Christine Shaw of FPL updates Tamarac on hurricane preparedness and restoration efforts

In the heart of Tamarac, city officials gathered under the bright lights of the council chamber to discuss vital preparations for the hurricane season. Among the attendees was Christine Shaw from Florida Power and Light (FPL), who delivered an insightful update on the utility's hurricane preparedness efforts.

Shaw emphasized the importance of readiness as the region enters a period marked by unpredictable weather. With over six million customer accounts across 43 counties, FPL has a significant responsibility to ensure reliable power during storms. Last year's hurricane season was particularly challenging, with 18 named storms, including three that directly impacted Florida. Shaw recounted the swift restoration efforts following these storms, highlighting that FPL deployed 20,000 personnel to assist in recovery, restoring power to most customers within days.

The utility has made substantial investments in infrastructure since 2006, aiming to minimize outages and expedite restoration. Shaw noted that while no grid can be entirely storm-proof, advancements in technology, such as remote monitoring and drone assessments, have significantly improved response times. These innovations allow FPL to identify outages quickly and mobilize resources efficiently, ensuring that critical services like hospitals and emergency response centers are prioritized during restoration efforts.

As the meeting progressed, city officials expressed gratitude for FPL's commitment to the community. Vice Mayor and Commissioner Patterson both acknowledged the utility's effective response during past storms and sought ways to disseminate crucial information to residents. Patterson specifically requested materials to help inform the community about safety measures and preparedness resources.

Shaw assured the council that FPL is dedicated to ongoing communication with residents, providing resources through their storm center webpage and other channels. She encouraged residents to prepare by understanding evacuation routes, signing up for alerts, and having a family emergency plan in place.

As the meeting concluded, the sense of urgency and responsibility was palpable. With hurricane season underway, the collaboration between FPL and the city of Tamarac underscores a shared commitment to safeguarding the community and ensuring that, when storms strike, residents are not left in the dark.