Duke Energy puts 1,500 workers on standby to respond after Hurricane Matthew

CENTRAL FLORIDA — In preparation for the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, Duke Energy started putting its employees through the motions of real-world scenarios Wednesday.

Matthew’s path has been edging closer to the Florida coast, and power will likely be knocked out for thousands of Central Florida homes and businesses.

Photos: Duke Energy prepares for Hurricane Matthew

Duke Energy has 1,500 workers ready to respond from all over the southeast to work and get power back on for any areas left without electricity after the storm.

Responding to outages in a hurricane situation is different than normal powerline repairs because workers have to deal with flooded roads and downed trees, officials said.

Crews will stay outside areas affected by the storm until it passes and they can safely respond, Duke Energy said.

Cox Media Group