Tampa Electric is prepared for Helene’s severe weather — here’s what you can do

Tampa Electric (TECO) is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Helene and preparing to respond to severe weather that could impact west-central Florida. The company is also encouraging customers to plan ahead.

The tropical storm has the potential to become a major hurricane, with a life-threatening storm surge, heavy rain and strong winds that could affect the entire Tampa Bay area starting Thursday.

TECO advises that customers should expect and prepare for extreme weather conditions, which may result in significant and prolonged power outages.

Crews are ready to work around the clock to restore power quickly and safely.

Nearly 3,000 linemen and tree trimmers are heading to Florida to join the 600 workers already there. They will set up camp in the Orlando area Wednesday until the storm passes, then move to five base camps, which will house and feed utility crews while they help restore power.

Customers may experience power outages. Tampa Electric offers customers several ways to report and monitor power outages:

— Log in to your online account at TecoAccount.com to report the outage with one click. Visit TampaElectric.com/Outage to report your outage and get the restoration status.

– Text OUT has 27079. Send UPDATE or STATUS text to get updates on the outage you reported.

– Call 1-877-588-1010, Tampa Electric’s toll-free automated power outage telephone system.

— Go to TecoAccount.com/Notifications and sign up to receive free outage notifications via SMS, email or phone calls.

Tampa Electric will also use facebook.com/tampaelectric and X (formerly known as Twitter) @tampaelectric to keep customers informed of the restoration of the outage.

Tampa Electric is urging customers to complete storm preparations for their homes or businesses.

Visit TampaElectric.com/storm for advice, catering information and additional tips.

Residents in low-lying or evacuation zones are especially encouraged to evacuate if directed to do so by local authorities. Visit your county emergency management website to determine your flood zone and hurricane evacuation zone, get flood depth data and flood insurance information, or get help with flood protection for residents.

Tampa Electric reminds customers to be careful after a storm:

— Avoid downed power lines and urge others to be extremely careful.

— Remember to use portable generators safely. Plug your devices directly into the generator. NOT Connect your portable generator to your home’s circuits. Connecting your generator to circuits can cause power to flow to outside lines, posing a deadly hazard to restoration crews.

— Portable generators must not be taken into homes or any enclosed space (such as a garage) where deadly carbon monoxide gases could accumulate.

— Stay away from flood waters, as they can hide live power lines or put you at risk of drowning.

Tampa Electric asks for your patience as crews assess damage and focus on restoration efforts following this potentially dangerous storm.

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