Duke Energy, which has a Florida headquarters in St. Petersburg, has provided information and supplies[1] for local seniors and their pets as peak hurricane season approaches in Florida.
The company has distributed about 400 “shelter in place” kits along with pet preparedness bags at two senior centers, the Enoch Davis Center and the Sunshine Center. The kits include large rolling coolers, collapsable water containers, shelf-stable food, cleaning and hygiene products and other items that may be needed in the event of a storm.
For their pets, the company provided travel food bowls, slip leashes, waste bags and other necessities.
“Duke Energy Florida has deep roots in St. Pete, including thousands of current employees and retirees who call this city home,” Duke Energy Florida State President Melissa Seixas, said.
“After last year’s devastating storms, it’s extremely important to me, as it is to everyone in our company, that our residents are prepared for whatever may come our way in the months ahead. I’m grateful for the opportunity to support so many seniors and appreciate the collaboration with the city of St. Petersburg and the Florida Council on Aging.”
Seixas was referencing back-to-back hurricanes last year. Hurricane Helene, in late September, brought widespread flooding to the area, while Hurricane Milton just two weeks later in early October brought driving winds that damaged structures, including blowing the roof from Tropicana Field and toppling a construction crane in downtown St. Pete.
“Working with corporate partners like Duke Energy Florida has such an impact on older adults across the state,” Florida Council on Aging (FCOA) President Erin McLeod said. “FCOA is proud to serve as a conduit between the agencies that touch thousands of older adults’ lives and the businesses that have a strong desire to make a difference.”
A Duke Energy customer care team was also on hand at the Sunshine Center in downtown St. Pete’s Mirror Lake area to answer questions and direct seniors to resources such as energy efficiency and financial assistance programs.
Duke Energy offers storm preparedness tips for all before, during and after a storm.
Before a storm[2], the company recommends making a plan, including how to move yourself and your family to a safe location if located in an evacuation zone; having a portable radio or weather radio to monitor information; ensuring adequate supplies such as shelf-stable food and water; having cash on hand; charging all devices, protecting important documents in a waterproof container; making arrangements for pets; knowing where shelters are; filling vehicles with gas; and checking emergency power sources to ensure they are working.
During a storm[3], the company reminds residents to seek shelter in a well-constructed building; disconnect or turn off any nonessential electrical equipment; stay away from windows and doors during high wind activity; avoid walking, swimming or driving in flood waters; and, perhaps most importantly; to heed instructions and guidance from emergency management officials.
After the storm[4], Duke Energy emphasizes continued safety precautions, including staying away from downed power lines and other hazardous areas such as floodwaters and debris piles; looking for damage that may prevent power from being restored in the event of an outage; not wiring a generator directly to a breaker fuse box; operating generators only outdoors; documenting home damage and other losses; and disconnecting electrical equipment to avoid overloading circuits when power is restored.
More information is available on Duke Energy’s storm preparedness website[5].
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References
- ^ provided information and supplies (news.duke-energy.com)
- ^ Before a storm (www.duke-energy.com)
- ^ During a storm (www.duke-energy.com)
- ^ After the storm (www.duke-energy.com)
- ^ storm preparedness website (www.duke-energy.com)