If a hurricane is in the forecast, be prepared to be without utilities, including electricity and potable water, after the storm. Interruption in service could last for several days depending on how widespread and how severe the storm damage is.

Water Service

• If a hurricane is forecast to hit our area, the barrier island water system may need to be isolated from the main water system to protect the integrity of the entire utility system. If this happens, there will still be water service, but it will be limited to the amount stored in tanks on the barrier island. Barrier islands include all areas east of the Indian River including Merritt Island, Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach (served by Cocoa) and Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, Indialantic and Melbourne Beach (served by Melbourne).

• Local utility officials will evaluate the speed, direction, and intensity of the forecasted storm to determine if and when an isolation to the system is needed. Once the decision has been made, the message will go out through the multiple communication channels throughout the entire county and will be communicated to the news media.

• Water main breaks are highly likely on the barrier islands but can happen at any location where the storm hits.

• During a hurricane, all residents will be advised to be prepared for potential loss of water service and for the possible issue of a Precautionary Boil Water Notice once water service is restored. Prepare by storing water ahead of the storm.

Sewer Service

• Be prepared to be without sewer service and/or to strictly limit sewer usage after the storm.

• Electricity outages can mean the loss of power at some pump stations.

• Also, a heavy inundation of rainwater from a storm can also put strain on the system.

• After a hurricane, you may be asked to limit usage to sanitary use only — that means strictly limiting or not doing laundry, taking only very short showers, and limiting dishwashing or any other activity that sends a lot of water down the drain and into the sewer system.

Electricity

• If a hurricane approaches, be prepared to lose power for several days.

• FPL encourages customers to visit the FPL Storm Center page for tips on how to prepare. 

• Once the storm is over, visit the FPL Power Tracker for updates on power restoration. You can also follow FPL on Facebook (Florida Power & Light) and X/Twitter (@insideFPL) for updates. 

• You can download the FPL Mobile App to report or get the latest information on outages. Customers can also get on-the-go, instant and secure access to their accounts. The app is available for download in the iOS App Store and Google Play.

• Call 1-800-4-OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243) immediately to report a dangerous condition such as a downed power line.