FPL: Florida Should Not Let Its Guard Down During Hurricane Season
Although the Atlantic is experiencing an unusually quiet period, FPL reminds Floridians that hurricane season is far from over and encourages residents to keep their emergency plans ready.
The Atlantic hurricane season is experiencing an unusual stretch. The absence of hurricanes this far into the season could bring the year closer to a historic milestone for the latest formation of the season’s first hurricane. However, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) warns that quiet conditions in the tropics are no reason to let down your guard.
Sept. 10 traditionally marks the climatological peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, but several weeks remain in which storms can develop and potentially threaten Florida.
“If the Atlantic sets a record for the latest first hurricane, it will be a headline-making milestone — but it won’t mean the risk is behind us,” said Chris Kerr, an FPL meteorologist. “Some seasons start slow and still become active quickly. Preparedness should never wait on the first hurricane.”
For that reason, FPL is encouraging families and businesses to review their emergency plans and make sure essential supplies are ready before a storm threatens the state.
The company also prepares year-round for severe weather. Today, approximately 85% of FPL’s main power lines are storm-hardened or placed underground. Nearly all main power lines serving critical facilities have also been hardened or moved underground.
FPL’s electric grid includes more than 240,000 intelligent devices designed to help reduce outages and improve restoration. During hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton in 2024, smart grid technology helped prevent approximately 800,000 customer outages, according to FPL.
Despite these improvements, the company emphasizes that no electric system is completely hurricane-proof.
Residents are encouraged to prepare a family hurricane plan and emergency kit, check radios and flashlights, and keep enough batteries available in case of power outages.
FPL also reminds customers to remain at least 10 feet away from power lines and never attempt to trim trees or vegetation near electrical equipment. Anyone who encounters a downed power line or another hazardous situation should stay away and immediately call 911 and 1-800-4OUTAGE.
Customers can also download FPL’s free mobile app to report outages and receive restoration updates.
As hurricane season continues, FPL says its meteorology team will keep monitoring the tropics and the company remains prepared to mobilize crews and restoration resources if a storm threatens Florida.
For hurricane checklists, emergency planning tips and resources for homes and businesses, visit FPL.com/Storm.
