CFEC Prepares for Hurricane Helene

Chiefland, FL – (September 25, 2024) – Central Florida Electric Cooperative (CFEC) is fully prepared and closely monitoring Hurricane Helene, which is expected to rapidly intensify as it moves through the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. According to the National Hurricane Center, Helene could reach Category 4 strength with winds between 130 and 156 mph. Landfall is projected for late Thursday or Thursday night, likely in the Big Bend region—directly affecting CFEC’s service area. Tropical storm-force winds are expected to extend up to 250 miles from the storm’s center, meaning even areas far from the eye will feel the effects for an extended period. We expect impacts to begin Thursday morning (09/26), with the worst conditions from noon until midnight.

CFEC urges members to prepare now for life-threatening impacts like storm surge, flooding, and extended power outages, which could affect areas hundreds of miles from the storm’s center. Do not wait to prepare!

CFEC’s Storm Response: What We’re Doing to Prepare

CFEC has activated its Emergency Response Plan well in advance of Hurricane Helene’s projected landfall. Our preparations include extensive coordination across departments to ensure that we can respond swiftly and safely to any damage caused by the storm. Here’s how CFEC prepares ahead of time to mitigate the storm’s effects and restore services as quickly as possible:

• 24/7 Monitoring of Weather & Systems: Our system operators continually monitor both the CFEC power grid and real-time weather developments.
• Pre-Storm Equipment Prep: Our crews have been working around the clock, gathering materials, supplies, and equipment needed to restore power and repair outages. Trucks are stocked with transformers, wire, poles, and other essential materials to ensure we can get to work immediately after the storm passes.
• Expanded Personnel for Restoration: CFEC will have more than 533 personnel pre-staged for restoration efforts. This includes CFEC’s in-house crews, contract crews, the Florida Forestry Service, additional Right-of-Way contractors, and both in-house and external fiber crews ready to restore services once power is restored.
• Coordination with Local Authorities: CFEC works closely with local Emergency Management and First Responders before, during, and after the storm to ensure that power restoration efforts are completed safely.

 What You Can Do to Prepare:

 While CFEC is fully prepared, members should also take steps to ensure their safety:

• Prepare an Emergency Kit: Include water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, extra batteries, and a weather radio.
• Charge Devices: Ensure that your phones and external power sources are fully charged.
• Secure Outdoor Items: Safely store lawn furniture, decorations, and other items that could become projectiles in high winds.
• Fuel Up: Fill up your vehicle’s gas tank and consider gathering supplies for a propane or charcoal grill.

Keep the CFEC outage reporting number handy: 1-800-227-1302, or report outages through the Power Partner app, available on all app stores.

A Reminder About Safety

If heavy winds and rain lead to downed power lines, stay away! Downed lines can be extremely dangerous, even deadly. Report them to CFEC immediately at 1-800-227-1302 or call 911.

While CFEC will do everything in our power to restore services quickly and safely, the safety of our members and community is our top priority. Follow local emergency guidelines, evacuate if advised, and stay informed with updates from CFEC via our website, social media, and local news.

CFEC is ready. Are you? Stay safe and prepare now!