Have you heard a low, buzzing noise in your neighborhood?

It could be a drone, operated by an FPL employee.

But not to worry, officials with Florida Power & Light Co. say. The drones are zipping around power poles to make sure its equipment is working properly.

On Monday, some Indian River County residents who live south of Oslo Road received an automated call from FPL, notifying them about the flights over their neighborhoods.

"We make every effort to call residents about the flights so there's no surprise," said Nina Frick, FPL spokeswoman.

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Using drones — FPL's program has been in place for five years — is a quick way to conduct safety assessments with minimal environmental impact.

The drones, which weigh less than 10 pounds, take photographs of equipment atop of power poles — some drones even use infrared technology to identify hot spots — to proactively assess the poles and lines to identify problem areas that could cause an outage, Frick said.

"We take care of the problem before it even becomes an issue," she said.

FPL also uses drones during storm recovery. They give crews an unobstructed view into locations that might be inaccessible because of floodwaters or downed trees and vegetation.

In 2018, FPL's drones flew more than 4,000 miles in Florida.

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FPL drone pilots are certified by the Federal Aviation Administration, and they conduct pre-flight safety checks and follow all FAA guidelines for safe operations, Frick said.

Approximately five assessments are performed each week, and they take place throughout FPL's service area, which includes the Treasure and Space coasts. The automated calls notify customers in advance of when the drone flights will take place.

"Where and when we fly depends on a given day depends on where we identify a need," Frick said.

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The drones contain built-in safety features, fly at relatively slow speeds and always fly below 400 feet. The drone remains in sight and in control of the pilots at all times, Frick said.

FPL drone pilots wear identifying vests and hard hats, making them easily recognizable in the field. Official vehicles also are identified with the FPL logo on the doors, Frick said. If residents have questions, pilots also carry handouts, explaining the program.

Anyone with questions about the drone program can go to www.fpl.com/drones or call 800-226-3545.

Customers should not be concerned about their privacy, Frick said.

"We are committed to our customers' privacy in all aspects," she said. "Pilots are in full compliance of FAA regulations."

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Maureen Kenyon is TCPalm's trends reporter, keeping Treasure Coast residents updated on hot topics and happenings. Do you have a story to tell? Want to start a conversation? Send an email to maureen.kenyon@tcpalm.com, call 772-221-4249 or follow her on Twitter @_MaureenKenyon_.