JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Florida without the AC? Not fun.
During a storm, winds can blow down electric lines and no electricity means no lights, no AC, no refrigerator.
Power companies are prepared to get us up and running as soon as possible, but it could take up to two weeks or more to get your electricity back on in your home after a tropical storm or hurricane.
If you are experiencing a power outage as a result of a storm, here are some items to consider.
Here are some ways you can power the items in your home like lights, fans, and maybe even the refrigerator.
- Get a generator
- You'll need gas and all the correct power cords that go with it.
- Make sure you read the directions and test it out before the storm.
- The most important thing is to not run it in the house or the garage.
- Keep it a safe distance from your home and away from any open windows to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Invest in a "big battery" or portable power station
- You can charge phones, run laptops, power your lights.
- You can recharge the battery by using solar panels or by plugging it into your car, but you'll probably want to save the gas.
- Get phone chargers and make sure they're powered up BEFORE the storm!
- If your internet is down, you may be able to use your phone as a hot spot but remember that uses a lot of power.
Power Outage Safety Tips via Ready.Gov
Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.
Do not use a gas stove to heat your home.
Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
Track power outages through your provider including JEA, Florida Power & Light, or Clay Electric Co-operative