At TECO, whether it’s preparing year-round for hurricane season or racing to get the community’s lights back on after severe weather, we’re in the “zone” – that place where the mind has precision focus to get the job done. Where every step is taken with safety as our top priority. Where our team members won’t stop until all our customers have their service restored.
You may be in one or more of a different type of zone right now, and it’s important to know for sure.
Hillsborough County has helpfully shared information for area residents about evacuation zones and flood zones. Are you in one – or maybe both?
Evacuation Zones are places in our community, identified by the National Hurricane Center, that people may be ordered to leave in the event of a hurricane or other disaster. The county provides evacuation information here, including the various zones (ranked by susceptibility to storm surges).
Flood Zones, meanwhile, are areas that can expect to experience flooding and standing water, in or out of hurricane season. While generally created with insurance in mind, it’s still important for everyone to know if they’re in a flood zone in order to take actions that might help mitigate the risk to your property.
At TECO, this information comes into play with guidance we share with everyone in the community – that after severe weather, be sure to avoid flood waters that could hide downed power lines, disoriented wildlife or other hazards. Here’s more hurricane season safety guidance to take to heart.
For Tampa Electric’s Emergency Management and Business Continuity Director Emilio Salabarria, there are other considerations around flood zones and evacuation zones that we must factor into our plans.
“Before, during and after hurricane season, it’s our duty at TECO to consider every possible way the community could be impacted by severe weather, and even flooding after heavy rain,” he said. “Our company team members live in this area too and are thus subject to the same threats as our other customers. But while customers should follow safety guidance from emergency officials and respond appropriately, TECO team members have to be ready to leap into action to help restore power.”
He added, “Our people must take extra steps to ensure the safety of their own household members because everyone knows that in severe weather, TECO has a big job to do.”
It’s not too late to get ready…but at some point, it might be!
Have you taken every reasonable step to solidify an emergency plan for your home – including planning for those with special needs and pets? Have you stocked up on supplies you need? Do you know where to go to escape the worst impacts of a major storm?
Three weeks into the 2018 Hurricane Season and so far, nothing but hot days and the usual rain. But that could change, and sooner than we think. At TECO, we know the zone we need to be in to serve the community quickly, efficiently and most of all, safely. Know if you’re in a flood or evacuation zone – and where to go if you need to escape – and you’re taking steps to help.
No Comments Found