Hurricane Season Begins This Month

On April 9, 2008, Colorado State University’s Department of Atmospheric Science released its forecast for the 2008 hurricane season. Experts predict a well above-average season with about eight hurricanes - four of which could be categorized as intense storms, meaning they are Category Three or higher. The 2008 Atlantic hurricane season began June 1 and ends November 30, although storms have been known to form before and after that window. If a storm hits our service area, West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) is prepared to serve member-owners to the best of its ability when responding to storm-related power outages. During outages that follow hurricanes, repairs are made in a sequence that will restore service to the greatest number of members in the least amount of time. Working out from the substations, line crews concentrate on repairing the three-phase feeder lines (main lines) leading from the substations first. The closer a home is to a substation, the sooner power will be restored to that home. Next, the first sets of breakers on a section of line are fixed. Each section is then energized before moving on to the next set of breakers while gradually working out to the single-phase taps.

WFEC member-owners can help facilitate the restoration process by making sure all of their account information is up-to-date. Update phone numbers, addresses and other information on our Web site or by calling the cooperative. Another way members can help with power restoration efforts is to call WFEC to report the problem, including any observed signs of damage to the dispatcher. When severe weather events occur, the cooperative uses its automated Power Outage Response Call Handling Equipment or PORCHE system. The PORCHE system is easy to use and will guide you through an outage reporting process that allows information to be entered using a touch-tone phone or by speaking answers to the system prompts. If circumstances permit, a live operator may also be accessed by staying on the line.

During multiple outages, the PORCHE provides callers with a recorded list of areas to which crews have been dispatched. It is important to allow sufficient time for repairs to occur before calling WFEC to report your outage again, especially during major weather events like a hurricane. WFEC’s linemen work hard to restore electric service to members as quickly as possible, but some repairs may take a lot of time, especially if the storm that hit was a Category Three or higher.

When a hurricane hits, there is no way to determine the severity of the storm or how long electric service will be disrupted. It is important for everyone within WFEC’s service area to be vigilant and take the necessary precautions outline below:

• Remember to update your account information with the cooperative.
• Compile a disaster kit with enough supplies to last two weeks. This kit should include water – one gallon per person, per day; a battery operated radio, clothing, canned or packaged foods; prescription medicines; important documents; fuel; lanterns; matches; blankets; toys; first aid kit; toiletries and other necessary items. Visit www.myflorida.com for more information about items you should include in your kit.
• Be prepared to evacuate. The National Weather Service will issue a hurricane watch when there is a threat to coastal areas within 24-36 hours. For more information about evacuating and for evacuation route information visit: http://redcross.tallytown.com/map/evacuation.html
• Practice generator safety during power outages. Portable generators are widely used to sustain customers when power lines are down, but can prove fatal to workers and consumers alike when used improperly. Please follow the safety guidelines below when utilizing portable generators:

a) Portable generators - Portable, gasoline-driven generators are designed to be used with appliances with cords connected to them. They can be especially convenient to use in remote locations, such as camping sites or construction areas. Lights, small appliances, etc. can be plugged directly into outlets on portable generators. In general, they are not designed to be connected to your home or any building wiring. Do not attempt to personally install these devices to your electrical panel.

b) Fixed Generators - Large, fixed generators generally are directly connected to building wiring to provide standby power during emergencies and power outages. However, the wiring needs to be properly installed by a qualified electrical contractor. Properly installing a “permanent” generator is extremely dangerous, and not a “do it yourself” job. If you plan to have this type of generator installed, you may need to obtain an electrical permit from your local electrical or building inspector’s office.

c) “Back Feeding”  a dangerous condition - Improperly connecting a portable generator to electric wiring can produce “back feed” - a dangerous current that can electrocute or critically injure you or others. Back feed into power lines from a generator could create “hot” power lines during an outage. Linemen who expect the line to be de-energized could be injured. One good way to avoid back feeding is to install a double-pole, double-throw transfer-switch gear. A qualified electrical contractor can install this transfer switch so that a dangerous back feed can be prevented.