What steps should you take in the event of a power outage? Below are details for Duke Energy power outages and Tampa weather information, including weather radar and forecasts.
If a power outage occurs in Tampa, call Duke Energy’s outage number at 800-228-8485. You can also view the Duke Energy Outage Map for Tampa, which shows a map of Duke Energy’s service area in Central Florida as well as the location and number of customers without power.
Remember that the hurricane season typically lasts from June to November in Florida. Check out our details on hurricane readiness in the section below. You will also find the best resources to view Duke Energy power outages in Tampa, along with weather forecasts.
Duke Energy Outage Map | Tampa
As the sole electricity company in Tampa, Duke Energy is responsible for restoring power to homes and businesses after power outages and maintaining power lines. Duke produces electricity for almost 400,000 citizens in Tampa. The company serves over 1.8 million customers statewide in Florida.
Duke Energy Power Outage Map provides detailed outage information. Also, you may wish to check Orlando 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 Tampa Weather Radar and Forecasts
- WTSP Channel 10 TV: Tampa weather alerts
- FOX13 Channel 13 TV: Tampa severe weather and radar
- WFLA Channel 8 TV: Tampa weather and radar
- National Hurricane Center: Tampa hurricane radar and forecast
- Weather.com: Tampa weather, hurricane radar, and forecast
Actions to Take in the Event of a Power Outage
- Unplug all of your electronic devices. If power is restored, the electrical surge can permanently damage your devices.
- Keep your freezer and refrigerator shut at all times to preserve your food.
- Check with your next-door neighbors to make sure the outage is just not your home.
- Go to another location in case of an immediate need for heating or cooling.
The first step you can take after a power outage is to remove all of your electronics until the outage has been resolved. Then, you should check the Duke Energy App. Once you have completed the above steps, you should move to another location if you need temperature control.
If you own a generator, place it outside and move it away from windows and doors. Make sure that you also have a surplus of fuel that you can use in emergency situations.
Save the outage number for your region on your phone. You can also write the number on paper and keep it in a familiar location.
Planning for Severe Weather or a Hurricane
If you ever need to evacuate 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 your 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. A refrigerator can usually protect food for about 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, Champion Energy, and Amigo Energy to provide competitive energy plans and rates.
