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FPL urges hurricane trimming
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Florida Power & Light Co. announced on Tuesday it will complete a comprehensive schedule of tree-trimming before the June 1 start of the tropical storm season and is asking customers to survey their own yards to help prevent tree-related power outages in the event of severe weather.
In a news release, FPL says it is undertaking a program to trim tree branches and vegetation along more than 10,000 miles of electric lines this year. This follows clearing roughly 11,900 miles of electric lines, including 5,200 miles of "hot spots" where fast-growing trees threatened overhead wires, in 2007. FPL will trim trees along power lines serving all buildings with official and emergency purposes, including hospitals and police and fire stations. It plans to have this work completed by June 1, according to the news release.
"While it’s impossible to guarantee a 100-percent, storm-proof electrical system, we’re working every day to strengthen the system’s reliability, including clearing vegetation around power lines to avoid outages caused by overgrowth. Customers can help in this effort by inspecting their own yards as well and clearing loose limbs," said Irene White, FPL’s director of distribution of customer communications, in the announcement.
Specific advice for customers includes the following:
Look for dead or weakened branches that could snap during a storm and begin pruning to help trees better withstand high winds. Don’t try to trim vegetation growing on or near overhead power lines; only specially-trained professionals should do this. A list of qualified contractors is featured on the www.FPL.com/trees Web page. Or call the utility’s customer service number: 262-1322.
If you’re planting, choose the right tree and plant it in the right place to begin with by considering mature height of a tree if you’re planting near overhead electric lines. FPL offers specific tips on the selection and proper placement of trees through its "Right Tree, Right Place" program. Visit www.FPL.com/trees for a list of recommended trees and suggested setbacks from overhead utilities, as well as trees to avoid planting near power lines.
Additional information on FPL programs and services is available at www.FPL.com, www.FPLGroup.com and www.FPLEnergy.com.
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