[July 31, 2020 - 11:13 am]
ATTENTION ALL CUSTOMERS:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 31, 2020
Florida Public Utilities Company Monitoring Hurricane Isaias
Customers urged to proactively prepare for the Storm
FERNANDINA BEACH, FL – Florida Public Utilities Company (FPU) is monitoring the current projections of Hurricane Isaias and preparing to respond around the clock as safely and quickly as possible in the event the Storm impacts FPU’s service area. FPU is adjusting Company staffing and preparing electric, natural gas and propane personnel in Florida and in our other service areas outside of Florida to respond to any potential service interruptions that may result from heavy rain and high wind gusts from the Storm.
Just as FPU prepares, the Company is asking its customers to have emergency plans in place for their families. While FPU is prepared to respond to severe impact storms and keep our customers informed, the current COVID-19 pandemic will likely create extraordinary resource challenges that may ultimately delay any necessary restoration efforts.
During major storms, FPU typically requests mutual assistance and brings in of out-of-state workers from across the country to help restore service. With COVID-19 travel and large gathering restrictions and guidance from government officials, it is unlikely the Company will be able to gather a large restoration workforce at one time in one or more locations, as is typically done. With fewer people and resources available, it may take longer to restore power.
Customers should report service interruptions to FPU at 1.800.427.7712 or on the web at www.FPUC.com/ReportOutage. For hurricane updates and additional safety information, please visit FPUCHurricaneUpdates.com and follow FPU on Twitter and Facebook.
Should the Storm impact FPU customers, the restoration priority plan calls for initial restoration to critical community infrastructure, such as public health and safety organizations. Restoration efforts will begin when conditions are safe to do so.
Safety is a priority at FPU and customers are asked to proactively prepare for the Storm by having access to the following items:
• Flashlights
• New batteries
• Battery-operated clock radio
• Corded telephone
• Fully charged cell phone
• Non-perishable foods
• Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation
• First aid / emergency kit
• Local maps
• Blankets
FPU urges customers to consider filling the fuel tanks of their vehicles in the event a power outage affects service to neighborhood gas stations. For customers who rely on well water, filling a bathtub with water in advance of severe weather is strongly encouraged. Customers using a generator should follow manufacturer’s instructions and be sure to locate generators outside, in well-ventilated areas.
Customers with special needs, such as those who may be elderly, disabled or dependent upon electricity for medical equipment, should have alternate arrangements in place in the event they experience an extended power outage.
If you discover a downed electric wire or power line, assume it is energized and stay as far away as possible. Call 1.800.427.7712 immediately to report the location of the power line. Natural gas and propane customers should not turn off their gas supply at the meter. Only authorized utility or emergency personnel should turn your meter valve on or off. If you smell natural gas, get to a safe location and call 1.800.427.7712 or 911 immediately.
After the Storm, natural gas and propane customers should not operate any appliances believed to be damaged or flooded. Call FPU to have a trained technician re-light your pilot lights and inspect your appliances to ensure they are in safe condition.
Customers are urged to consider the following safety tips in the event of flooding:
• Proceed with care if you have experienced flooding in your home.
• Do not enter a room with standing water, particularly if the water covers electrical outlets or electrical cords that are plugged into outlets.
• Confirm the electrical system is turned off before entering a flooded room or basement.
• Do not attempt to shut off your electrical system if you have to stand in water or on a wet floor to do so.
• If you experienced flooding, do not turn on any lights or appliances without having a comprehensive inspection performed by a licensed electrician and, also, by a registered plumber with a gasfitter's license for gas appliances.
About Florida Public Utilities Company
Florida Public Utilities Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE: CPK). Headquartered in Fernandina Beach, Florida, FPU distributes natural gas and propane and provides electric services to approximately 100,000 customers in markets throughout Florida. For more information, visit www.fpuc.com.
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For more information, contact:
Justin Mulcahy
Public Relations Manager
302.217.7050
jmulcahy@chpk.com
[July 31, 2020 - 11:13 am]
ATTENTION ALL CUSTOMERS:
Letter from Chesapeake Utilities Corporation President and CEO Jeff Householder
The Atlantic Hurricane season officially began on June 1 and we have already experienced several named storms. This year also presents the unprecedented challenge of potentially dealing with both a hurricane and a global pandemic. We all need to recognize the difficulty this may present as we prepare ourselves and our families for hurricane season. Don’t wait until it’s too late to get hurricane-ready. Be ready. Be prepared. Be safe.
While Florida Public Utilities Company (FPU) is prepared to respond to a hurricane and keep our customers informed, we want you to know the pandemic will likely create extraordinary resource challenges that may ultimately delay our restoration efforts.
During major hurricanes, we typically request mutual assistance and bring in out-of-state workers from across the country to help us restore power. With COVID-19 travel and large gathering restrictions and guidance from government officials, it is unlikely we will be able to gather a large restoration workforce at one time in one or more locations as we typically would. With fewer people and resources available, it will take us longer to restore power.
These are certainly challenging times, but our commitment to our customers will not waver. Our dedicated crews will continue to work around-the-clock to restore power as safely and quickly as possible.
FPU remains steadfast in our commitment to prepare for and respond to any storm that might impact our customers. We are ready for hurricane season and our employees continue to train for a storm response even amid COVID-19.
For more information on hurricane preparedness, click here.
Jeff Householder
President and Chief Executive Officer
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation
[July 30, 2020 - 4:00 pm]
ATTENTION ALL CUSTOMERS:
As we continue to monitor the storm, we are also committed to keeping you informed every step of the way. Now is the time to prepare. Please take a moment to review our hurricane safety tips with your family and loved ones. www.FPUC.com/Prepare
