What steps should you take in the event of a power outage? Below are details for Duke Energy power outages and Florida weather information, including weather radar and forecasts.
If a power outage occurs in Central/Northern Florida or if you live in a major city like Orlando, Tampa, or Tallahassee, call Duke Energy’s outage number at 800-228-8485. You can also view the Duke Energy Outage Map for Florida, which displays a map of Duke Energy’s service area, as well as the number of customers impacted.
Note that hurricane season typically occurs from June to November in the state of Florida. Check out our hurricane preparation information in the hurricane section below.
Below are the best primary resources to view the status of Duke Energy outages in Florida, and weather forecasts.
Duke Energy Outage Map | Florida
As one of the largest electricity generators and distributors in Florida, Duke Energy is responsible for restoring power to homes and businesses after power outages. The company serves over 1.8 million customers in Florida, and the Duke Energy Power Outage Map provides additional information about their outage service. Also, you may wish to check Orlando, Tampa, or Tallahassee power outage information.
The Duke Energy Outage Map allows you to:
- View the number and status of power outages based on your location
- Sign up for electricity outage text message alerts (REG to 57801*)
- View power outage history
- View FAQ’s regarding outages
- View the number of homes and businesses without power, such as indicated by the following map:
Best Florida Weather Radar and Forecasts
- WFTV Channel 9 TV: Orlando weather alerts
- WESH Channel 2 TV: Orlando severe weather and radar
- WFLA Channel 8 TV: Tampa weather and radar
- Weather.com: Orlando weather radar and forecast
- Weather.com: Tampa weather, hurricane radar and forecast
What to do in the Event of a Power Outage?
- Electrical surges that happen after power outages can damage your electronic devices, so it’s a good idea to unplug your devices after a power outage occurs.
- Keep your refrigerator and freezer shut at all times.
- Check with your neighbors or others in your area to confirm the outage is not just at your house.
- Try to find an electricity source for your power-dependent medical devices.
- Go to another location in case of an immediate need for cooling or heating.
The immediate action you should take during a power outage is to disconnect all of your devices until the outage is fixed. Then, you should check the Duke Energy Outage Map or download the Duke Energy App from the major app stores. After you have completed the steps above, you should move to a different place if you are in need of cooling or heating.
If you own a generator, place it outside and keep it away from doors and windows. If you live in a rural area and depend on your generator for energy, have an extra supply of fuel that you can use for emergencies.
Save the outage number for your location on your phone. You could also write the number on paper and keep it in a safe location that you will remember. Don’t forget to follow the above-mentioned steps if there’s an outage in your area.
Planning for Severe Weather or a Hurricane
There are important actions if you evacuate from a hurricane in Florida, and having a ready checklist and the phone numbers of local electricity companies for outage information are important.
Since there may be areas not in the hurricane’s direct path that will still suffer damage, it’s a good idea to have phone numbers for areas across the state so you can coordinate with family members in other cities or rural areas.
Once the formation of a hurricane occurs, many people will rush to stores and buy up necessities. It’s wise to stock up on non-perishable food items in advance, when hurricane season begins, and purchase items needed to secure your property and keep your family safe. You’ll also want to plan multiple escape routes in the event the main one is blocked. Below are checklists for preparation.
Preparing the Outside of the Home
- Install hurricane shutters or board up windows with plywood.
- Have your roof inspected for loose shingles.
- Install power outage lights that are battery operated.
- Clear your home’s gutters of debris.
- Drain swimming pools 6 to 12 inches of water, but but sure to not drain completely.
- Bring in outdoor furniture, grills, decor, and other items that could get blown away.
- Disconnect propane tanks and store them.
- Brace garage doors with boards bolted to the door frame.
- Confirm all entry doors are rated to withstand hurricane-force winds.
Readying the Inside of your Home
- Place valuable objects as far from the floor as possible.
- Close windows and lock them.
- Fill the bathtub with water in case your water supply is cut off.
- Fill empty plastic jugs with water for drinking.
- Fill plastic jugs and freeze them, then place in refrigerator to maintain cold temperatures.
- Buy freezer gel packs to supplement cubes.
- Keep all necessary supplies in a safe room with a power outage kit.
- Have crates and leashes ready for pets.
Protecting Your Food Supply
The increased likelihood of an electricity outage after a hurricane means that food goes bad quickly because there’s no climate control in the home. It’s best to stock up on foods that don’t perish easily, and can be prepared with ease when the power is out. The refrigerator can protect food for at least four hours after the power goes out.
- Consume perishables first when possible.
- Don’t go into the refrigerator or freezer unless necessary to maintain temperatures.
- Throw away foods at risk of going bad quickly without refrigeration.
- Freeze foods prior to the hurricane that can be safely thawed later.
- Put foods on high shelves to keep the food safe from floodwaters.
- Keep bottled water available.
- Buy dry ice if available.
- Unplug your appliances, devices, and equipment.
Store one gallon of water per person per day when determining how much water to have on hand. Expect to put food into coolers with ice packs if the electricity is off for more than half a day. In the event your home floods, throw out food that may be contaminated by floodwater.
Regulated Electricity in Florida
Florida is a regulated electricity state, and Duke Energy has a monopoly in the areas that it services. In states such as Texas, which are de-regulated, customers have a choice of electric companies such as Cirro Energy, Gexa Energy, Reliant Energy, Champion Energy and Amigo Energy to provide competitive energy plans and rates.
