Tropical Storm Elsa: How To Prepare For Power Outages

FLORIDA — Strong winds of Tropical Storm Elsa could cause many power outages throughout Florida starting from Tuesday evening into early Wednesday morning. Make sure you are prepared to be without electricity for at least three days, according to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Patch has prepared a power outage guide below:

Generators

If you are using a portable generator for backup power, be sure to use it properly. More Floridians have been killed by misuse of a generator than storms in the past four years, DeSantis said. For guidance using one properly, visit Tampa Patch.

Power Outage Map

• If you want to know how many areas are without power or need updates on restoration, 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.
• Sometimes when electric power crews are responding to outages, they will need to turn off nearby power lines or an entire power line that may have not been affected by storm or hurricane weather for safety reasons, Duke Energy in St. Petersburg told reporters Tuesday morning. They recommended for everyone to be prepared for the tropical storm impacts, and have patience.
• If you have medical issues that require assistance from a health device that is powered by electricity, make sure to have an alternate location that will have electricity, or make sure to have power backups, Ana Gibbs, a spokesperson with Duke Energy, said.
• Duke Energy is one of the state's electric providers that has 2,600 crews on standby for the aftermath of Tropical Storm Elsa so that wait times of power restoration can shorten for residents. If you are curious if your electricity service provider has crews on standby, contact them.

Backup Batteries

• Have a portable battery charger or multiple portable battery chargers for your laptop, cell phone and other electronics. Make sure the portable battery is fully charged before power outages occur.

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.
• Sign up for weather alerts from your nearby local weather provider, and follow hurricane tracking by the National Hurricane Center or your local emergency operations center.

Patch Related Stories:

• 2,600 Duke Energy Crews On Standby For TS Elsa Impacts
• Generators Killed More Floridians In Last 4 Years Than Storms
• Price Gouging Hotline Activated; Attorney General Urges Vigilance
• TS Elsa Closes Sarasota Bradenton Airport At 6:30 P.M. Tuesday
• As TS Elsa Nears, Tampa Airport To Suspend Flights At 5 p.m.