened preparedness.

 

SECO Energy is StormReady and prepared to respond to outages caused by summer thunderstorms, tropical storms, and hurricanes. We closely monitor the weather and make necessary pre-storm preparations behind the scenes. Our crews are trained and ready to respond swiftly to any outages that may occur, but it is equally imperative that all of us take proactive steps to stay prepared.

 

I strongly urge members to be cautious and prepare for potential disruptions. Essential supplies disappear quickly when tropical storms and hurricanes approach. To ensure you are adequately prepared, stay informed and updated on weather forecasts and advisories issued by state and local authorities. Make time to prepare an emergency kit stocked with essential supplies such as water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and medications. It’s also important to establish a communication plan with your family and loved ones in case of separation during an emergency. Take precautions to secure outdoor furniture, trim trees, and secure loose objects around your property to minimize potential hazards.

 

During restoration mode, SECO Energy operates around the clock. Crews on the frontline face elements head-on as they work to clear roads to reach affected areas, repairing broken poles, fallen lines, and damaged equipment. We utilize all available resources to restore power to your homes and businesses as safely and quickly as possible and provide regular updates on our progress to keep you informed every step of the way.

 

As we embark on this hurricane season, let’s stay vigilant, prepared, and supportive of one another. Your safety and well-being are paramount. Together, we can weather any storm.

 

Sincerely,

 

Curtis Wynn

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

SECO News June 2024 Portable Generator Dos and Don'ts

 

When major storms strike, portable generators can be beneficial but pose significant risks if mishandled. If you plan to use a generator this storm season, here are a few of the dos and don’ts of generator safety you’ll need to know:

 

✓  DO:

  • Use generators OUTSIDE ONLY, directing the generator’s exhaust away from your home and any nearby air intakes to other buildings. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can build up fast from a portable generator’s exhaust.

  • Operate generators on dry surfaces, under open structures, and away from rain and other water sources to minimize electrical hazards. Remember, WATER AND ELECTRICITY DO NOT MIX.

 

✗  DON’T:

  • DON’T connect your generator directly to your home’s wiring unless it has been wired for generator use by a licensed electrician.

  • DON’T refuel your generator while it is running. Allow it to cool down before refueling.

 

Before using a portable generator, always read its operations manual and adhere to its guidelines for safe operation. By following these precautions, you can make the most of your portable generator while keeping you and your loved ones safe.

 

 

SECO News June 2024 Safety Before, During, and After a Storm

BEFORE: Prepare a storm kit with flashlights, batteries, medicine, first aid supplies, necessary baby items, and supplies for your pets. Stock two weeks’ worth of water, non-perishable food, and essentials. Refill prescriptions and gather important documents such as your social security card, driver’s license, birth certificate, and insurance information for your home, car, and life. Plan an evacuation route in case of an extended power outage and monitor weather forecasts.

 

DURING: Seek shelter and stay away from windows. Avoid leaving candles unattended and limit opening freezers and refrigerators more than necessary. Turn off your heating and air conditioning systems, and unplug sensitive electronic appliances such as TVs, game consoles, microwaves, and computers – this will protect your appliances against power fluctuations that can occur when power is restored. After power is restored, wait five to ten minutes before turning on appliances and heating systems. Stay updated on local alerts and off roads where trees and power lines are down.

 

AFTER: Exercise caution if power lines and poles are down; power lines can still be energized even on the ground, so avoid contact. Debris from a storm can hide downed lines and poles. Fallen trees touching energized power lines can electrify nearby objects such as metal fences, ponds, and even the ground. Check your breakers or fuses if power has been restored to your neighborhood but your home remains out. When using a portable generator during an outage, follow the safety tips in the operations manual.

 

Review our Hurricane Handbook at SECOEnergy.com > Safety > Hurricane Handbook.

 

 

SECO News June 2024 A Message from Secretary/Treasurer Morgan Hatfield StormCenter and Area Light Reporting

StormCenter is SECO Energy’s outage and communications platform 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 SECOEnergy.com > StormCenter and bookmark StormCenter to your smartphone or tablet. With StormCenter bookmarked, you can easily access the outage map, report outages, track restoration progress, and quickly manage notifications related to outage detection and restoration.

 

You can also report an area light outage or malfunction 24 hours a day, seven days a week, using LightFinder. Simply go to StormCenter’s bookmarked page, choose the LightFinder tile, and enter the pole number or turn on location services to report. Reporting members will receive a follow–up email when the light is repaired – usually within 24 hours.

 

SECO Energy provides transparent communication and regular restoration updates during storms. Subscribe to receive email, text, and voice notifications on StormCenter. If you have already subscribed, make sure your contact information is up to date to receive timely notifications and updates regarding future outages and restoration efforts.

 

 

SECO News June 2024 Medically Necessary Service

SECO Energy strives to provide top-tier reliability to 240,000+ homes and businesses in our service territory. Unexpected outages due to weather, vehicle accidents, equipment issues, trees, or animal contact means that SECO cannot guarantee 100 percent uninterrupted power.

 

During emergency restoration efforts following widespread damage, SECO Energy’s foremost priority is to restore power to essential facilities such as shelters, hospitals, schools, and government agencies, including emergency operations centers, fire stations, and law enforcement facilities. It’s important to note that residential accounts marked as medically necessary services are not given top priority during emergencies caused by named storms.

 

For individuals with special needs, resources are available through the Florida Department of Health. Those requiring medical attention or having a specific health need should register with their local emergency management agency to receive assistance during disasters. You can visit FloridaDisaster.org to add your name or a loved one’s to the statewide registry.

 

Registering provides first responders with valuable information to prepare for disasters or other emergencies to meet citizens’ unique needs. Providing as much information as possible will allow emergency management officials to plan accordingly for future disasters. You will be emailed periodically to verify the information provided is correct and to make any necessary changes.

 

Unless you plan to seek shelter at an approved facility, backup generation is critical if you are a member who relies on lifesaving medical equipment powered by electricity.

 

Store your county’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) contact in your phone for quick access. You can also visit your county’s EOC online and enroll in county-specific emergency assistance services and updates.

 

CITRUS COUNTY: (352) 249-2775

HERNANDO COUNTY: (352) 754-4083

LAKE COUNTY: (352) 343-9420

LEVY COUNTY: (352) 486-5213

MARION COUNTY: (352) 369-8100

PASCO COUNTY: (727) 847-8137

SUMTER COUNTY: (352) 689-4400

 

To enroll to receive emergency alerts for your county, visit FloridaDisaster.org.

 

Read the full June 2024 SECO News.

 

 

Calm Before the Storm – SECO Braces for Matthew’s Inland Effects

Per the Friday morning National Hurricane Center update, Hurricane Matthew continues to slowly move up the Florida east coast – just off the shore. Matthew is moving at 13 mph and has weakened to a Category 3 hurricane. As of 5 am, the eye is located parallel to Melbourne.

 

For Central Florida, winds will increase throughout the day. Lake County, Sumter County and the east side of Marion County could feel wind gusts up to 60 mph. Models remain mixed as to if the eye will cross Florida’s shores. Where it will head after it passes the state remains uncertain.

 

Poles and lines will go down, and power outages will likely be widespread. Because crews are unable to work safely or raise bucket truck booms in winds over 35 mph, outages will be long in duration if crews cannot respond to outages until winds subside and the storm passes.

 

SECO encourages its members to report outages using smartphones or tablets at the Storm Center application on SECOEnergy.com. It’s easy to report with the last name and house number. Members can contact SECO via Facebook and Twitter and read outage details.

 

For members less tech savvy, call and talk to a member service rep (or use the prompts to report the outage by phone at 800 732 6141). SECO’s System Operations Center is manned 24/7, and our call centers are also manned 24/7 when severe weather comes through – as will be the case as Hurricane Matthew approaches. Also report downed power lines – call 911 if there is immediate danger.

 

SECO is Storm Ready. Its emergency response plan determines the restoration priority of each feeder. Essential services like shelters, hospitals, schools and government agencies are the highest priority. Next, linemen work to restore power to large groups of members. Then repairs begin on individual services in less populated areas. Additional line crews and tree trimming contractors continue to arrive at SECO to be staged for the restoration effort.

 

Members who need continuous power for medical devices and do not have a back-up source of power must act now. Shelters are open in the SECO area. Contact your county’s emergency operations center (EOC) to find shelter in your area – do not wait.

• Sumter County 352-689-4400 or visit the website.
• Lake County 352-343-9420 or visit the website.
• Marion County Citizen’s Info line is 352-369-7500 or visit the website.
• Citrus County 352-527-2106 or 352-746-5470 or visit the website.
• Levy County 352-486-5213 or visit the website.
• Hernando County 352-754-4083 or 352-754-4111 or visit the website.
• Pasco County 727-847-8137 or visit the website.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is dedicated to being members’ first source for accurate storm information. Learn more at SECOEnergy.com.

Hurricane Matthew – Powerful Cat 4 Approaches Florida Coast Thursday Night

Per the National Hurricane Center’s afternoon forecast, Hurricane Matthew is moving northwest at 14 mph. On this track, Matthew crosses the Bahamas today and approaches Florida’s east coast tonight, strengthening to a category 4 hurricane – which means winds of 130 to 156 mph.

The forecasted path of Matthew remains parallel to Florida’s east coast – but models are mixed as to how close the eye will come to Florida’s shores and where it will head after it passes the state. It is certain that Central Florida residents east of I-75 will experience rain and tropical-storm-force winds.

 

Poles and lines will go down, and power outages will likely be widespread. Because crews are unable to work safely or raise bucket truck booms in winds over 35 mph, outages will be long in duration if crews cannot respond to outages until winds subside and the storm passes.

 

SECO encourages its members to report outages using smartphones or tablets at the Storm Center application on our website. It’s easy to report with the last name and house number. Members can contact SECO via Facebook and Twitter and read outage details.

 

For members less tech savvy, call and talk to a member service rep (or use the prompts to report the outage by phone at 800 732 6141. SECO’s System Operations Center is manned 24/7, and our call centers are also manned 24/7 when severe weather comes through – as will be the case as Hurricane Matthew approaches. Also report downed power lines – call 911 if there is immediate danger.

 

SECO Energy, Hurricane Matthew – Powerful Cat 4 Approaches Florida Coast Thursday Night

 

SECO is Storm Ready. Its emergency response plan determines the restoration priority of each feeder. Essential services like shelters, hospitals, schools and government agencies are the highest priority. Next, linemen work to restore power to large groups of members. Then repairs begin on individual services in less populated areas. All day today, additional line crews and tree trimming contractors are arriving at SECO to be staged for the restoration effort.

 

Members who need continuous power for medical devices and do not have a back-up source of power must act now. Shelters are open in the SECO area. Contact your county’s emergency operations center (EOC) to find shelter in your area – do not wait.

 

 

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is dedicated to being members’ first source for accurate storm information.