Hurricane Milton power outages ahead of Florida landfall: What to know before, during and after

Hurricane Milton was just a tropical storm a day ago but it has now strengthened into a Category 5 hurricane as it crosses the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

The storm's forecast says it will remain an "extremely dangerous" hurricane for the next couple of days. Some weakening is forecast before the hurricane reaches the coast, but Milton "is still likely to be a large and powerful hurricane at landfall in Florida," hurricane center specialist Jack Beven c wrote in an advisory to USA TODAY.

This is all happening just two weeks after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Perry, Florida, on Sept. 26, 2024. In addition to severe damage and a death toll of over 200, Helene left millions across Southeastern states without power for days.

As the Category 5 Hurricane Milton heads for Florida's Gulf Coast, here's what residents need to know about the inevitable power outages.

What is considered a major power outage?

Between 2000 and 2021, around 83% of reported major power outages were caused by weather-related events, according to 2022 data from Climate Central.

By Climate Central’s definition of a major power outage – an outage in which at least 50,000 utilities customers lose power – the outages caused by Hurricane Idalia in Florida’s Big Bend region come together to make a major power outage.2

Before Hurricane Milton landfall in Florida: How do I prepare for a power outage?

If a storm is approaching and you're worried about a possible power outage, there are some steps you can take to prepare, according to ready.gov , a national public service campaign that equips people to prepare for and respond to natural disasters and other emergencies.

Experts say to take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity. Make sure to plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs when the power goes out, such as a portable charger or power bank.

They also note to talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.

As for food, make sure to have enough nonperishable food and water. Keep your freezers and refrigerators closed. Experts say a refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours , while a full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Use coolers with ice if necessary.

Lastly, communicate with family members on any plans.

What should I keep in a power outage survival kit?

A great way to prepare for any power outage is to keep a survival kit on hand with supplies. The American Red Cross gives suggestions for how to fill your power outage survival kit, listing items such as:

• Water — one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Food — non-perishable, easy-to prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Flashlight (Do not use candles during a power outage due to the extreme risk of fire.)
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash

What to do when power goes out

• Report it to your local power company. Check your utility bill for contact information. Some common power companies in Florida are:
  • Beaches Energy : Call 904-247-6241.
  • Central Florida Electric Cooperative : Call (800) 227-1302, report online or through the CFEC Power Partner app , Check the outages map here .
  • Clay Electric Cooperative : Call 1-888-434-9844. Check outages map .
  • Duke Energy : Click here , use the app or call 800-228-8485 , check outages map
  • Florida Power & Light : Report it online or through the app , or check your utility bill for your local number. Check the outages map .
  • Fort Pierce Utilities Authority : Call (772) 466-7703.
  • Jackson Energy Authority : Call 731-422-7500 or report online . Check outages map .
  • Lakeland Electric : Call (863) 834-4248, report online or check the outages map
  • Orlando Utilities Commission : Call 407-423-9018, text OUT to 69682, or log in to report online . Check the outages map .
  • Peace River Electric Cooperative : Call 800-282-3824, report online or through the app , or text PRECO to 800-282-3824. Check outage map .
  • City of Tallahassee : call 850-891-4968 or 711 (TDD), report online at Talgov.com/Outages or use the DigiTally mobile app
  • SECO Energy : Call (352) 793 -3801 or report online . Check outage map .
  • Talquin Electric : Sign up here for text notification and outage reporting via text , check outages alerts
  • TECO Energy Tampa Electric : Call (813) 223-0800 or 1-888-223-0800 or log into your account . Check outages map .
  • West Florida Electric : Call 1-844-688-2431 or text 1-800-342-7400. Check outages map .
  • Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative : Call 352-567-5133, report online or through the app .
• If you see downed or damaged power lines, call 911 to report it but stay at least 35 feet away from them and anything they are touching,
• Don't walk into flooded areas, there may be downed power lines you can't see.
• Don't use any electrical equipment or electronics that have been submerged. Have a qualified electrical inspector check the electrical system.
• For households with children, have some power-free activities ready to keep them (and yourself) occupied. Tell stories, play games, sing songs. The National Children Stress Network has some suggestions .

What do I do with food in a power outage?

When your power does actually go out, the Florida Department of Health stresses to not open the fridge or freezer. Keeping the cold air in will protect your food from spoiling.

They also suggest leave one light switch on so that you’ll know when the power comes back on.

Before drinking any water, check with local authorities to be sure your tap water is safe to consume. If you are on well water, be prepared for pump outages.

If it’s very hot outside, try to stay cool by going to the lowest level of your home. Cool air falls, hot air rises. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Be sure to give pets lots of fresh water too.

What do I need to know about generator safety?

Generators can be extremely helpful and crucial during a power outage. Here's what ready.gov says to keep in mind before operating one:

• Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages.
• Install working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill you, your family and pets.
• Keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding. Touching a wet generator or devices connected to one can cause electrical shock.
• Always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.
• Let the generator cool before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

How do I survive a long term power outage?

Here is a list of things to consider during a prolonged power outage, according to ready.gov :

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
• Use a generator, but only outside and away from windows.
• Don’t use your gas stove or oven to heat your home. (This tip isn’t necessary for those who live Florida’s summer heat)
• Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
• Try to find alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
• Check with local officials about heating or cooling locations open near you.

My power is back on now. What do I need to do now?

Finally, the power is back! Wait a few minutes before turning on major appliances, Florida Health experts note it helps eliminate problems that could occur.

When tackling your food supple, know the saying — When in doubt, throw it out! Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color or texture.

If the power is out for more than a day, experts say to discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise. Consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately for a new supply.

If your family and home are safe, check in with nearby neighbors and family members to let them know. See if they might want or need your help.

Contributing reporting: Cheryl McCloud and Lianna Norman , USA TODAY Network-Florida

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Hurricane Milton power outages ahead of Florida landfall: What to know before, during and after