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YourHub.com \\ Jupiter \\ Stories \\ Hurricanes \\ Hurricane tips

FPL STORM TIPS TO KEEP SAFE

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Contributed by: Robert Martinez on 6/16/2008

FPL STORM TIPS TO KEEP SAFE

Keep your family and home safe during Hurricane Season

Preparing for an Approaching Storm

· If someone in your home is dependent on electric-powered, life sustaining medical equipment, review your family emergency plan for back-up power or make arrangements to relocate.

· Before lowering a TV antenna or satellite disk, make sure to turn off and unplug the TV, and avoid power lines.

· Turn off all swimming pool pumps and filters, and wrap them in waterproof materials.

· Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings ahead of time to keep food fresh if you experience a power outage.

· Turn off and unplug any unnecessary electrical equipment.

Portable Generator Tips

· Never run generators inside your home, or in a garage, they produce potentially deadly carbon monoxide fumes.

· Always thoroughly read the manufacturer's instructions to avoid dangerous shortcuts and ensure the safe operation of your generator.

· Keep generators away from all open windows -- including neighbors' -- to prevent deadly exhaust entering a home or business.

· Don't directly connect your generator to your home's wiring. Power from a generator connected to a home's wiring will "back feed" into utility lines, potentially leading to serious injury or death.

· Never refuel a hot generator or one that is running -- hot engine parts or exhaust can ignite gasoline.

· Turn off all connected appliances before starting your generator.

· Turn connected appliances on one at a time, never exceeding the generator's rated wattage.

· Don't touch a generator if you are wet or are standing in water or on damp ground.

· Buy a battery operated carbon monoxide alarm, which will alert you in carbon monoxide levels become dangerous.

· Ensure you have plenty of gas for operation and it is stored safely in gas containers.

After the Storm: When is it Safe?

Although your house may look safe, it may not be safe to receive power. Here are a few simple steps to help you and your family avoid injury after a storm passes.

· If your roof or windows leak, water in your walls and ceiling may come into contact with electrical wiring.

o First and foremost, turn off your circuit breakers, disconnect all electrical appliances that are still plugged in, and turn off all wall switches.

o Do not stand in water when operating switches or unplugging anything.

· Watch for downed power lines. Call 911 or FPL at 1-800-4OUTAGE to report fallen power lines that present a clear and imminent danger to you or others. Do not attempt to touch any electrical power lines, and keep your family away from them. Consider every power line energized.

· Stay away from standing water and debris, which could potentially conceal a live wire.

· Don't walk in standing water and don't venture out in the dark because you might not see a power line that could be energized and dangerous.

For the latest storm and electric safety tips and information anytime, visit www.FPL.com/storm.

About FPL

Florida Power & Light Company is a subsidiary of FPL Group, Inc. (NYSE: FPL), nationally known as a high quality, efficient and customer-driven organization focused on energy-related products and services. With annual revenues of over $15 billion and a growing presence in 27 states, FPL Group is widely recognized as one of the country's premier power companies. Florida Power & Light Company serves 4.5 million customer accounts in Florida. FPL Energy, LLC, FPL Group's competitive energy subsidiary, is a leader in producing electricity from clean and renewable fuels. Additional information is available on the Internet at www.FPL.com, www.FPLGroup.com and www.FPLEnergy.com.

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