Tampa Electric is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Elsa and is prepared to respond to severe weather that may affect Florida. The company also encourages customers to plan ahead.
Tropical Storm Elsa is expected to bring strong winds, heavy rain and potential storm surge to Florida on Tuesday. Tampa Electric customers could see severe weather, including flooding, which may result in power outages. Tampa Electric’s crews are prepared to work around the clock to restore power as quickly and safely as possible; they have ensured their trucks are fully stocked and they have appropriate supplies and equipment. The company is arranging for additional line crews and tree trimmers to help, if needed.
Tampa Electric offers customers several ways to report power outages:
• Register at tecoaccount.com so the outage reporting system can immediately recognize your number when you call or text.
• Visit Tampaelectric.com/outage
• Text OUT to 27079; Please note this is a new number for texting outages
• Call 877.588.1010
Customers can monitor and track power outages in their neighborhoods through the outage map at tampaelectric.com/outagemap. The map displays the cause, status and estimated restoration time. Tampa Electric also will use Twitter @tampaelectric and Facebook facebook.com/tampaelectric to keep customers informed about outage restoration.
The company also recommends that customers have a storm plan in place for their homes or businesses. Tampa Electric encourages all customers to visit the Storm Center online for full details on ways to prepare.
Before the storm:
• Pack your hurricane preparedness kit and be ready; review your emergency plan with your family, and include pets in your planning.
• Charge your phone, fill you gas tank and know your evacuation zone.
• Register your account online and set notification preferences.
• Monitor radio stations, TV and weather alert radio for storm updates.
During the storm:
• Stay indoors within a sturdy structure (no mobile homes or trailers), choosing a room away from any exterior windows.
• If flood waters threaten your home, shut off power at the main switch.
• Assume all downed / damaged power lines are extremely dangerous.
• Use a NOAA weather alert radio to stay informed.
• Keep refrigerators & freezers closed to preserve food if possible.
After the storm:
• If you encounter a downed power line, always assume it is energized, move a safe distance away and immediately call 911. Never drive over downed power lines or touch power lines, including anyone or anything touching the line. This includes a fence or other object the line may fall onto. Warn others to stay away until help arrives and after notifying 911, inform the utility by calling 1-888-223-0800.
• Stay out of floodwaters, as they can put you at risk of drowning and/or hide energized power lines. Any amount of water could become energized.
• Remember to use portable generators safely. Portable generators must not be taken into homes or any enclosed space (like a garage) where deadly carbon monoxide gases could build up. Plug your appliances directly into the generator. DO NOT connect your portable generator into your home’s circuits. Connecting your generator to the circuits may cause power to flow to outside lines, posing life-threatening danger to restoration crews.
Building a Stronger and Smarter Grid
Tampa Electric’s new Storm Protection Program is strengthening the system to better withstand extreme weather events, such as hurricanes. This program includes converting certain overhead power lines to underground. It will mean fewer outages for customers, and shorter outages after extreme weather events. While we are strengthening our grid, strong winds or flooding may still impact our equipment, and customers may experience power outages.
Tampa Electric, one of Florida’s largest investor-owned electric utilities, serves about 800,000 customers in West Central Florida. Tampa Electric is a subsidiary of Emera Inc., a geographically diverse energy and services company headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
