Gulf Power Drills For Hurricane Season

May 12, 2015

The hurricane scenario was ominous — a storm packing 140 mph winds with gusts to 170 was projected to make landfall within 72 hours somewhere between Gulf Breeze and Mary Esther. Gulf Power employees then went to work during their 2015 storm drill on Monday, making plans for this storm — or any storm that approaches Northwest Florida.

When a tropical system approaches Northwest Florida, Gulf Power’s 1,400 employees are ready for action — a coordinated force committed to restoring power — and hope.

To ensure employees are ready, every year team leaders participate in a storm drill to help employees find ways to continually improve storm restoration response. Monday’s storm drill was staged in the utility’s new Douglas McCrary Training & Storm Center.

“We prepare year-round for storm restoration,” said Jeff Rogers, Gulf Power Corporate Communications manager. “And our crews are among the best in the nation to restore electricity, safely and quickly. This drill enhances our employees’ awareness and sharpens our skills.”

Each year, the utility follows a detailed plan to rebuild the electrical system following a hurricane and works closely with county Emergency Management personnel. Every Gulf Power employee has a storm assignment and if needed, the company is prepared to bring in thousands of outside utility workers to help.

Planning is also important for Gulf Power’s 436,000 customers. Gulf Power’s storm center website offers comprehensive preparation and safety information, as well as general storm tips and directions on how to report outages. The storm center can be accessed at MyGulfPower.com.

Pictured: Gulf Power Company’s hurricane drill on Monday. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

2 Responses to “Gulf Power Drills For Hurricane Season”

  1. RTR on May 13th, 2015 11:29 am

    Thank you to all of Gulf Power’s employees .

  2. Sidney Sharp on May 12th, 2015 3:20 pm

    Thanks to emer. mgmt., first responders, leo’s and all utility workers. Hopefully it will be a quiet season.