Power after the storm: What to expect and how to stay safe
When a hurricane comes to Southwest Florida, power outages are often one of the most visible reminders of the storm’s impact. While the electric grid is more resilient than ever, designed with stronger poles, smart technology, and layered redundancy, severe weather can still cause widespread damage that takes time to repair.
Electric utilities plan for storms all year long. Crews harden infrastructure, inspect equipment, trim vegetation, and stage materials and personnel in advance of major weather events. After the storm passes, restoration follows a careful, prioritized approach. Main power facilities and circuits are restored first. Hospitals, emergency services, and critical facilities are restored next, followed by repairs that bring power back to the greatest number of customers in the shortest amount of time. Individual neighborhoods and isolated outages typically come later in the process.
Safety is the top priority during restoration. Downed power lines should always be treated as energized. Never approach them, drive over them, or assume they are harmless because the power is out. Flooded areas may hide electrical hazards, and fallen trees can conceal damaged lines. Report downed lines to local authorities or electric providers and keep others away.
If using a generator, operate it outdoors only, far from windows and doors, and never connect it directly to the home wiring unless a transfer switch has been professionally installed. Improper generator use can cause carbon monoxide poisoning or back feed electricity into power lines, putting crews and neighbors at serious risk.
Utilities also ask for patience and partnership. Restoration can be complex, especially when damage is extensive or access to electric infrastructure is limited. Crews from all over the nation come to assist and often work long hours in challenging conditions to safely restore service as quickly as possible. Staying informed through official updates and checking on neighbors, especially those who are elderly or medically vulnerable, can make a meaningful difference during extended outages.
Hurricanes may test the grid, and they also highlight the collective effort behind recovery.
Courtesy Lee County Electric Cooperative
FACT VS. FICTION…
Myth: Utility crews wait until storms pass before restoring power.
Fact: As soon as it is safe, crews begin damage assessment and restoration, even while other areas may still be experiencing weather impacts.
Myth: If the streetlights are back on, everyone nearby should have power.
Fact: Streetlights and nearby homes may be on different circuits. Some customers may have power while others close by do not, depending on damage and location of facilities.
Myth: Power restoration happens neighborhood by neighborhood, in the order outages are reported.
Fact: Utilities restore power based on critical need and system efficiency. Main infrastructure is the priority and facilities that serves the largest number of customers.
Myth: Right after the storm passes, report you are out of power.
Fact: You only need to report an outage if you are the only one in your area without power.