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Tag: SECO Energy Hurricane Handbook

April 2022 Sunshine State Stats

The weather warmed up in Central Florida in April 2022. The average temperature for the month was 73 degrees, which was 3 degrees warmer than last month’s average. The average high was 83 degrees while the average low was 63 degrees.

 

Sunshine State Stats April 2022 temps

 

The highest daily recorded temperature in April was 90 degrees and the lowest was 45 – the highest recorded daily temperature in March 2022 was 89 degrees and the lowest recorded daily temperature was 36. April was a bit dryer than average with 2.26 inches of rainfall – or half an inch lower than the monthly average.

 

High temperatures reached into the 90s in April 2022. Twenty-four days in the month reached over 80 degrees – with summer approaching, expect daily highs in the 80s, 90s and above. Temperatures at night and early morning are warming up, too. Twenty-five days in the month the low temperature reached into the 60s and 70s.

 

Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 30. The last seven hurricane seasons have seen a tropical storm or hurricane form in May. Now is the time to begin planning for the upcoming hurricane season. Don’t wait until a storm is approaching our shores to prepare. Read our Hurricane Handbook to learn more about what to do before, during and after a tropical storm or hurricane.

 

May forecast:

 

Daily high temperatures will soar over 80 degrees and into the 90s for May 2022. The best chance for rain is early in the month. Members may notice an increase in their April energy usage if they used air conditioning to combat the daily high temperatures during the month.

 

The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts a warm May with an average temperature of 76 degrees, which is average for our area. Rainfall is predicted to be above average in May.

 

To check historical usage, log into SmartHub to view past bills and consumption charts. If your usage is high, SECO offers several energy-efficiency tools to help you identify energy wasters. Take the Home Energy Assessment to receive a detailed email tailored to your home’s features and lifestyle. The energy-saving advice will provide low-cost ways to decrease your usage – and your electric bill.

 

To easily calculate how much energy your appliances, lighting, electronic devices, and other energy-using items in your home consume, use the Energy Estimator.

 

Sunshine State Stats August 2020

August in Central Florida was hot! The average high temperature was a melting 92 degrees while the average low was a warm 76 degrees. The average temperature for the month was 84. The highest recorded temperature was 96 degrees and the lowest recorded temperature was 73 degrees.

 

August 2020 Sunshine State Stats temperature breakdown

 

August was hot and drier than average. The average rainfall amount in August in Central Florida is 6.2 inches. In August 2020, rainfall was substantially lower than average at only 5.76 inches. Rainfall in August 2019 was much higher than average at 8.42 inches.

 

Hurricane activity and Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) has been higher this year per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Tropical Storm Josephine, Tropical Storm Kyle, Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Marco, Tropical Storm Omar and Hurricane Nana all formed in August 2020.

 

Is your hurricane supplies kit ready for the possibility of a tropical storm or hurricane? We recommend having a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water per person, along with a seven-day supply of medications. Other essentials include a weather radio, cash, flashlights, batteries, can opener, and a first-aid kit. You will find a list of hurricane essentials on our Storm Preparation page.

 

September forecast:

 

September is the peak of Atlantic hurricane season. Read our special Hurricane Handbook edition of SECO News to prepare before, during and after a storm. September weather is similar to August. Temperatures normally average 83.8 degrees with precipitation just over 6 inches.

 

To check historical usage, log into SmartHub to view past bills and consumption charts. If your usage is high, SECO offers several energy-efficiency tools to help you identify energy wasters. Take the Home Energy Assessment to receive a detailed email tailored to your home’s features and lifestyle. The energy-saving advice will provide low-cost ways to decrease your usage – and your electric bill.

 

To easily calculate how much energy your appliances, lighting, electronic devices, and other energy-using items in your home consume, use the Energy Estimator.

 

*source: www.nhc.noaa.gov

Sunshine State Stats May 2020

Summer is almost here in Central Florida and we are feeling the heat. The average monthly temperature in May 2020 was 78.5 degrees only slightly lower than the average monthly temperature of 80.1 degrees in May 2019. The hottest day of the month was on May 22 when temperatures soared to 97 degrees. The lowest temperature recorded was 53 degrees on the evening of May 8.

 

May 2020 Sunshine State Stats details

 

May started seasonally with temps mostly in the mid to high 80s; however, in mid-May temperatures began to rise and the average high temperature for the month measured 89 degrees. Central Florida also received more rain near the end of the month with total precipitation at 2.69 inches compared to only 1.22 inches in 2019. Hopefully, your periwinkles are blooming!

 

On May 4, Governor DeSantis began Phase One of reopening many of Florida’s businesses with safety protocols in place. Thankfully, members started to return to work and leave their homes more often. With summer-like weather arriving early, you may want to schedule an HVAC technician to inspect your cooling system. Annual HVAC maintenance will extend the life of your unit and help you avoid large unexpected repair bills.

 

For cooling energy-efficiency, adjust your thermostat to between 78 and 80 degrees with the fan in the auto position. If you’re out and about for four hours or more bump your thermostat up a couple of degrees to save. For every degree the thermostat is set below 78 degrees cooling costs increase by 6 to 8 percent.

 

June 2020 forecast:

 

Rain is in the forecast for the beginning of June 2020, but temperatures are still predicted to be high. The average temperature for Central Florida for June in 2019 was 82.2 degrees with 5.96 total precipitation for the month. Be sure to use SPF when out in the Florida sun, it is a doozy.

 

Atlantic hurricane season began on June 1. Forecasters predict an above average hurricane and tropical storm activity this year. SECO Energy is StormReady and offers resources to help you and your family prepare for hurricanes and tropical storms that affect our area. Read our Hurricane Handbook for information before, during and after a storm online.

 

To check historical usage, log in to SmartHub to view past bills and consumption charts. If your usage is high, SECO offers several energy-efficiency tools to help you identify energy wasters. Take the Home Energy Assessment to receive a detailed email tailored to your home’s features and lifestyle. The energy-saving advice will provide low-cost ways to decrease your usage – and your electric bill.

 

To easily calculate how much energy your appliances, lighting, electronic devices, and other energy-using items in your home consume, use the Energy Estimator.

SECO News, June 2020

 

Duncan’s Digest – High Risk Hurricane Season

 

My background by trade is accounting and finance. I have a healthy belief in data analysis to project trends. The percentages below certainly get my attention and should grab yours as well.

 

May 2018 SECO News Duncan's Digest

 

The Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University (CSU) published its Atlantic hurricane season forecast in April. These experts predict the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season will have above-normal activity. This includes the probability of major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 and 5) to make landfall along the U.S. coast and in the Caribbean based on historical and 2020 probability trackers.

 

Historically between 1878 and 2017, Florida had a 51% probability of a hurricane spinning into the state. The probability of a major hurricane was 21%. CSU’s probability tracker for 2020 reflects an increased chance of 68% of a hurricane affecting the state. The probability that at least one major hurricane will make Florida landfall is 31%.

 

For the Gulf Coast, the probability of at least one major hurricane making landfall is 44% which is above the historical average. For the U.S. east coast including Florida, the probability of at least one major hurricane making landfall this year is 45% which is also above average.

 

While these statistics are troubling, the fact is that living on the Florida peninsula surrounded by water, we are bound to feel the effects of tropical storms and hurricanes. Preparing before they happen is critical.

 

SECO Energy is StormReady and strongly encourages your family to practice hurricane preparedness. Our storm hardening efforts include replacing aging distribution poles, upgrading transmission poles from wood to concrete and trimming trees that encroach on power lines.

 

StormReady also includes our $1 million investment in our outage map, reporting tools, status checker and communications platform called StormCenter. Members can proactively enroll to receive outage communications through email, text, voice messages or all three.

 

StormCenter identifies the service locations affected by an outage and proactively sends a notification with the estimated restoration time, crew status and more. Once service is restored, you’ll receive a message that includes the outage cause if known. You can set do not disturb times if you don’t want to be called in the middle of the night about an outage or restoration. To choose notification preferences, visit StormCenter on the website and click on the Manage Notifications tab.

 

Reporting a new outage or checking the status of an existing outage with your smartphone or tablet is easy. Click “Report Outage” and enter the account holder’s last name and house number (or the account or phone number). Find the status of an existing outage on the Check Status tab.

 

Create a StormReady plan for your family that includes gathering emergency supplies, reading our Hurricane Handbook, enrolling in county alerts and saving your county Emergency Operations Center (EOC) number on your phone.

 

Prepare for the worst, hope and pray for the best and know that it is our privilege to serve as your energy provider.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

 

SECO News June Generator Safety

 

Generator Safety

 

Are you considering purchasing an in-home generator as a back-up power source during unexpected power outages? Know the difference between stationary and portable generators and learn safety tips that save lives.

 

Stationary generators are permanently affixed with an approved disconnect and transfer switch that isolates your home’s circuits from SECO Energy’s electric system. This isolation eliminates the risk of backfeeding onto utility lines. Installing a stationary generator is not a DIY project. Contact a licensed electrician.

 

Portable generators are more common than stationary. Portable generators use extension cords to plug desired appliances into the generator.

 

Generators emit deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gas that is odorless and colorless. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends installing a battery-operated CO detector in your home. Place the detector where the alarm will wake you up – just outside bedroom doorways is a good choice. Never run a generator outside an open window or in an enclosed area such as a garage. Also, never use a generator in the rain. You can be shocked or killed.

 

Always read your unit’s safety and instruction manual before operating. Visit our Generator Safety page for more safe operating tips and watch our video to learn how to size a generator correctly.

 

SECO News June 2020 Winners' Circle

 

Winners’ Circle

 

Welcome ELECTRA as our new IVR virtual assistant. Thank you, members, for voting to help us name our newest SECO representative. ELECTRA assists with billing inquiries, outage reporting, checking the status of a current outage and automated payment arrangements.

 

ALL MEMBERS WHO VOTED WERE ENTERED TO WIN ONE OF FIVE GREAT PRIZES.

 

Winners:

 

$250 SECO BILL CREDIT – Amanda Robertson, Clermont

 

RING DOORBELL – Larry Bocharski, Deland

 

NEST LEARNING THERMOSTAT – Scott McConnell, Lake Panasoffkee

 

AMAZON ALEXA – John Halpin, Ocala

 

AMAZON FIRE TABLET – Warren Hammersla, The Villages

 

Congratulations winners!

 

SECO News June 2020 Pennies From Heaven Count

 

Pennies from Heaven Count – Enroll Today

 

Thousands of SECO residential members and small business owners have been unable to pay their electric bills since the economic effect of COVID-19 hit. Can you help? Enroll in our Pennies from Heaven program to round up your monthly bill to the nearest dollar. The donated pennies fund bill payment assistance for SECO members. The average donation is $6 per year. Visit our Pennies from Heaven page to enroll. Members can also enroll through SmartHub. Choose “Bill & Pay” and click on “Pennies from Heaven.” You will need to accept the Terms & Conditions and click “Round bill to next dollar each month.”

 

If you prefer to make a one-time donation, send a check to SECO Energy, Attn: Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 301, Sumterville, FL 33585.

 

For members who have already enrolled, thank you for your generosity and your willingness to help your neighbors and communities. Your pennies make a difference in the lives of members in need. If you need help, text or call Florida 211 for resources in your area supported by SECO Pennies from Heaven funding.

 

SECO News June Emergency Operations Center Contacts (EOC)

 

EOC Contacts

 

AS PART OF YOUR FAMILY’S STORMREADY PLAN, sign up for emergency alerts from your local Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Visit your county’s EOC website for resources such as shelter information, storm planning, evacuation orders and more.

 

To enroll in your county’s emergency alerts, visit the Florida Disaster website. Enter the county or city and follow the enrollment link. Program your county’s number on your phone to have at your fingertips.

 

Citrus County EOC (352) 527-2106 or (352) 746-5470

 

Hernando County EOC (352) 754-4083 or (352) 754-4111

 

Lake County EOC (352) 343-9420

 

Levy County EOC (352) 486-5213

 

Marion County EOC (352) 369-8100

 

Pasco County EOC (727) 847-8137

 

Sumter County EOC (352) 689-4400

 

SECO News June 2020 Hurricane Handbook

 

Hurricane Handbook

 

The SECO Energy Hurricane Handbook is your one-stop guide to being StormReady before, during and after a storm.

 

The Hurricane Handbook defines hurricane category strength, outlines our restoration priority and dispels the myth that SECO disconnects service in advance of an approaching storm. Before a storm arrives, bookmark both StormCenter and our Daily Restoration Plan map on your smartphone or tablet. Enroll in your county’s alert notifications at FloridaDisater.org. We’ve included a seven-day supply stock-up list for you and your pets and advice for members who require electricity for medical equipment. Back-up generation is critical for these special needs members.

 

What to do during a storm? Hunker down and stay informed. Remain indoors and prepare to wait out the weather safely. SECO Energy crews are dispatched to begin restoration only after winds are under 35 mph. Read about the difference between a tornado watch versus a warning. Read the sections on Electric System 101 and Generator Safety.

 

Assess your home or business to make sure it’s safe before you return. If you experience damage, turn off your main breaker if it is safe to do so. If appliances are wet, turn off each appliance’s breaker and then unplug. Check our above ground and underground service diagrams to assess electric damage and know when to call an electrician for repairs.

 

Focus on your family’s safety by heeding storm watches and warnings. Stock up on hurricane essentials – buy early. When a storm approaches supplies sell out quickly.

 

Read the full June 2020 SECO News online.

Hurricane Dorian Rain Bands Lash SECO Energy Area

Hurricane Dorian’s outer rain bands lashed the eastern portion of SECO Energy’s service area overnight Tuesday and continue into Wednesday. SECO’s electric system fared well during wind gusts that topped a reported 40 mph.

 

Hurricane Dorian is hovering off Florida’s east coast this morning as a CAT 2 hurricane with maximum sustained wind speeds at 105 mph. Dorian is moving north-northwest at 8 mph. SECO members can expect Hurricane Dorian’s outer bands to dump more rain on the already saturated ground. Dorian’s rain bands are forecast to clear SECO Energy’s service territory later tonight. For the remainder of the day SECO members located east of I-75 can expect rain bands, isolated lightning and wind gusts up to 40 mph.

 

September is typically the peak of Atlantic hurricane season. According to the National Hurricane Center, as of early Wednesday morning there are five active Atlantic tropical cyclones and disturbances. SECO Energy’s new Hurricane Handbook is available on SECOEnergy.com by clicking on the homepage banner. The Hurricane Handbook is a member guide for preparing before, during and after a storm. The cooperative has included tips on generator safety, restoration priorities, downed power line safety, electric system 101, Florida’s Move Over Law and more.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO Energy’s service area will most likely experience a rainy Wednesday while Hurricane Dorian moves away from Central Florida. Overnight, crews responded to a handful of outages. In fact, as of this morning less than 100 members experienced an outage caused by Dorian. The hurricane’s rain and wind bands haven’t cleared out of our system yet, outages caused by lightning, heavy rains and falling trees may still occur.”

 

Duncan added, “The 2019 Atlantic hurricane season is far from over. Hurricane Dorian was a timely reminder that Floridians need to prepare for tropical storms and hurricanes that affect our area. Read the Hurricane Handbook, keep your supplies updated and continue to watch local weather reports.”

 

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 online and bookmark on your smartphone or tablet to report outages quickly and easily.

 

Stay up to date on weather affecting SECO Energy’s service area, the latest news releases and cooperative updates by “liking” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter.