We stand storm ready! Tampa Electric is prepared to deliver reliable energy through the worst Mother Nature offers 365 days a year. Our Storm Protection Plan invests $150 million per year to strengthen our system by burying targeted overhead lines, trimming trees, and hardening equipment like poles and substations to help minimize outages and lower restoration time and reduce costs when outages occur. Each of our teams has emergency response plans and performs mock drills throughout the year to ensure safe and reliable energy and the fastest restoration possible when storms hit our area.
Download our hurricane brochure and be prepared.
Here's how you can prepare your home or business each season.
- Monitor news and weather sources for storm updates.
- Know your evacuation zone and location of shelters.
- Register for your Tampa Electric online account, store your account number and set notification preferences.
- Sign up for our e-News Update with important information about storm preparation and restoration.
- If you are dependent on in-home electric-powered medical equipment, sign up for our Medical Watch program and with Florida’s Special Needs Registry at FloridaDisaster.org.
Participation in Medical Watch does not provide priority restoration, extended payment options or guaranteed uninterrupted service. - Know your flood zone.
Visit your county’s emergency management website or FloridaDisaster.org to determine your flood zone, and your hurricane evacuation zone, get flood depth data, and flood insurance information, or help with property flood protection for residents.
Safety tips
Gather Documents
Put important documents and information in a waterproof container and store safely.
Make a Plan
Create an Emergency Plan for loved ones and employees, including pets and livestock.
Generator Use
DO NOT operate portable generators indoors, near AC ducts, or in enclosed areas, and do not connect them to home circuits. NEVER get your portable generator wet – a dry, outdoor space is required.
Know Your Zone
It's important to know if you live in an evacuation zone, a low-lying, flood-prone area, a mobile home or an unsafe structure that is likely to be evacuated. Know your zone and follow orders from local officials.
Caution: Use portable generators safely. DO NOT connect a portable generator to home circuits. Plug appliances directly into the generator. Connecting a portable generator to home circuits may cause power to flow to outside lines, posing a life-threatening danger to restoration crews. Also, portable generators must NOT be taken into a residence or any enclosed space where deadly carbon monoxide gases could build up. (Note: this should not be done in a closed garage.)
Don’t be scared. Be prepared.
Get ready NOW so you’re prepared when it matters. Authorities may issue evacuation or shelter notices 48-72 hours before possible storm impact. Visit Preparing for Hurricane Season for the latest emergency preparation information.
Preparation tips
Pack Your Kit
Check radio, flashlights and batteries and gather non-perishable foods.
Stock Up On Water
Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for seven days for drinking and sanitation.
Fill Tanks
Fill propane tanks if you plan to use a grill for cooking.
Get Cash
Get cash and account numbers in case banks and ATMs are closed.
Charge Devices
Charge your cell phone and obtain a car charger.
Chill Food
Turn refrigerators and freezers to their coldest settings; consider making blocks of ice and storing them in coolers; sanitize the bathtub and fill it with water.
Prevent Damage
Cover valuables and furniture with plastic and move away from windows.
Turn Off Power
If staying in your home, turn off and unplug non-essential electrical equipment and small appliances to protect them from surges.
If evacuating, or if flooding is imminent, turn the electricity off while your home is still dry. Flip each breaker off one at a time and then turn off the main breaker.
Natural Gas
You may leave your natural gas on during a storm or evacuation. Although you can turn off the supply values of gas appliances, only qualified personnel should operate the main valve. Pilot light issues should be addressed by a licensed plumber or appliance technician.
Generator Use
DO NOT operate portable generators indoors, near AC ducts, or in enclosed areas, and do not connect them to home circuits. NEVER get your portable generator wet – a dry, outdoor space is required.
Caution: Use portable generators safely. DO NOT connect a portable generator to home circuits. Plug appliances directly into the generator. Connecting a portable generator to home circuits may cause power to flow to outside lines, posing a life-threatening danger to restoration crews. Also, portable generators must NOT be taken into a residence or any enclosed space where deadly carbon monoxide gases could build up. (Note: this should not be done in a closed garage.)
Stay safe. Stay tuned.
During a storm, Tampa Electric’s Emergency Operations Center works around the clock with key personnel in place to monitor the weather and assess the impact on our facilities. If you experience a power outage during the storm and it is safe to do so, report it.
During the storm.
- Use a NOAA weather alert radio to stay informed.
- Keep refrigerators & freezers closed to preserve food if possible. Visit food and water safety for information on food safety.
- Report electrical outages and visit our Outage Map to check the status of your area's power.
Safety tips
Downed Power Lines
Avoid downed/damaged power lines. Stay as far away as possible. DO NOT touch anything the power lines are touching. If you see a downed power line, call 888-223-0800.
Flood Waters
Stay out of floodwater and storm surge. They can hide energized power lines and other hazards. Wait until the water recedes to go outside. If rising water threatens your home, or if you evacuate, turn off your power at the main switch in case water enters.
Lightning
If you see lightning, seek shelter, stay away from open spaces and avoid water, metal and landline phones. If someone is struck by lightning, call 911. Perform CPR if needed. Lightning victims are safe to touch.
Solar Panels
Avoid contact with rooftop or downed/damaged solar panels, wiring and components. Assume they are energized like a power line. Stay as far away as possible and call 911 for assistance.
Generator Use
DO NOT operate portable generators DURING a storm. Portable generators should be used outdoors only. Running an uncovered portable generator in the rain poses a threat of electrocution.
Turn Off Power
If your breaker box is located outside or in a room that is holding water, do NOT turn off the power yourself. Contact us at 888-223-0800 to shut off the power at the meter.
Keep 'Em Dry
Water and electricity don't mix! DO NOT touch wet electrical equipment such as transformers, circuit breaks, fuses, power lines, wiring, etc., or use or touch wet electrical appliances with wet hands, in or near water, or while standing on a wet or damp surface.
Natural Gas
You may leave your natural gas on during a storm or evacuation. Although you can turn off the supply values of gas appliances, only qualified personnel should operate the main valve. Pilot light issues should be addressed by a licensed plumber or appliance technician.
Avoid Charging
If your EV has been submerged in water, do NOT attempt to drive it or connect it to charging! Check the manufacturer's guidelines to make sure it is safe to charge your EV in wet conditions.
Get an Inspection
If your vehicle is submerged in water, it may be a safety hazard. Do not store the vehicle indoors or near other cars. Have an authorized service technician inspect it.
Assess damage. Begin restoration.
As soon as it's safe, we work tirelessly to restore power – first to essential and life-saving services, then to as many customers as we can, as fast as we can. Learn more about how power is restored efficiently and equitably for our communities.
Stay safe and get back on track.
- Report electrical outages and visit our Outage Map to check the status of your area's power.
- Review safety tips to avoid hazards.
- Wait 5 to 10 minutes before turning appliances and electronics back on after the power is restored, to help avoid damage.
- Don’t put debris in travel areas or near power poles.
- Keep your pets secure and away from power equipment.
- If you own an electric or gas vehicle that was submerged in salt water, it could be a safety hazard. Have it inspected by an authorized service technician for any damage that could pose a risk of fire.
- Look for damage to your electric service system that may prevent your power from being restored and arrange for a licensed electrician to make repairs if needed.
Safety tips
Flood Waters
Stay out of floodwater and storm surge. They can hide energized power lines and other hazards. Wait until the water recedes to go outside. If rising water threatens your home, or if you evacuate, turn off your power at the main switch in case water enters.
Downed Power Lines
Avoid downed/damaged power lines. Stay as far away as possible. DO NOT touch anything the power lines are touching. If you see a downed power line, call 888-223-0800.
Solar Panels
Avoid contact with rooftop or downed/damaged solar panels, wiring and components. Assume they are energized like a power line. Stay as far away as possible and call 911 for assistance.
Natural Gas
You may leave your natural gas on during a storm or evacuation. Although you can turn off the supply values of gas appliances, only qualified personnel should operate the main valve. Pilot light issues should be addressed by a licensed plumber or appliance technician.
Generator Use
DO NOT operate portable generators indoors, near AC ducts, or in enclosed areas, and do not connect them to home circuits. NEVER get your portable generator wet – a dry, outdoor space is required.
Drone Use
DO NOT fly drones near power lines. If the drone gets entangled with the power lines, do NOT try to retrieve it. Call 911 then us at 877-588-1010.
Call 811
Avoid injury from underground power lines. Call 811 or visit Sunshine811.com at least 2 full business days before digging during storm cleanup. Underground power lines will be marked for free.
Caution: Use portable generators safely. DO NOT connect a portable generator to home circuits. Plug appliances directly into the generator. Connecting a portable generator to home circuits may cause power to flow to outside lines, posing a life-threatening danger to restoration crews. Also, portable generators must NOT be taken into a residence or any enclosed space where deadly carbon monoxide gases could build up. (Note: this should not be done in a closed garage.)
Frequently Asked Questions
A. If you do not have power, please contact us or check out our outage map.
There are three ways to report an outage: Text OUT to 27079, call us at 877-588-1010, or report it online.
A. Even if your neighborhood is served by underground lines because the electrical lines that feed your neighborhood, including main distribution lines and transmission lines, are above the ground you may still experience a power outage during a storm.
A. Our Storm Protection Plan invests $150 million per year towards increasing reliability, and in turn lowering restoration time and costs during future storms. Many of our efforts, like our goal of converting 75-100 miles of targeted overhead lines to underground annually, are focused on protecting lines from contact with things like fallen trees that can cause lengthy outages. In addition to undergrounding targeted overhead lines, we’re strengthening power lines by replacing wood with steel and concrete, making key equipment like substations more resilient, and increasing our tree trimming schedule to protect lines. With over 6,000 miles of overhead lines, hardening our system is a big project and it takes time, but we’re committed to providing you with safe, affordable, and reliable electric service and are investing in increased reliability. Learn more here.
A. We restore electric service to health and safety facilities, including hospitals, fire and police stations, and major water, wastewater, and communication facilities. Then restore places necessary to provide essential supplies, like grocery stores. The next priority is restoring the greatest number of residential customers in the shortest amount of time. To learn more about our process, visit Power Restoration.
A. Storms can cause extensive destruction and multiple repairs may be needed on a particular line. If portions of the line are repaired, some customers may receive power while others may not. Sometimes, even customers in the same neighborhood will have different service lines. If you are on the same service line as your neighbor, you may also have damage to your meter that is interrupting electric service to your home. Damage to electrical systems caused by storms can also be sporadic.
A. After a storm, when winds are consistently under 40 mph, our crews must physically inspect and determine how much replacement equipment is needed and how many labor hours are required to make repairs. Because this is a manual process, it’s extremely difficult to provide detailed estimated restoration times (ETRs) and other information. Be assured you will not be forgotten.
A. Troubleshooters and lineworkers are skilled technicians. Each utility has the appropriate number of these people to handle the normal operations and repairs of the company's service area. When a major weather event impacts an area, the utilities across the country share people in order to restore power to as many customers as quickly and safely as possible.
A. You will not be charged if you did not have power.
A. If you encounter a downed power line, always assume it is energized, move a safe distance away (at least 30 feet) and immediately call 911, then Tampa Electric at 877-588-1010. Never drive over downed power lines or touch power lines, including anyone or anything touching the line. This includes a fence or other object the line may fall onto. The results can be deadly. Warn others to stay away.
A. No, it is extremely dangerous to drive over power lines. Driving over a downed line can cause poles or other equipment to come crashing down. If you are in a car that comes in contact with a downed powerline, stay in your vehicle and wait until the utility arrives to safely de-energize the line.
A. The odor of rotten eggs is an indicator that a natural gas line might be damaged. Immediately move to safety and call 911, then call Peoples Gas at 877-832-6747.
A. The odor of rotten eggs is an indicator that a natural gas line might be damaged. If you smell gas, immediately move to safety, and call 911, then call Peoples Gas at 877-832-6747.
A. Always avoid driving or walking through flood waters – they may be energized with electrical current and create hazardous conditions.
A. No. If you are forced to evacuate your home due to flooding, you should turn off your power at the circuit breaker panel or fuse box. Always ensure your hands are dry before touching a circuit breaker and you are not standing on a wet or damp surface. During and after flooding, your home and the surrounding area may be highly dangerous due to mud deposits and debris that can still conduct electricity.
A. If your home or business is flooded, we cannot reconnect power until the electrical system has been inspected by a licensed electrician. Once appropriate repairs have been made by the licensed electrician, he or she will need to obtain verification from your local building inspection authority before power can be restored.
Get help when you need it!
Visit these helpful sites for additional information on severe weather and hurricane preparation, recovery and emergency information.
View available assistance for your home or business energy bill.
For even more storm-related tips and safety information:
- Visit our Storm Safety Page.
- Download our Hurricane Brochure.
- Check Florida's Safety Page.
- Understand our Storm Protection Plan.
- Learn our Power Restoration Plan.
- Report or get an update on a power outage.
Local Emergency Management Resources:
Government and Non-Profit Resources:
- Ready.gov - Hurricane Information
- Red Cross Hurricane Preparedness - Hurricane Preparedness
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - Assistance After a Disaster
- Florida Disaster - Preparing for the Hurricane Season
Register for Special Needs Assistance.
If you or a loved one have special needs and require help locating a shelter or transportation, primarily during storm-related emergencies, now is the time to contact your county’s emergency management agency to arrange for assistance.
A statewide registry provides emergency management agencies and first responders with valuable information about your special needs and to prepare and respond to disasters and other emergencies. All your information is kept confidential. Visit FloridaDisaster.org to learn more or contact the special needs registry in your area.
