Gulf Power Company is continuing to prepare for Tropical Storm Karen.

All 1,400 Gulf Power employees are ready to work storm duty and Gulf Power is talking with neighboring utilities about bringing in extra workers. As part of the Southern Company, Gulf Power can bring in crews as needed from Alabama Power, Georgia Power and Mississippi Power to help restore power quickly.

Gulf Power crews are fueling and stocking their trucks and the company is initiating its pre-storm plans to ensure a quick and safe response. The company’s generating plants are also making emergency preparations to ensure power can continue to flow during and after the storm.

“We have not had any significant tropical weather in Northwest Florida for the last several years so we are a little concerned that customers may take this storm lightly and not be prepared for extended power outages,” Rogers said. “We will work as fast as we can — but 50 to 70 mile per hour winds will bring down trees, throw debris into power lines and cause flooding which can impact our underground systems.”

Gulf Power’s system can detect widespread power outages, so customers do not have to call the company if their power goes out. The company will update its storm page at www.gulfpower.com which will include preparation and safety tips for customers plus an interactive map that shows how and when power is being restored.

Gulf Power Company is an investor-owned electric utility with all of its common stock owned by Atlanta-based Southern Company. Gulf Power serves more than 430,000 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 GulfPower.com or on the company’s Facebook page, “Gulf Power Company.”

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