Hurricane Season Preparation: Protecting Your Home and Energy Budget

Hurricane Season Preparation: Protecting Your Home and Energy Budget

Florida's hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity in August and September. While safety is the top priority, smart preparation can also protect your energy budget before, during, and after a storm.

Before the Storm: Energy-Smart Preparation

Protect Your HVAC System

Your air conditioning system is one of your home's most expensive components and most vulnerable to storm damage.

Pre-Season Tasks:

• Schedule a professional inspection before hurricane season
• Secure the outdoor unit with hurricane straps
• Know how to safely shut down the system before a storm
• Document the unit's condition with photos for insurance purposes

Before a Storm Arrives:

• Run the AC to cool your home as much as possible
• Turn off the system when winds exceed 35 mph
• Cover the outdoor unit only if you have time and it's safe

Prepare Your Refrigerator and Freezer

Power outages during hurricanes can last days or weeks. Proper preparation helps preserve food and reduce waste.

Preparation Steps:

• Set refrigerator to coldest setting 24-48 hours before the storm
• Fill freezer with water bottles to create thermal mass
• Know that a full freezer stays cold longer than a partially full one
• Have a plan for perishables if extended outage is expected

Charge Everything

Before the storm arrives, charge all devices and backup batteries:

• Cell phones and tablets
• Laptop computers
• Portable battery packs
• Rechargeable flashlights
• Medical devices

Consider Backup Power

For extended outages, backup power options include:

Portable Generators:

• Cost: $500-$2,000
• Fuel: Gasoline (store safely)
• Capacity: Can power refrigerator, lights, and phone chargers
• Safety: Never operate indoors or in enclosed spaces

Whole-House Generators:

• Cost: $5,000-$15,000 installed
• Fuel: Natural gas or propane
• Capacity: Can power entire home
• Benefit: Automatic operation during outages

Battery Backup Systems:

• Cost: $10,000-$20,000 installed
• Benefit: No fuel required, silent operation
• Limitation: Limited capacity for extended outages

During the Storm: Energy Conservation

If You Have Power

During the storm, conserve energy to reduce strain on the grid:

• Set thermostat to 78°F or higher
• Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances
• Avoid using major appliances
• Unplug sensitive electronics to protect from surges

If You Lose Power

Preserve food and stay comfortable:

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed
• A closed refrigerator stays cold for about 4 hours
• A full freezer maintains temperature for 48 hours
• Use battery-powered fans for cooling
• Open windows only if it's safe and cooler outside

After the Storm: Recovery and Restoration

When Power Returns

Take precautions when electricity is restored:

• Wait 5-10 minutes before turning on major appliances
• Check your HVAC system for damage before running it
• Inspect the outdoor unit for debris and damage
• Listen for unusual sounds that might indicate problems

Dealing with Extended Outages

If your power is out for an extended period:

Food Safety:

• Discard refrigerated food after 4 hours without power
• Frozen food is safe if ice crystals remain
• When in doubt, throw it out

Staying Cool:

• Seek cooling centers if available
• Stay hydrated
• Limit physical activity during the hottest hours
• Use wet towels for evaporative cooling

Understanding Storm-Related Charges

After major hurricanes, you may see changes in your utility bill:

Storm Restoration Charges:

• Utilities may implement temporary charges to recover restoration costs
• These are typically approved by the Florida PSC
• Charges are usually spread over several years

Fuel Cost Increases:

• Storm damage to natural gas infrastructure can increase fuel costs
• These increases appear in the fuel adjustment charge

FPL-Specific Hurricane Information

Outage Reporting

Report outages to FPL through:

• FPL app (recommended)
• Website: fpl.com
• Phone: 1-800-4-OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243)
• Text: OUT to 371674

Restoration Priority

FPL restores power in this order:

1. Critical facilities (hospitals, emergency services)
2. Main power lines serving large numbers of customers
3. Neighborhood distribution lines
4. Individual service connections

Storm Protection Plan

FPL's ongoing storm hardening includes:

• Undergrounding power lines in vulnerable areas
• Strengthening poles and equipment
• Trimming trees near power lines
• Installing smart grid technology for faster restoration

Duke Energy Florida and TECO Customers

Similar preparation applies to customers of other Florida utilities:

Duke Energy Florida:

• Outage reporting: 800-228-8485
• Website: duke-energy.com

Tampa Electric (TECO):

• Outage reporting: 877-588-1010
• Website: tampaelectric.com

The Energy Cost of Hurricane Season

Hurricane preparation and recovery affect your energy costs in several ways:

Before: Running AC at maximum to pre-cool, charging devices

During: Potential generator fuel costs

After: Increased AC usage to remove humidity, replacing spoiled food

Budget for these additional costs during hurricane season, and consider them when evaluating backup power investments.

Key Takeaways

1. Prepare your HVAC system before hurricane season
2. Maximize refrigerator/freezer efficiency before storms
3. Charge all devices and consider backup power options
4. Conserve energy during storms to support grid stability
5. Inspect systems carefully before restarting after power returns
6. Understand potential bill impacts from storm recovery charges

Hurricane preparation is about more than just safety—it's about protecting your home, your comfort, and your budget through Florida's most challenging season.