Florida Keys Power Outage: How to Prepare and Stay Safe

Understanding Power Outages in the Florida Keys

The Florida Keys is no stranger to power outages, especially during hurricane season. Whether it’s a planned outage, unexpected equipment failure, or damage from a tropical storm, losing power can be disruptive and even dangerous. As a Keys resident, you know that outages can happen anytime, and being prepared is essential.

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Common Causes of Power Outages in the Florida Keys

Power outages in the Florida Keys are often caused by:

• Hurricanes and Severe Storms – High winds and flooding damage power lines and substations.
• Lightning Strikes – Sudden electrical surges can knock out power to entire neighborhoods.
• Salt Corrosion – The ocean air can accelerate wear and tear on power infrastructure.
• Utility Grid Failures – Overloaded systems, accidents, or mechanical failures can cause widespread outages.
• Planned Maintenance – Local utility companies occasionally shut down power for system upgrades.

Regardless of the cause, having a reliable generator can mean the difference between comfort and chaos.

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How to Check Power Outage Status in the Florida Keys

If you experience a power outage, the first step is to determine whether it’s a local issue or a widespread event. Here’s how you can check:

• Florida Keys Electric Co-op (FKEC) Outage Map – Visit their website for live updates.
• Keys Energy Services (KEYS) Outage Alerts – Check KEYS outage tracker for Key West and surrounding areas.
• Local News and Social Media – Many utility companies post updates on Facebook and Twitter.
• Call Your Power Provider – Reporting an outage helps providers restore power more efficiently.
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How to Prepare for a Power Outage in the Keys

The best way to stay ahead of a power outage is to be prepared. Here’s what you should do:

1. Install a Standby Generator

A Generac standby generator ensures that your home or business stays powered even during extended outages. Unlike portable generators, a whole-home standby generator automatically switches on within seconds of an outage and runs on propane, making it a hassle-free solution.

2. Create an Emergency Power Plan

• Identify essential appliances you’ll need (refrigerator, medical devices, air conditioning).
• Have backup battery packs for phones and communication devices.
• Store extra propane or fuel for portable generators.

3. Stock Up on Emergency Supplies

• Flashlights, batteries, and portable chargers.
• Non-perishable food and bottled water (at least 3 days' worth).
• Battery-powered fans for cooling.

4. Surge Protect Your Appliances

When power is restored, electrical surges can damage electronics and appliances. Installing a whole-home surge protector can help prevent this.

5. Have a Maintenance Plan for Your Generator

Routine maintenance is crucial to keeping your generator in top shape. Islamorada Power offers bi-annual maintenance contracts to ensure your system is always ready for an outage.

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What to Do During a Power Outage

If the power goes out, follow these steps to stay safe:

1. Check Your Circuit Breaker – Ensure the outage isn’t due to a tripped breaker.
2. Contact Your Utility Provider – Report the outage and check for restoration updates.
3. Avoid Opening Your Refrigerator & Freezer – Food stays fresh longer when doors remain closed.
4. Use Flashlights Instead of Candles – Candles can be a fire hazard, especially during storms.
5. Monitor Local News & Alerts – Stay updated via radio, social media, or battery-powered devices.
6. Run Your Generator Safely – If using a portable generator, never run it indoors due to carbon monoxide risks.
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The Best Backup Power Solution for the Florida Keys

Investing in a standby generator is the most reliable way to protect your home or business from power outages. At Islamorada Power, we specialize in generator sales, installation, repairs, and maintenance to keep your property running smoothly—no matter the weather.

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Serving Key Largo, Marathon, Key West, and all of Monroe County, we ensure that you have power when you need it most.

📞 Call Us Today for a Free Generator Consultation! | Request a Quote →

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