Cleco donated more than 1,500 weather radios to help customers stay safe and weather-aware during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs June 1 through the end of November.

“Cleco prepares year-round for hurricane season, and we encourage our customers to prepare too,” said Andre Guillory, chief customer officer at Cleco. “A weather radio is a helpful tool for receiving real-time severe weather watches and warnings, and they could be lifesaving.”

Weather radios were distributed to Cleco customers throughout the month of June in Mandeville, Slidell and Jeanerette. The giveaway is part of Cleco’s new customer initiative, Cleco Connects, that connects the company’s customer service team with customers.

In addition to having a weather radio on hand, Cleco recommends customers prepare now in case a hurricane or tropical storm makes landfall.

“Being prepared can save lives,” said Tracy Daigrepont, director of customer experience at Cleco.

Additional hurricane preparedness tips include:

• Create an emergency plan.

• Develop an evacuation plan.
• Make a list of emergency contacts.
• Make copies of important documents, like insurance policies.
• Keep vehicles fueled and up to date on maintenance.

• Create a storm kit.
• A storm kit should include a weather radio, one gallon of water per person per day, non-perishable food and a manual can opener, first aid kit and important medications, among other items.

• Prepare generator and review safety information.
• Portable generators, when used correctly, can provide backup power to homes or businesses in the event of a power outage. Always operate a generator according to manufacturer instructions and in an open, well-ventilated area.

For more information on how to prepare for hurricane season or other storms, visit cleco.com/stormsafety.