Staying Safe This Storm Season

At OUC, our employees strive to work in a safe manner at all times and we want you to think about safety, too. So, to help you and your family stay safe this summer, OUC wants you to remember to:

• Stay away from downed power lines and call OUC immediately at 407.823.9150 to report a problem. Assume the downed line is energized and never touch or try to move it. If someone comes in contact with a downed line, don’t attempt a rescue. Wait until OUC and emergency personnel can respond.
• Look up first and keep cranes, ladders, tree-pruners, TV antennas and other equipment at least 10 feet from power lines. Depending on voltage, electricity can arc to equipment that’s near a power line — even if it’s not touching the line.
• Never trim trees near power lines.
• Never climb utility poles or towers.
•  Stay away from electric substation fences and equipment.
• Avoid flying kites or model airplanes near power lines. If these objects become entangled in a line, they can become a conductor of electricity.
• Stay calm if your equipment or vehicle comes in contact with a power line. Assume the line is energized and stay in your vehicle unless you are in immediate danger from fire or a moving power line. If you are forced to leave your vehicle, jump as far away from it as you can, landing with both feet together. Be sure no part of your body touches the equipment and ground at the same time. Call 9.1.1 as soon as possible and don’t return to the vehicle until emergency personnel declare it safe.

Follow these tips to avoid storm and cleanup-related injuries:

• Monitor local TV and radio broadcasts for up-to-date emergency information.
• Consult your family emergency plan, identifying meeting places, contact information, and responsibilities.
• Prepare your home by protecting windows and clearing your patio and yard of lawn furniture, toys, and debris. 
• Locate the nearest shelters.
• If you're evacuating...
  • Take cash, credit cards, and important documents.
  • Make arrangements for pets. Contact your local humane society for information on animal shelters.
  • Plan an evacuation route and be prepared to drive 20-50 miles.
  • Turn off electrical power and natural gas or propane tanks to avoid fire or electrocution.

• Continue to monitor local broadcast media for updates.
• Do not go outside or drive around.
• Go to a safe room with few or no windows at the center of the structure.
• Wait until after the storm to contact OUC about your power outage unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
• Do not use the dishwasher or washing machine to help prevent overflowing the storm water system.
• If you lose power, keep your refrigerator doors closed as much as possible to maintain coldness.

• Obey curfews and don't go out until authorities have declared the area safe.
• Notify OUC about downed power lines as soon as possible and avoid them. Do not attempt to move or repair power lines.
• Do not drive through standing water if downed power lines are in the area. If a power line falls across your vehicle while driving, continue to drive away from the line. If the engine stalls, do not turn off the ignition. Stay in your car, unless it is on fire, and wait for emergency personnel. Do not allow anyone other than emergency personnel to approach the vehicle.
• If you evacuated and are returning to your home after the storm, make sure the main electrical switch to your home is off before entering the structure.
• Use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns, rather than candles, gas lanterns, or torches.
• Wear proper clothing, including shirts with long sleeves, long pants, and safety shoes or boots, when cleaning up after a storm.
• Familiarize yourself with proper safety procedures before operating before operating a gas-powered or electric chainsaw.
• Wear safety glasses and/or face shield and gloves when operating power equipment.
• Never use a chain-saw overhead or in the vicinity of power lines.
• Do not trim trees around power lines. Call OUC regarding any trees or limbs near power lines.

• Listen to your local radio stations, watch your local news or listen to NOAA Weather Radio.
• Stay alert, watch for signs a tornado is approaching
  • Dark, often greenish clouds
  • Wall cloud
  • Cloud of debris
  • Large hail
  • Funnel cloud
  • Roaring noise
• Be ready to take shelter.

• Have bottled water on hand to last several days — one gallon of water per person per day.
• If you are not sure your tap water is safe, boil water vigorously for 1-3 minutes.
• If you can’t boil water, add eight drops of new, unscented liquid bleach per gallon of water, stir well and let stand for 30 minutes before using.
• OR use water-purifying tablets from your local pharmacy or sporting goods store.

Operating A Generator Safely

If you plan to use a generator in the event of a power outage, remember these tips to keep you, your family, your neighbors and OUC's line crews safe: 

• Plug appliances directly into the generator or use a heavy duty, outdoor-rated extension cord.
• Avoid plugging the generator directly into your home, because it could re-energize the power lines, endangering your neighbors and utility crews working to restore power in your area.
• Be aware it is against the law and a violation of electrical codes to connect generators to your home's electrical circuits without the approved automatic-interrupt devices.
• Place the generator outside your home and away from open windows and doors to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
• Do not use a generator in rainy or wet conditions. Operate it on a dry surface and use a canopy-like structure to keep out moisture.
• Always read the instructions carefully and consult a professional if you have any questions or concerns.

View and download this U.S. Consumer Product Safety Alert regarding portable generator hazards.

Listen Up! Download OUC Hurricane Safety Tips

Store Audio Files on Music Players, PDAs, and Cell Phones for Instant Access

With another hurricane season on the horizon, audio safety tips from OUC—The Reliable One will be music to your ears. 

OUC’s audio downloads let you conveniently store pre-storm information, post-storm tips, and the answers to frequently asked questions in your iPod, MP3 player, PDA, or cell phone. Simply follow the download instructions below and keep these hurricane tips, emergency phone numbers, and safety messages at your fingertips.

If a hurricane strikes Central Florida this season, these audio downloads allow you to instantly access important storm information no matter where you are. Please take a few minutes to listen to the tips and download them to your preferred storage device.

Sign up here to receive OUC e-mail alerts. Your e-mail address will be used only for OUC-related purposes and you may unsubscribe at any time.

To Download

For PCs: Right-click a link. Choose "Save Target as" or "Save File As ..." and once the audio downloads, load it to your audio device. For Macs: Click on the link and hold down the mouse button. Choose "Save Target as ..." or "Save File As ..." and once the audio downloads, load it to your audio device.

If you're attempting to listen to the file on a company-issued Blackberry, it may be too large to play depending on your organization's file size policy.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions [MP3 - 1.7 MB]

FAQ - Preguntas Frecuentes [MP3 - 2.2 MB]

Power Restoration [MP3 - 1.0 MB]

Your neighbor's lights are on, but you're still without power. Find out how OUC restores power....

Restauración de Energía [MP3 - 1.1 MB]

Before the Storm [MP3 - 1.1 MB]

Follow these tips to make sure your family and home are prepared for the hurricane season.

Antes de la Tormenta [MP3 - 1.4 MB ]

After the Storm [MP3 - 1.1 MB]

The storm's over, but the danger isn't. Stay safe when returning to your home and beginning the clean-up.

Después de la Tormenta [MP3 - 1.3 MB]