Teams made up of more than 75 volunteers from Florida Power & Light, the City of Belle Glade, the American Red Cross, Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue and local electrical and vegetation contractors visited 50 homes in Belle Glade on Thursday, Oct. 8.
Teams went from house to house as part of the “Safer Homes, Fewer Burns” public outreach program, counseling homeowners on fire safety and energy efficiency. They also:
• Inspected and adjusted water heater temperatures and insulation.
• Checked electrical meters, plus overhead facilities and transformers for hazards.
• Ensured that vegetation was not interfering with electrical lines, trimming vegetation as needed or advising residents on how to schedule a professional tree trimmer.
• Replaced smoke detectors or added batteries as needed.
• Inspected fuse boxes, interior power outlets, power strips and extension cords to ensure fire safety.
• Inspected light fixtures and clothes driers.
“We’re proud to be here today, working with the City of Belle Glade, the American Red Cross and Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue to make this community safer and more energy-efficient,” said Stephanie Mitrione, external affairs manager for FPL. “This is just one way that we’re working to make Florida an even better place to work and raise a family.”
ABOVE: Don MacFarlane of FPL insulates water heater piping for homeowner Valerie Carter.
