Log in | Register |
StormCenter logo

Archive

Tag: NHC

SECO News, June 2019

DUNCAN’S DIGEST

 

Atlantic hurricane season makes its formal appearance on June 1 and ends November 30. In early May, however, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) was already tracking its first tropical disturbance in the Atlantic. NHC, a part of NOAA, at the time this publication went to print, had not released its official forecast.

May 2018 SECO News Duncan's Digest

The Weather Channel 2019 outlook calls for a total of 14 named Atlantic storms, seven hurricanes and three “major” hurricanes. That forecast is slightly above the 30-year average of 12 named storms, six hurricanes and three major hurricanes. A major hurricane is a Category 3 or stronger which means winds greater than 111 mph.

 

Unfortunately, no forecast can accurately predict the future. The lifesaving approach is to expect the unexpected and prepare in advance for the possibility of a power outage. Gather your hurricane supplies now. Water and plywood sell out when storms threaten. It’s essential to stock non-perishable food to sustain each family member for at least three days. If you need guidance, view SECO’s Emergency Preparation Checklist online.

 

Whether you plan to evacuate or stay put during a major event, enroll in outage notifications through StormCenter. Choose email, voice or text message – or all three. Take a tour of the outage map. Search for and bookmark your address. Create a SECO Energy StormCenter icon on the home screen of your smartphone or tablet.

 

We’ve added a new StormCenter feature. You can now check the status of a reported power outage. Visit StormCenter, click on “Check Status.” Input your last name and house number, account number or phone number on record.

 

StormCenter provides updates that include the time the outage began, estimated restoration time, crew status, cause if identified and when the outage was restored.

 

SECO has developed one of the nation’s most comprehensive Emergency Restoration Plans to respond to major storm damage. Restoring service to the largest number of members in the quickest amount of time is our goal, but with required priorities for shelters, schools, hospitals and government buildings.

 

If you or a family member have special needs, visit www.FloridaDisaster.org to locate your county and join the statewide Special Needs Registry. Other valuable resources for emergency planning are the National Weather Service and the American Red Cross.

 

Don’t be caught unprepared for the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season. SECO Energy is StormReady and equipped to respond quickly to outages affecting members. We are here for you. It is our privilege to serve your family’s energy needs.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

 

SECO CHAMPIONS JERRY BOLDUC JUNE 2019

Meet SECO Champion Jerry Bolduc – an example of our 400+ SECO Champion employees. Jerry is dedicated to providing exceptional service to members, co-workers and communities.

 

JERRY BOLDUC – LEAD PROJECT ENGINEER

 

LENGTH OF SERVICE – 14 YEARS

 

“SECO is amazing.”

 

 

SECO Champion Jerry Bolduc is a Lead Project Engineer at our SECO Headquarters. Before working at SECO, Jerry was employed by a large investor-owned utility. As a SECO member and an employee, he appreciates the cooperative difference in service that SECO offers members. During the three back-to-back hurricanes in 2004, Jerry assessed damaged areas and directed contract crews across the service territory. He was amazed by SECO’s storm response and the efficiency and organization shown during major restoration efforts. Originally from Canada, Jerry moved to Central Florida 20 years ago. He has participated in Ironman Triathlon Events including Escape from Alcatraz where he swam with sharks in San Francisco Bay. Jerry enjoys working in the field in sunny Florida (no snow) and is proud to be a SECO member, too.

SECO News HVAC Tune-Up and Filter Change June 2019

HVAC TUNE-UP AND FILTER CHANGE

 

Summer heat is quickly approaching. Weather.com predicts June through August temperatures will be above average in our area. Before your HVAC system begins its summer workout, schedule a tune-up with a reputable HVAC technician.

 

The technician should thoroughly inspect your HVAC to ensure it’s in good running condition. The system may need to be cleaned or serviced. Preventative maintenance is easier on the wallet than major repairs down the road. A well-tuned HVAC runs more efficiently, uses less energy and saves on cooling and heating costs.

 

Is it time to change your HVAC filter? A clean HVAC filter also helps your system run efficiently. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and change filters as recommended.

Power Line Safety June 2019 SECO News

POWER LINE SAFETY

 

Downed power lines are a safety hazard. Car accidents involving power poles, trees taking down a line or poles broken by heavy wind or rain have the potential to bring us too close to electric lines.

 

Electric energy can burn, shock, injure or kill you. Never assume a power line is safe to touch. Always assume a power line is live and has the ability to harm you. Children are especially curious and may knowingly or unknowingly approach a downed line. Talk with your kids and grandkids about the dangers of downed power lines.

 

Warn children to never play near or on substation fencing. Do not climb trees near power lines or allow kites, toy planes or balloons to touch power lines. Don’t release helium balloons at a birthday party or other celebration. These can tangle in lines or become deadly for Florida wildlife.

 

If you see a downed line, stay away and warn others away as well. Call 911 immediately to report the downed line.

SECO News June 2019 Relay For Life 6th Annual Golf Tournament

RELAY FOR LIFE – 6TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

 

Thank you to all players, sponsors and employees who participated in SECO Energy’s 6th Annual Relay For Life Golf Tournament “Tee-Up for a Cure” at Arlington Ridge Golf Club in Leesburg on Saturday, May 4th. Players enjoyed 18-holes of golf, chance to win door prizes and fellowship.

 

The Relay For Life Golf Tournament sponsored by SECO raised $16,600 for the American Cancer Society.

 

SECO and its employees are long-time supporters of the American Cancer Society and its premier annual Relay For Life events. Join SECO and its Commitment to Community by partnering with your not-for-profit cooperative on a virtual SECO Relay For Life team.

 

Join a SECO Energy team by visiting Relay.ACSevents.org and look for “Find a Participant or Team” and choose “Team.” Enter team name: “SECO Energy” and click “Search.” Choose a local Relay event and virtually join Team SECO and the American Cancer Society in the fight against cancer.

 

Read the full June 2019 SECO News online.

SECO Energy Prepared for Hurricane Michael’s Outer Bands

SECO Energy has been closely monitoring Hurricane Michael and its outer storm bands that bring the possibility of heavy rainfall, winds and even tornado threats into Central Florida.

 

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), as of 7 a.m. CDT on Wednesday, Hurricane Michael is moving north at 12 mph and is located 90 miles southwest of Panama City in the Florida Panhandle. Michael has quickly picked up speed and intensity to become a Category 4 hurricane. Forecasters project landfall will be early this afternoon between Panama City and Pensacola.

 

Tropical storm force winds extend 150 miles from the hurricane’s center. The hurricane’s current position puts SECO’s service territory outside of this range. SECO’s area is forecast to have winds in the 20 mph range, but wind gusts and rain in the outer bands will impact Marion and Levy Counties.

 

Though wind speeds will not be hurricane or tropical storm force in SECO’s territory, strong storm bands passing through SECO’s service territory are a significant threat. Members should prepare for a rainy Wednesday and possibly Thursday. Heavy rains coupled with wind, could cause trees to fall and result in power outages. Tornadoes spawned by these winds and rains are a danger as well.

 

After the threat of storm bands from Hurricane Michael have passed the area, SECO plans to release contracted Pike crews to the North Florida areas damaged by the hurricane to aid in restoration. Additionally, a module of SECO employees will be sent for restoration aid after hurricane dangers have passed.

 

CEO Jim Duncan asks members to remain vigilant, “Hurricane Michael will not make landfall near SECO’s service territory, but members will experience rains and high wind gusts. Be alert for the possibility of tornadoes which can be extremely dangerous. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Panhandle residents in the direct path. I’m grateful that SECO is in the position to send reinforcements to damaged areas.”

 

SECO Energy is StormReady and is committed to keeping members informed of weather that impacts the area. Visit Storm Preparation online to view an emergency checklist and storm preparation ideas. Watch our Facebook and Twitter pages for Tropical Storm Michael updates. Most important, be sure you’ve bookmarked our new StormCenter outage map and set your email, text and voice notifications preferences. StormCenter is mobile friendly and designed to perform on smartphones and tablets.

SECO Energy Preparing for Wind and Rain from Hurricane Michael

SECO Energy is preparing for the possibility of high winds, rain and the threat of tornadoes in Central Florida from Hurricane Michael’s outer bands.

 

As of 7 a.m. CDT on Tuesday, Hurricane Michael has picked up speed and is moving north-northwestward through the southern Gulf of Mexico at 12 mph. Hurricane Michael is currently a Category 2 hurricane with winds speeds between 96 and 110 mph. Tropical storm force winds extend 150 miles from the hurricane’s center.

 

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Michael is strengthening and forecasters believe the storm will continue to increase in speed and intensity before making landfall near Panama City in the Florida Panhandle Wednesday afternoon.

 

SECO forecasters project the strongest winds to remain outside of our service area. Marion and Levy County members will experience the brunt of the strong winds, but still well below 30 mph. The tropical storm force wind speeds should remain at least 50 miles outside of SECO’s territory.

 

Though wind speeds will not be hurricane force, be only slightly high, strong storm bands passing through SECO’s service territory are a significant threat. Members should prepare for large amounts of rain beginning Tuesday and lasting through Thursday, coupled with wind, could cause trees to fall and result in power outages. Additionally, the threat of tornadoes will increase on Wednesday and into Thursday. Strong storms have impacted the east coast early this morning.

 

Citrus County’s Emergency Operating Center (EOC) is activating as of 5 p.m. today, and they have issued an evacuation order for coastal areas and manufactured homes as of 3 p.m. today. Citrus County is opening four shelters today, and schools are closed through Wednesday. The Sumter, Lake, Marion, Levy, Hernando and Pasco EOCs are monitoring the storm closely. A coastal evacuation order is in effect in Levy and two shelters open there today.

 

CEO Jim Duncan assures members that SECO is prepared for inclement weather created by Hurricane Michael. Duncan stated, “SECO continues to closely monitor Hurricane Michael’s progress as it travels through the Gulf of Mexico. We are prepared for Hurricane Michael’s rain bands and winds that will reach into our service territory. SECO’s employees, contract crews and leadership team are all prepared to escalate our response if Hurricane Michael’s path shifts toward SECO’s area.”

 

Duncan added, “Members should continue to keep a close eye on Hurricane Michael. Forecasted tracks have been known to shift hourly right up until landfall. Gather your hurricane supplies now if you have not already done so.”

 

SECO Energy is StormReady and is committed to keeping members informed of weather that impacts the area. Visit our Storm Preparation page online to view an emergency checklist and storm preparation ideas. Watch our Facebook and Twitter pages for Tropical Storm Michael updates. Most important, be sure you’ve bookmarked our new StormCenter outage map and set your email, text and voice notifications preferences. StormCenter is mobile friendly and designed to perform on smartphones and tablets.

SECO Monitoring Soon-to-be Hurricane Michael

SECO Energy is monitoring the soon-to-be Hurricane Michael as it moves north toward Florida’s gulf coast.

 

The current Tropical Storm Michael is on the verge of being upgraded to Hurricane Michael. As of 4 a.m. CDT on Monday, Hurricane Michael is slowly moving north at 7 mph with sustained winds of 70 mph.

 

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts Michael to increase in both speed and intensity over the next 48 hours. The storm is predicted to make landfall in the Apalachicola area late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning. As Michael moves into the Gulf of Mexico, it may strengthen significantly – forecasters predict Michael’s strength at landfall may be as high as a Category 2 or 3.

 

SECO members should prepare for the likelihood of gusty winds for most of SECO’s seven county service area. SECO members in the western portions of the service area, including large numbers in Citrus, Marion and Sumter Counties, will likely experience the strongest sustained winds.

 

CEO Jim Duncan is urging SECO members to prepare for Michael. Duncan stated, “Tropical Storm Michael, soon to become Hurricane Michael, is on track to make landfall on Florida’s west coast. Ensure that your hurricane supplies are fully stocked and that you and your family are prepared for the possibility that Michael’s high wind speeds will cause power outages. At SECO, we are carefully watching this storm, and I encourage our members to do the same.”

 

SECO Energy is StormReady and is committed to keeping members informed of weather that impacts the area. Learn more about Storm Preparation online and view an emergency checklist. Watch our Facebook and Twitter pages for Tropical Storm Michael updates. Most important, be sure you’ve bookmarked our new StormCenter outage map and set your email, text and voice notifications preferences. StormCenter is mobile friendly and designed to perform on smartphones and tablets.

SECO Bracing for Hurricane Irma

SECO Energy is keeping a close watch on Hurricane Irma as its track lands the giant Category 5 storm in Florida. The cooperative is enacting its emergency plan in full alert mode starting Friday at 4 pm through the duration of the restoration event.

 

Hurricane Irma continues to move on a west-northwestward track with an increased speed of 17 miles per hour, and maximum sustained winds of 180 miles per hour. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has shifted the impact cone to the east overnight, but that shift isn’t enough to send Irma away from Florida. The NHC predicts Irma will make landfall along the southern east coast of Florida or the storm will travel up the east coast.

 

SECO members will likely feel Irma’s effects late this weekend and early next week. SECO’s service area will likely experience tropical storm force winds, torrential rains and the possibility of tornadoes spawned by Hurricane Irma. Members should be prepared for the possibility of lengthy power outages.

 

Gather your emergency supplies and if you plan on running a portable or backup generator, now is the time to test that it is working properly and you have an adequate supply of fuel on hand. Never use a portable generator in an enclosed area. Generators emit carbon monoxide gas that is a silent, odorless killer. Visit SECO’s website for storm preparation tips and view an emergency checklist.

 

Floridians can access www.floridadisaster.org/shelters for shelter information by county, including general population shelters, pet-friendly shelters and special needs shelters.

 

Members with smartphones and tablets should bookmark SECO’s Storm Center for easy outage reporting and updates. 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, and then individual electric services in less populated areas.To avoid scams and dangers, do not accept restoration assistance from someone who is asking for payment on the spot and is not a SECO employee or contractor. Under no circumstances would SECO ask for payment in the field during a restoration event. Do not attempt to reconnect services yourself.

 

SECO’s employees are Storm Ready and waiting to respond if outages occur. SECO is prepared for inclement weather and reminds members that it is best to be informed and prepared. All SECO members should continue to seek out supplies for their emergency kits, and be ready to wait out the storm.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is dedicated to being our members’ first source for accurate storm information. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” the company on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting our area.

SECO Continues Tracking Hurricane Matthew

SECO Energy continues to monitor and track Hurricane Matthew and its path to Florida. SECO is urging members to gather emergency supplies and be ready for service interruptions while the hurricane is passing through Florida and for a period of time thereafter.

 

As of Wednesday morning, Hurricane Matthew was downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds up to 125 mph. The storm is currently located about 35 miles north-northwest of the eastern tip of Cuba and is moving north at 8 mph. The storm is still predicted to turn northwest Wednesday night and is expected to remain a major hurricane as it moves over the Bahamas Wednesday and Thursday. By Thursday evening, Matthew will be near Florida’s east coast – with the center located 25 to 30 miles off the coast. The state will feel its effects through Friday night.

 

The forecast for Florida includes rain bands and strong, potentially damaging wind gusts – especially within rain bands and thunderstorms. Members in SECO’s service area can expect heavy rain, gusty winds that may strengthen to tropical-storm-force.

 

SECO asks members to keep a close watch on the hurricane’s impact on the area and be prepared for the possibility of prolonged service interruptions. Members should check emergency supplies, fill vehicles with gas, stock up on non-perishables and check property for objects that could cause damage during high winds.

 

Make sure cell phones and tablets are fully charged – include extra chargers in your emergency supplies. Bookmark SECO’s Storm Center on your smartphone or tablet. It’s simple to report an outage using the account last name and house number.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is dedicated to being our members’ first source for accurate storm information. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” the company on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting our area.