For the second time in nine short days, Gulf Power crews worked through the night to restore power to their customers following a night of severe weather and tornadoes that ripped through Northwest Florida that toppled trees and damaged homes and apartments across the area.
“This is something we plan and prepare and drill for,” said Jeff Rogers, External Communications manager. “Once again, the real heroes — our crews — worked through the night and made great progress getting our customers’ power restored. Fresh crews have begun their shifts and we hope to have everyone’s power restored today. In addition, we’re getting support from sister companies Alabama Power and Mississippi Power.”
PENSACOLA DAMAGE
Pensacola was particularly hard hit by the storm where heavy winds and possible tornadoes ripped a two-mile path through the city and traveling north. The tornadoes destroyed apartments and townhouses, as well as power poles, some constructed of concrete.
“These concrete poles are typically much stronger than wood — this really speaks to the strength of this storm,” added Rogers. “The majority of the power outages, along Scenic Highway and I-10, are where we had more than a dozen broken poles.”
GET HELP
Customers who still have no power can call the company at 1-800-487-6937 or report the outage online. The map also shows current outages and projected restoration time.
An app for mobile phones and tablets that offers convenient outages information is available at from the Apple Store or on Google Play.
SAFETY AROUND DOWNED LINES
Gulf Power is asking that customers keep clear from downed power lines and not to drive over them. Always assume a downed power line is “live” and life-threatening. Do not attempt to remove tree limbs or any other object from a downed line.
If you see a downed line, call 911 and warn others to stay away. Learn more at http://www.gulfpower.com/community/electric-safety/power-lines.cshtml.
GENERATOR USE
Customers using generators for power should only use them outdoors and away from their homes.
The utility asks that customers plug appliances directly into the generator unless their homes are wired for a direct connection by a licensed electrical contractor. Backfeeding can occur, which can injure GP crews and customers' neighbors. See more at http://www.gulfpower.com/community/storm-info/generator-safety.cshtml.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Gulf Power crews restore power to 15,000 overnight