FPUA Prepares for Hurricane Matthew
Storm Plan Activated
Getting ahead of a Hurricane Matthew is part of doing business for Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (FPUA). FPUA Director of Utilities Clayton Lindstrom, P.E. activated storm preparations by declaring Storm Phase 2 – Watch. The Phase is described in an inch thick Storm Manual which describes in detail all required department actions during a five-phase storm response. The five phases are Alert, Watch, Warning, During Storm, and Restoration.
With the National Hurricane Center issuing a Hurricane Watch for Florida’s east coast, FPUA moved to Storm Phase 2 – Watch. All vital equipment, facilities, and plants are being secured in preparation for Hurricane Matthew and the following restoration process. FPUA has activated its Mutual Aid Agreement through the Florida Municipal Electric Association to add to the 14 FPUA linemen (7 crews) to aid in restoration of the system.
Medical Seal Customers have been notified that there will be outages and that these customers should plan appropriately. FPUA has plans to restore service, as soon as possible to healthcare facilities, nursing homes, law enforcement facilities and other public facilities on a priority basis. Residents are also advised to expect extended interruptions in water, sewer, and natural gas services due to the storm. Lindstrom stated, “We are doing everything possible to keep utility services intact, and planning to be able to restore vital services as soon as possible.”
