FPL and Florida National Guard to jointly boost disaster response capabilities

Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) has collaborated with the Florida National Guard to boost the organisation’s overall response potential to natural and artificial disasters, mainly targeted at severe storms, such as hurricanes.

FPL president Eric Silagy said the latest partnership will allow FPL to leverage the Florida Guard’s considerable logistics and operational expertise gained through its recent deployments here and around the world.

"At the same time, the Florida National Guard will gain a better appreciation for how FPL conducts its business, particularly during times of large-scale power restoration," Silagy said.

"There’s no question in my mind that this innovative partnership can and will serve as a model for other National Guard units and utilities throughout the nation."

As part of what is said to be the first-of-a-kind partnership, a Florida National Guardsman will be embedded within FPL’s emergency preparedness organisation.

Florida National Guard Adjutant General Major General Emmett Titshaw Jr., said that the collaboration is exactly the type of out-of-the-box thinking that needs to take place to ensure being as well-positioned as possible to respond to the needs of Florida’s citizens when disaster strikes.

"The Florida National Guard brings to the table an immense portfolio of real-world deployment and operational experience," Titshaw added.

"Now, we have an opportunity to put that expertise to work here at home, allowing for knowledge-sharing and relationship-building with our disaster relief partners, all with a focus on preparation, response and recovery."

FPL also carried out an annual storm drill involving Hurricane Echo, which is a virtual Category 3 storm that tests hurricane readiness, restoration and recovery plan.

FPL boosted its investments heavily since being hit with Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Jeanne that destroyed parts of state, challenging restoration efforts.

"Since that time, FPL has invested well over a billion dollars to strengthen our system and make it more resilient to Florida’s extreme weather."