Storm Season - Lakeland Electric

Transcription

Storm Season - Lakeland Electric
HURRICANE
GUIDE
During
Storm Season
and throughout the year,
Lakeland Electric
is Ready.
Sources for Emergency Information
Polk County Emergency Management
(863) 519-7350
American Red Cross (Shelters)
(863) 294-5941
United Way Information Referral Service
(863) 648-1515 / (800) 881-8929
Citizens Information Line
(863) 401-2234 / (866) 661-0228
Animal Services
(863) 499-2600
FEMA
(800) 621-3362
National Weather Service
(813) 645-2323
Official Emergency Broadcasting
Radio Stations
WONN 1230 AM and WPCV 97.5 FM are
designated as the primary emergency broadcast
system stations for Polk County. Lakeland Electric
does its best to keep these and other stations
informed on the most up-to-date news regarding
power outages.
Please do NOT call these stations to report
outages or ask for utility status information!
Travelers Information: 1610 AM
Important City of Lakeland
Phone Numbers
Outage Reporting
(866) 834-4248
Customer Service Call Center
(863) 834-9535
Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 8 pm (EST)
Fallen Power Lines/Water Outages
(866) 834-4248
TDD Number (Hearing Impaired)
(863) 834-8333
Medically Essential Program
(863) 834-1555
Tree and Lawn Debris Removal
(863) 834-8773
Lakeland Police Department
(Non-Emergency): (863) 834-6900
Lakeland Fire Department
(Non-Emergency): (863) 834-8200
Important Websites
Redcross.org
Lakelandelectric.com
Polk-county.net
Lakelandgov.net
Weather.gov
2www.lakelandelectric.com
HURRICANE
GUIDE
3-Day Emergency Kit • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 4
Reporting Outages • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 6
If Your Power Goes Out • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 6
Pet Care and Safety • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 8
Hurricane Prep for Kids • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 9
Power Restoration • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 10
Identifying Downed Power Lines • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 11
Service Restoration Questions • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 12
Storm Basics 101: From Warning to Aftermath • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 14
12 Steps to Flood Protection • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 15
Electrical Safety • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 15
Frequently Asked Questions • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 16
Generator Safety • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 18
Polk County Info/Special Needs • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 19
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3-Day Emergency Kit
Plan to be self sufficient for at least three days during and after a
disaster. Anticipate not having access to water, electrical power or
utilities. To ensure the comfort of your family, we suggest you assemble
and have readily available the items detailed below.
Checklist:
Battery-operated items (radio, flashlight, etc.) and extra batteries
Canned and non-perishable foods
Drinking water in non-breakable containers (one gallon per person per day)
Fully charged cell phone
First aid kit and prescription medicine
Personal aids such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, etc.
Credit cards, cash, and an extra set of car keys
Infant care items
Sleeping bag, blanket, sheet and pillow and portable chair
Special dietary food, if required
Change of clothes and rainwear
Identification, valuable papers, policies and
photographs in waterproof containers
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Report An Electric Outage:
866-834-4248
Lakeland Electric’s automated outage reporting system
allows you to report an outage
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Fallen Power Lines
Fallen power lines are deadly! Stay clear of them. Don’t
touch or try to move any object in contact or near the line.
Do not trim trees or remove debris on or near downed
power lines. Do not step in any nearby water puddles –
they can be as dangerous as the live wires!
If you are in a vehicle that accidentally gets entangled in
a power line, stay where you are. Do not try to get out
unless fire or severe injuries demand it. In these cases it’s
important to break all contact with the vehicle in a specific
way: keep both feet together and jump out of the vehicle
and land, feet still together, on the ground.
For tree and lawn debris removal call 834-8773
PLAN
•
PREPARE
•
PROTECT
Make sure
your family
is ready
for whatever
the season
brings.
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Reporting Outages
If Your Power Goes Out
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Q
A
After a major storm or hurricane should I report an outage right away?
Q
A
Before reporting an outage, should I check anything in my home first?
Q
A
How do I report an outage if it's not a household problem?
We recommend that customers initially wait before calling to report an outage so that the
phone lines can remain open for emergency situations. If lines are down or sparking or if
there's a potential hazard that would prevent you from leaving or entering your home or
neighborhood, call 911.
Yes, check all circuit breakers and fuses to help determine if the outage is a
household problem. If it is, you may be able to reset your own power.
Call the Lakeland Electric Automated Reporting Line at 834-4284
or 866-834-4248.
o Keep flashlights and spare batteries in an easy-to-locate area that’s safe to
enter in complete darkness.
o Check all circuit breakers or fuses to make sure the problem is not in your home.
o Call the Lakeland Electric Automated Reporting Line at 834-4284.
o Do not report the same outage to Lakeland Electric more than once.
o Leave the doors of freezers and refrigerators closed except when you need an item. Limit
the number of times you open the door.
o Do not refreeze food once it begins to thaw.
o Turn off or disconnect an electric range or any other heating or cooking device you
were using.
o If there is a potential of flooding, do not store items on top of a heater, range or other
cooking device.
o Leave all electrical appliances and lights turned off except for one light in a location that
will indicate the return of service.
o Turn off battery backup systems on computers to conserve battery power.
o Keep blinds and curtains closed to help reduce the interior heat of your home.
o All electric garage door openers have manual releases or manual operators.
o After your service is restored check your breaker panel or fuse box to insure that individual
breakers or fuses do not need to be reset. Limit your electric use for one hour so circuits
are not overloaded.
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IMPORTANT: Please Call!
Lakeland Electric Customer Service at
863-834-9535
PRIOR TO STORM SEASON and verify your information.
We need your current phone number on file to match the
one registered to your account for our automated outage
system to work efficiently.
866-834-4248
Lakeland Electric’s Automated Power Outage Reporting
System allows customers to report an outage 24/7
The outage reporting system provides customized, call-handling services that allow Lakeland
Electric to keep in touch with their customers, especially in the event of an emergency.
You can track
power outages
on our website.
VISIT:
www.lakelandelectric.com
www.lakelandelectric.com
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Pet Care and Safety
Taking Care of Your Pet
Pet owners need to have a pet plan in place prior to the storm. Most public shelters in our
area do not allow pets; however after the 2004 Storm Season Polk County Emergency
Management established three pet shelters in the County:
• Philip O’Brien Elementary, 1225 East Lime Street, Lakeland
• Lake Region High School, 1995 Thunder Road, Eagle Lake
• Alta Vista Elementary, 801 Scenic Highway, Haines City
Due to space limitations, the sites will be strictly for pet-friendly groups and will be limited
to providing shelter only for dogs, cats, birds and their owners. As in any other sheltering
situation, residents are advised to consult the local media or Citizens Information Line to
ensure a specific shelter is open and operating before proceeding to that facility.
Other shelter requirements include:
• Complete shot records for each pet, which will be reviewed upon arrival at the shelter;
• An airline-approved carrying case, in which each animal brought to the shelter will remain
for the duration of their stay;
• Food for the pet for at least a three-day period;
• An agreement, signed by the pet owner upon registration, that
confirms that the pet will be accompanied by an owner through the
duration of the sheltering.
Failure to comply with any of these items could preclude
someone being able to enter the shelters.
Please visit www.polksheriff.org for more
comprehensive pet disaster planning tips.
Pet Survival Kit
Consider bringing these other items for your pet:
Collar with tags and a leash for dogs
Harness with tags and a leash for cats
Current photo of your pet with your name, address and email address on the back
Manual can opener and plastic sealable bags
Cat litter, liner and a pan
Plastic trash bags and scoop for waste
Newspaper and paper towels for cleanup
Toys and other comfort items
Note: If you do not wish to take your pet to one of the county-run pet-friendly shelters, several
of the area kennels, as well as area motels accept pets during a storm. However, each facility
accepts the pet on a case-by-case basis and prior arrangements are necessary.
Make sure
ALL Members of
your family are ready
for Hurricane Season!
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Power Restoration
Lakeland Electric’s process of restoring power first emphasizes health, safety,
essential community services and re-establishing service to the greatest number
of customers.
Specifically, we:
1.
Clear main transmission lines that carry bulk electrical power and substations that
facilitate the long-distance transportation of power from various generating sources.
These facilities facilitate transmitting power from the generation units to the end-users.
2. Repair the main distribution lines (feeders) to service-essential customers – essential to
the health, safety and welfare of the community.
3. Restore selected distribution lines to energize large groups of customers.
4. Block by block restoration of remaining power lines. As neighborhood and individual
service assessments occur, customers are notified by a door hanger, as appropriate,
regarding special problems that may require an electrician before Lakeland Electric can
restore service.
Note: Non-operating traffic signals belonging to the City, County or State must be
repaired or replaced by their respective crew before Lakeland Electric re-energizes
their power lines. The utility prioritizes traffic signal restoration by geographic region
at City and County request. These intersections shall be treated as 4-way stops
while signals are not functioning.
Q
A
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Who are Lakeland Electric “Essential Customers”?
Essential Customers provide the community with health and safety services.
If possible, and depending on the weather, available crews, materials, extent
of damage to the service territory and flooding, all essential customers receive
equal priority and attention. Essential customers include:
• Public service facilities (City/County essential facilities)
• Utilities (water, wastewater, telephone, gas)
• Communications
• Medical (hospital, surgical facilities, blood banks)
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Identifying
Downed
Power
Lines
During major storms and Hurricanes, Lakeland
Electric may have more downed power line
locations than crews can immediately get to
and repair. For these locations, special warning
tapes and signs will be used. These signs and
tapes will alert First Responders and the general
public that there is a potential hazard and to stay
away. As these locations are identified, a report
is generated and put on a list. Then, as crews
become available they will perform whatever work
is needed to make the location safe.
How We Restore Power
This diagram illustrates the major components
the electrical system uses to deliver electricity
to Lakeland Electric homes and businesses.
1 Power Plant
2 Transmission Lines
3 Transmission-to-Distribution Substation
4 Distribution Feeder
5 Power Pole
6Fuse
7 Tap Line
8 Pole-top or Pad-mount Transformer
9 Service Lines
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Service Restoration Questions
Q
A
Patrols to assess service damage are initiated as soon as the storm passes. The initial
damage assessment reports are evaluated, tools and materials identified and crews
scheduled and dispatched immediately.
Note: Customers with SMART meters have the benefit of the utility knowing their power is off.
Q
A
Q
A
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How will Lakeland Electric know my power is out?
You only sent an inspector to look at my damage. Why not a crew to fix the problem?
Patrols are trained to assess damage and determine the priority and type of crew needed
to repair service. The damage done by a hurricane can be much more severe than normal
service outages. Uprooted trees may knock down power poles. Inspectors arrange for
tree crews to remove the trees and for pole crews to replace the poles, as needed, so line
crews can repair the conductors. Be assured that Lakeland Electric makes every effort to
restore service as quickly and as efficiently as possible.
Underground versus overhead electric service?
The different kinds of damage that could occur in a severe storm are as different
as the two systems. Overhead service is mostly exposed to high winds and flying
debris. Underground facilities are subject to flooding or damage by nearby uprooted
trees. Lakeland Electric crews install and repair overhead lines and install and repair
underground cable. Most neighborhoods have one type of service or the other, and crews
are assigned to restoration work accordingly. Repair and replacement time is about the
same for equipment with similar functions - transformers, for example. Damage to an
overhead transformer may be readily visible, but replacement or repair must be done off
the ground. Damage to a pad mounted transformer that serves underground cable may
not be readily visible without opening the equipment. Pad-mounted transformers also
are bigger and heavier if replacement is necessary; however, once placed they can be
worked at ground level.
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Who Is Responsible
For Fixing What?
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If your electrical components are damaged, you may
be responsible for repairs. Identify your type or service
connection below to learn YOUR responsibilities, in
BLUE; and LAKELAND ELECTRIC’s responsibilities in
RED.
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Q
A
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1 WEATHERHEAD
2 ATTACHMENT HARDWARE
3 RISER
4 METER CAN
1 SERVICE LINE
2 METER
You must repair any damage to your home’s
electric system before Lakeland Electric
can restore your power. If you feel your
home may be unsafe to carry power, call a
licensed electrician. We’re not permitted to
repair damage to other electrical wiring, the
weatherhead or your piping.
Why am I the only house on the block without power?
There could be a number of reasons: (1) fuses or
circuit breakers in your home tripped, which causes
the flow of power to stop; (2) trees fell on your service
cable; (3) the transformer that serves you blew a fuse
or is otherwise damaged; (4) the primary line feeding
the transformer is de-energized because of damage.
1
Q
A
Why is my neighbor’s power on and mine is not?
Even homes that are next to each other may receive
power from different transformers or lines.
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Storm Basics 101: From Warning to Aftermath
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When the Storm Threatens
• Check/Update your three-day emergency kit.
•
(See the checklist on page 4.)
Listen to our official emergency broadcasting radio stations:
WONN 1230 AM, WPCV 97.5.
Unplug major non-vital appliances.
Prepare for high winds. Board or tape windows and other
glass. Anchor objects outside. Brace the garage door.
Move boats and trailers close to the house and check mooring
lines of boats in the water.
Fill your bathtub with water for sanitary purposes. Because
water conducts electricity, it’s not safe to run water during a
storm.
Establish an out-of-state contact.
Know where to locate your electric panel or fuse box.
Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
Shut off gas, water and electricity at the breaker box if
you evacuate. •
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When the Storm Hits
• Stay indoors, in an inside room away from doors and
windows, electrical outlets and water pipes.
• Don’t go out in the brief calm during the eye of the storm.
• Keep television and radio tuned for information from official
sources.
After the Storm Passes
• Never go near downed power lines. Always assume they are energized and extremely
dangerous. If someone suffers an electric shock, call 911. Even minor shocks may
cause serious health problems later.
• Check for electrical damage inside your home, such as frayed wires, sparks or the smell
of burning insulation. If you find damage, don't turn your power on until an electrician
inspects your system and makes necessary repairs.
In the Aftermath
Following a hurricane, it may take several weeks to restore services and clear roads and
even months to remove all debris from neighborhoods. Please be patient and cooperate
with instructions and requests from authorities. We can’t guarantee that things will be fixed
overnight, we can guarantee that we won’t rest until they are.
When needed, Lakeland Electric requests aid from other utilities to help us to restore power.
Crews work extended hours until every home that is safe to receive electricity has electricity.
• Don’t use tap water until it’s safe. Use your emergency supply or boil water before
drinking until you receive official word that the water is safe.
• If possible, wait until crews are finished restoring power to your area before cleaning
your yard.
• If you must remove debris from in or around your home, don’t pile it under or near
electrical lines, by equipment or where the lines or pole were located before the storm.
• Drive only if absolutely necessary and avoid flooded roads and downed power lines.
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Flood Hazard Flooding can occur almost anywhere. Find
Flood Hazard risk areas by visiting www.floodsmart.gov
and by looking at a flood hazard risk profile.
Flood Safety Do not walk through flowing water. Keep
away from flooded areas, power lines, electrical wires,
animals and snakes, etc. Look before you step. Electricity
must be turned off by the Electric Company. Be alert for
gas leaks.
Flood Insurance Standard homeowner’s insurance
policies do not cover flood damage. Contact your
insurance company for flood insurance or call 1-800-4274661 for information about the National Flood
Insurance Program.
Property Protection Measures Move needed items to
upper floors. Use sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and
lumber to help reduce flood damage.
Natural and Beneficial Functions Floodplains absorb large
amounts of rain, filter stormwater runoff, reduce flooding
and provide wildlife habitat. Preserve the floodplain for its
natural state.
Flood Warning System Local emergency broadcasts
at WONN 1230 AM Radio, WPCV 97.5 FM and WFTV
channel 9 TV. Visit www.Lakelandgov.net for emergency
broadcast information.
Floodplain Development Permit Obtain permits before you
build on, fill, alter, or regrade your property in a floodplain.
Report suspected illegal activity to Building Inspection
at 834-6012.
Substantial Improvement Requirements Obtain permits
before substantially improving your property.
Drainage System Maintenance Keep debris out of
drainage swales and ditches. Report illegal dumping to
Code Enforcement at 834-6251.
Lakeland Flood Hazards The Lakeland urban areas
most prone to flooding are within the drainage basins of
Blackwater and Itchepackesassa, Poley and
English Creeks.
Flood Elevation Certificates Flood Elevation certificates
are available at City Hall in the Building Department or
online at www.lakelandgov.net.
Flood Hazard Maps Flood Maps are available at the main
Lakeland Library and City Hall or visit www.fema.gov
Always be aware of the potentially
deadly hazards after a storm:
Home Hazards:
• Generator back feed
• Energized downed wires
• Broken standpipes on weatherheads
Safety
12 Steps to Flood Protection
Things that may become energized and cause
shock or death when in contact with live wires:
• High or low water levels
• Temporary lane marking tapes used
on roadways
• Chain link and other metal fences
• Concrete sidewalks and walls (this material
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holds water that can conduct electricity)
Trees and limbs
Metal clothes lines
Guardrails
Railroad tracks
Hazards Near Utility Poles:
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Energized down guys (support wires)
Energized ground wires on poles
Disconnected or stolen ground wires
Damaged poles, hardware, equipment
ready to fall
Other Cables/Wires:
• Energized metal messengers used with
fiber optic cables
• Energized telephone and cable TV lines
and Drops
• Wire and cables overstressed and under
extremely high tension
• Uprooted buried electrical conduits and
water lines
Manufactured Homes
Manufactured homes are not normally considered
safe to withstand the impact of hurricane force winds.
You may be asked or you may volunteer to evacuate.
Regardless of your intent to evacuate, your mobile
home must be tied down. For more information on tiedown procedures, refer to www.mygreathome.com.
To report downed wires
or outages call
(866) 834-4248
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Are Fallen Trees Handled?
One of Lakeland Electric's priority efforts is removing trees and debris
that have damaged electrical equipment and are preventing service
restoration. Do not attempt to remove or trim foliage within 10 feet
of any power line.
If a power line has fallen, please contact Lakeland Electric and
do not attempt to get close to the line. Since electric service
restoration is Lakeland Electric's primary responsibility, the utility
clears only debris that directly affects electric facilities and service
lines or access to Lakeland Electric equipment.
Downed trees and large limbs that are not near power lines
should be trimmed to approximately four feet in length
and placed along the curb for eventual collection. Do
not pile storm debris near utility poles. Piles of
trash and debris make it difficult for
utility crews to access facilities in
order to restore service. Make safety your first priority
when you prune limbs. Look
up. Be especially careful
when working with a
ladder, scaffold, pole or tree in your yard.
DO NOT TRIM NEAR A POWER LINE.
TREE AND LAWN DEBRIS REMOVAL: 834-8773
Q
Does Lakeland Electric ever disconnect power to facilities because of anticipated
damage (flooding)?
A
Lakeland Electric does not de-energize facilities because of anticipated damage such as
flooding or high winds. The protective, disconnect devices on all electrical equipment remain
energized until adverse conditions of a storm or hurricane cause them to operate as designed
and shut off current if conditions demand. The devices will not be switched on until the storm
passes and the facilities are inspected to ensure safe re-energizing.
Q
A
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What circumstances might prohibit Lakeland Electric from turning the power back on?
Once sustained winds reach about 40 mph (and building), Lakeland Electric does not attempt
to restore service when conditions endanger the safety of employees. After the storm passess,
assessments are made and crews are deployed.
Poles down, wires down, trees in the lines and other unsafe conditions are all examples of
damage that prevent Lakeland Electric from turning the power on; other work is delayed until
these repairs are accomplished.
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If Lakeland Electric doesn’t get my power back on within a certain time, don't you have to pay
for the food that spoils?
A
Since Lakeland Electric has no control over the damage done to its facilities during
hurricanes or other natural disasters, neither Lakeland Electric nor its ratepayers would be
expected to pay for food that might spoil due to storm damage and resulting electric service
interruptions.
Q
A
Will my service be turned off if I am unable to pay my utility bill due to the hurricane?`
Note: If you incur significant damage to your home or business that requires you to
Q
How can you tell the difference between telephone, TV and electric lines and if they are
energized?
A
There’s no easy way to describe the difference. Wires maybe energized, especially if they are
wrapped around an energized power line a few feet, or even a block away.
Q
A
How can I tell if a fallen electric line is energized?
Q
A
How can I tell if standing water is energized?
Q
What should you do when a traffic light is
completely out?
A
A traffic signal that is completely dark should
be treated as a 4-way stop.
Q
What should you do when a traffic light is
flashing?
A
A traffic signal that is flashing “ALL RED”
(red in all directions) should be treated
as 4-way stop. Approach yellow
flashing signals slowly and proceed
with caution.
If a hurricane approaches Lakeland Electric’s service territory, the utility temporarily suspends
collections for the affected geographical area. Collection activity resumes upon returning to
normal business operations.
temporarily or permanently relocate, please contact Lakeland Electric regarding your account
and address.
You can’t; so consider all wires energized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q
There is no safe way to determine this. Consider the
water and any wire in it energized. Even a fallen
power line several blocks away can energize water.
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Portable Generators
PORTABLE GENERATORS CAN BE
DEADLY TO YOU AND OUR CREWS!
ALWAYS:
• Run a generator in an open, well-ventilated area
• Use good condition electrical cords, rated for the current required by your
connected devices
• Keep children away from a generator
• Use an isolation device between your generator and our service conductor.
A “double throw switch” or transfer switch meets this requirement
• Read and follow the generator owner’s manual
• Have a qualified, licensed electrician make any electrical wiring
modifications
• Call your local electrician if you have any questions
NEVER:
• Feed power from a generator directly into your electrical system or any wall
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outlet. This type of connection can cause a dangerous electrical back feed
into our power distribution system that can cause serious injury or death to
our repair personnel
Operate a generator near combustible materials or expose it to water or rain
Leave excessive lengths of cord coiled while carrying current. This can
cause a fire
Refuel a generator while it is running; allow it to cool before refueling
Store fuel indoors
Leave a running generator unattended
Operate a generator indoors, within an enclosed space, or by a window that
can be opened. Generator engines emit deadly carbon monoxide fumes that
are odorless and can kill.
Failing to properly and safely connect your generator delays electric
service restoration to you and your neighbors.
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Polk County Emergency Management Evacuation Policy
Polk County recommends in-place shelter as the primary option during a disaster. For those
unable to remain in place, especially those in manufactured homes, consider these choices:
• Evacuate to relative’s or friend’s residence
• Evacuate the area at least 2 - 3 days before the storm is expected to strike
• Evacuate to a hotel/motel and (make arrangements early as rooms go quickly)
• Evacuate to a public shelter.
Citizen Information Line: 401-2234 or 1-866-661-0228
Emergency Management: 519-7350
Registration for Special Needs Program: 298-7027
Animal Services: 499-2600
Polk Neighborhood Services: www.polk-county.net
People With Special Medical Needs
Because utilities cannot guarantee continuous power,
especially during a severe storm or hurricane, Lakeland Electric
recommends anyone using medical equipment requiring electric
service make prior arrangements for back-up power or plan to
relocate to a hospital or other facility. If you receive home health
care, discuss emergency plans with your agency representative
and/or contact the Polk County Special Needs Program.
Polk County Special Needs Program
The Polk County Emergency Management Special Needs
Program provides shelter and/or transportation for persons who
need assistance with physical or non-acute medical conditions
who must evacuate during emergency conditions. It’s specifically
for people who have no other transportation or shelter options. It
is preferred that eligible persons pre-register. Eligible persons who
evacuate to a Special Needs Shelter should bring all electrical/
oxygen equipment with them, including oxygen concentrators.
For additional information, contact the Polk County Emergency
Management Division at (863) 298-7027.
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501 East Lemon Street • Lakeland, Florida 33801-5079
(863) 834-9535 • Fax (863) 834-8450
www.lakelandelectric.com
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www.lakelandelectric.com