When the lights go out in Clermont, the first questions are usually the same: who do I tell, where can I see what is going on, and how do I keep the household safe if a generator is involved? This guide answers those questions using information from the City of Clermont and Duke Energy. For wider preparation resources, see the Prepare page.
How to report a power outage
Duke Energy gives customers more than one way to report an outage. According to Duke Energy, customers can:
- Call the automated outage reporting system at 800.228.8485.
- Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply).
The City of Clermont also lists Duke Energy at 800-228-8485 for outages on its Get Storm Ready page. That is the same number written in a different format, so whichever version appears in front of you, it is the same line.
Texting can be a useful option when a phone call is hard to place, since a short message may go through when a voice call is difficult. Remember that standard text and data charges may apply, as Duke Energy notes.
Which utility serves your address?
The City of Clermont's storm page lists a second number: SECO at 352-793-3801. The city presents it alongside the Duke Energy number, so it is worth knowing both. If you are unsure which provider supplies your address, your electric bill is a reliable place to check, and then you can use the matching contact.
How to check the outage map
Duke Energy directs customers to its Outage Map for current outage information. In the company's words, the most up-to-date information about power outages can be accessed on Duke Energy's Outage Map. It is a good first stop after you have reported a problem, because it lets you see current information without tying up a phone line. The link is on the Duke Energy release that describes the reporting options.
A practical routine looks like this:
- Check whether the outage is limited to your home, for example by looking at whether neighbors have power.
- Report the outage to your utility by phone or, for Duke Energy customers, by text.
- Look at the Outage Map for current information.
- Check back on the map instead of repeatedly calling.
The facts available for this guide do not include estimated restoration times, so none are given here. Treat the map as the source for current status.
Generator safety basics
Generators can be a help during an extended outage, but they have to be used with care. The City of Clermont gives two clear pieces of advice on its Get Storm Ready page:
- Never use generators inside a home or garage.
- Allow generators to cool before refueling.
Keep generators out of the house and garage
The city's instruction is direct: never use generators inside a home or garage. That means a generator belongs outdoors, not in a room, not in an attached garage, and not anywhere that is enclosed. The city's wording leaves no exception, so the safest approach is to treat it as a rule with no exceptions.
Let the generator cool before refueling
The city also advises allowing generators to cool before refueling. In practice, that means planning ahead. Rather than topping off a running machine, shut it down, give it time to cool, and then refuel. If a generator is powering something important, think through ahead of time how you will handle the pause so you are not tempted to rush.
A short checklist
- Save the Duke Energy number, 800.228.8485, in your phone, and the SECO number, 352-793-3801, if it applies to you.
- Remember that Duke Energy customers can text OUT to 57801.
- Know where to find the Duke Energy Outage Map.
- If you use a generator, keep it out of your home and garage.
- Let the generator cool before you refuel it.
These steps cost nothing to set up, and having them ready before an outage means less scrambling when one happens.
Who to contact
- Duke Energy outage line: 800-228-8485 (listed by the City of Clermont) or 800.228.8485 (automated outage reporting system, from Duke Energy)
- Duke Energy text reporting: text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply)
- Duke Energy Outage Map: for current outage information, via the Duke Energy release linked above
- SECO: 352-793-3801 (listed by the City of Clermont)
- City of Clermont storm guidance: the Get Storm Ready page
Sources
Compiled from the official sources below.