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Gulf Power crews restore power to 15,000 overnight
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 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.” As crews continue to restore power, Gulf Power asks customers if they are still without power to call the restore power line at 1-800-487-6937 or report the outage online at outagemap.gulfpower.com. The outage map will also how current outages and projected restoration time. Customers can also download a full-service app for mobile phones and tablets that offers convenient access to the information such as outages right at their fingertips. Customers can download the app in the Apple Store or on Google Play. 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. http://www.gulfpower.com/community/electric-safety/power-lines.cshtml Gulf Power customers using generators for power should only use those generators outdoors and away from their homes. The utility asks that customers plug appliances directly into the generator unless their home was wired for a direct connection by a licensed electrical contractor. Backfeeding can occur which can injure our crews and customers' neighbors. http://www.gulfpower.com/community/storm-info/generator-safety.cshtml
### Gulf Power is an investor-owned electric utility with all of its common stock owned by Atlanta-based Southern Company. Gulf Power serves more than 447,000 customers in eight counties throughout Northwest Florida. The company’s mission is to safely provide exceptional customer value by delivering reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible electricity while strengthening our communities. Visit online at MyGulfPower.com or on the company’s Facebook page. News information can be found at GulfPowerNews.com.
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