Over the last 48 hours, Hurricane Ian has caused flooding and power outages across our community.  Reports indicate that, as of this morning, the hurricane has left half a million people without power, and multiple neighborhoods are experiencing major flooding.  If you are one of the residents in our community whose power has gone out or whose house has been flooded, here are some of the steps you can take:

What to do with a POWER OUTAGE:

• REPORT the power outage to your power company. 
  • Florida Power & Light Company (FPL):
    • Report online or call 1-800-4-OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243).
    • Track the outages on the Power Tracker map.
    • You can sign up for alerts here.
    • Here are some additional resources.
  • Fort Pierce Utility Authority (FPUA): 
    • Call 772-466-7703.
    • Track the outages on the Outage map.
    • You can sign up for alerts here.
    • Here are some additional resources.
• STAY AWAY from flooding, downed power lines and debris.
• DO NOT use a generator indoors. It can be deadly.  Use a generator outdoors at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and vents.  Do not refuel your generator while it is hot or still running.

What to do if your house was FLOODED from Ready.gov:

• Pay attention to authorities for information and instructions. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
• Avoid driving except in emergencies.
• Wear heavy work gloves, protective clothing and boots during clean up and use appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris. 
• People with asthma and other lung conditions and/or immune suppression should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled.
• Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.
• Be aware that snakes and other animals may be in your house.
• Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. Turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock if it is safe to do so.
• Avoid wading in floodwater, which can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris.
• Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
• Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows.

I am continuing to monitor the storm, and I am in contact with local, state and federal emergency management officials. For more information and updates, follow me on Facebook and Twitter.