What should I do if my power goes out? Below are details for Duke Energy power outages and Orlando weather information, including weather radar and forecasts.
If a power outage occurs in Orlando, call Duke Energy’s outage number at 800-228-8485. You can also view the Duke Energy Outage Map for Orlando, which shows the number of outages in the city.
In Florida, hurricane season starts in June and ends in November. Below, we have compiled a checklist and other hurricane information. Also, you’ll find the best immediate resources to view Orlando Duke Energy outages, weather forecasts and hurricane information.
Duke Energy Outage Map | Orlando
As the only electricity provider in Orlando, Duke Energy has a monopoly in most of North/Central Florida. They are responsible for restoring power outages, fixing power lines, and providing electricity service. Duke Energy serves over 1.8 million customers in Florida and also provides service in other states.
Their power outage map provides greater detail related to local service. Also, you may wish to check our Duke Energy Florida or Tampa power outage information.
The Duke Energy Outage Map allows you to:
- View power outage history
- Sign up for electricity outage text message alerts (REG to 57801*)
- View the number and status of power outages based on your location
- View FAQs regarding outages
- View the number of homes and businesses without power, such as indicated by the following map:
Best Orlando Weather Radar and Forecasts
- WFTV Channel 9 TV: Orlando weather alerts
- WESH Channel 2 TV: Orlando severe weather and radar
- Orlando Channel 6 TV: Orlando weather and radar
- Weather.com: Orlando weather radar and forecast
- National Hurricane Center: Orlando 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 first thing you should do when the power goes out is to disconnect all of your electronics. When the power is eventually turned back on, electrical surges can permanently damage them. The next thing you should do is download the Duke Energy App or once again, check the Power Outage Map for the latest updates. If needed, you may also need to change locations for better heating or cooling. This may be necessary if you have small children or you are living with elderly people.
If you plan on using a generator, make sure to place it away from doors and windows.
Writing down the outage number, or saving it in your phone would be helpful in case the outage is a surprise. Don’t forget to follow the above-mentioned steps if there’s an outage in your area.
Planning for Severe Weather or a Hurricane
If you ever need to evacuate Orlando because of a hurricane, there are important steps you need to take to prepare.
When a hurricane is expected to make landfall, people make grocery runs and deplete the supply of goods available to everyone. We recommend that you stock up on non-perishable food items beforehand, usually when hurricane season begins. Below we have prepared a checklist that outlines the necessary steps before a hurricane.
Preparing the Outside of the Home
- Board up windows with plywood.
- Inspect your roof for loose shingles.
- Install power outage lights that are battery operated.
- Clean your gutters.
- Slightly drain swimming pools 6-12 inches to prevent flooding.
- Bring in outdoor furniture and other items that could get blown away.
- Disconnect propane tanks and store them.
- Make sure all entry doors are rated to withstand hurricane-force winds.
Readying the Inside of your Home
- Lock and close windows.
- Move valuable items up and away from the floor to prevent flood damage.
- Fill the bathtub with water before it gets turned off.
- Fill plastic jugs and freeze them, then place in the refrigerator to maintain cold temperatures.
- Keep all necessary supplies in a safe room with a power outage kit.
- Have crates and leashes ready for pets.
Protecting Your Food Supply
When the power goes out during a hurricane, food will perish quickly because there’s no climate control in the refrigerator or in the household. The refrigerator can only protect food for at least 4 hours, so it’s important to stock up on nonperishable foods.
- Consume perishables first when possible.
- Throw away foods at risk of going bad quickly without refrigeration.
- Don’t go into the refrigerator or freezer unless necessary to maintain temperatures.
- Put foods on high shelves to keep the food safe from floodwaters.
- Keep bottled water available.
- Freeze foods prior to the hurricane that can be safely thawed later.
- Unplug your appliances, devices and equipment.
- Buy dry ice, if available.
Store one gallon of water per person per day to have on hand. You should put food into coolers with ice packs when the electricity is off. If your food is contaminated by floodwater, be sure to throw it away immediately.
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, Chariot Energy and Amigo Energy to provide competitive energy plans and rates.