Tropical Storm Laura: Power Outages: How To Prepare

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Tropical storms and hurricanes bring gifts of strong winds, long gas lines and power outages. According to the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Laura could be in Florida early next week so make sure you are prepared with these tips if your power happens to go out:

Power Outage Map:

For an update of power outages across the Sunshine State during Tropical Storm Laura, click Florida on the map section of PowerOutage.US, and click on the county where you live for its outage report. This site lists the most recent reported outages along with each electric provider in the state.

If you do run into the issue of a power outage, the Department of Homeland Security and Centers for Disease Control offers tips to help you prepare for an electricity loss. Patch is highlighting some of the most important tips but the full list can be seen at Ready.Gov Power Outage Survival and Centers for Disease Control.

How To Save Battery Power:

• Have a portable battery charger for to charge your electronics since these do not require electricity, but do make sure the portable battery charger is fully charged before the power goes out. Contact your local retail stores to make sure they have this kind of charger available.

Other Ways To Prepare:

• Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity.
• Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
• Review the supplies that are available in case of a power outage. Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member. Have enough nonperishable food and water.
• Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks full.
• Sign up for weather alerts from your nearby local weather provider, and follow hurricane tracking by the National Hurricane Center.

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