Tavares, FL – Residents across Lake County are being urged to prepare for possible power outages Saturday as strong winds arrive alongside one of the coldest weather periods of the season.
According to Lake County Florida Emergency Management, wind gusts could reach up to 50 miles per hour on Saturday, increasing the risk of downed power lines and service interruptions, particularly during colder overnight conditions.
Emergency officials warn that outages during cold weather can create dangerous situations if residents attempt unsafe heating methods. The agency stressed that gas stoves or ovens should never be used to heat homes, as doing so can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or fire hazards.
Residents who rely on generators are reminded to use them outdoors only and to keep them well away from windows and doors. Officials also recommend having backup plans for refrigerating medications or operating power-dependent medical devices in case electricity is lost for an extended period.
To help preserve food safety during outages, Lake County Emergency Management advises keeping refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible to maintain cold temperatures.
The alert applies across Lake County, part of Central Florida, where colder-than-normal temperatures combined with high winds could strain power infrastructure. Officials encourage residents to prepare now rather than wait until conditions worsen.
Residents can sign up for local updates by texting “COLD” to 888-777 and can find additional winter preparedness guidance at Ready.gov/Winter-Ready.
Anyone experiencing outages is encouraged to report them directly to their utility provider and avoid downed power lines, which should always be considered live.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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