If you’re a Houston resident, you probably know a thing or two about hurricanes. Maybe you’ve even lived through hurricanes Harvey (2017), Ike (2008), Rita (2005) and/or previous Houston storms.
If so, you know it’s always best to be prepared. In an effort to make storm prep easier and keep residents safe, many Houston energy companies offer a bevy of tips and resources. We’re highlighting a few of them today to encourage you to be storm ready all season.
When is hurricane season in Texas?
Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30. At the time of this publication, we’re right around the halfway point.
Hurricane prep tips from Houston energy companies
Brush up on your hurricane prep with these helpful tips from Houston power providers.
Green Mountain Energy’s Texas Storm Readiness Guide
This thorough guide assembled by Green Mountain Energy tells you what to do before, during and after a storm.
Helpful tips include:
- Stay alert by checking the National Hurricane Center website regularly.
- Stock up on supplies for your home and car. Don’t forget to pack:
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable food
- Medications (prescriptions and over-the-counter)
- First aid supplies
- Toiletries
- Pet food, if applicable
- Rain gear
- Batteries
- Flashlights
- Battery-operated radio
- Solar-powered phone charger
- Backup power solutions such as a generator and a portable power bank
- Prep your home by securing outdoor equipment and trimming tree branches near your house to minimize the risk of broken windows and debris.
Direct Energy’s Learning Center Resources
In the Direct Energy Learning Center, you’ll find helpful ways to deal with summer weather. That includes not only hurricanes but other storms, floods and extreme heat.
Some of the many tips from Direct Energy include:
- Create a hurricane evacuation plan for your family. Things to plan are a family meeting spot; alternate routes to your meeting place (in case you encounter flooded roads, downed trees or power lines); and an emergency backpack that contains important documents and identification cards.
- Understand post-hurricane food and water safety, like what to do with frozen and refrigerated foods during a loss of power and whether you need to boil water before drinking it.
- Print this supply and grocery checklist to make it easier to assemble your storm supplies and “go” bag.
Reliant Energy’s Storm Center
Reliant Energy offers a robust section on its website to help Texans prepare for severe weather. Here are some highlights:
- Evacuations can be lengthy and stressful. Make sure to include a board game, deck of cards and/or books in your “go” bag.
- Other items to add to your “go” bag are a 7-day supply of medications; glasses/contact lenses and eye care items; and food/supplies for any pets you’d take with you.
Reliant also provides a handy way to report an outage. Simply choose your Transmission and Distribution Service Provider (TDSP) from the list (or enter your service address). You’ll be provided with two options for reporting an outage — by phone or online. We recommend bookmarking that site for easy reference.
Cirro Energy’s Storm Center
Another site to check out for hurricane prep is Cirro Energy’s Storm Center. During a storm, the Houston energy company offers these tips:
- Head to a basement or bathroom. A bathtub can provide some protection if you cover yourself with plywood or other materials.
- Turn off and unplug major appliances and electronics during a power outage.
- Avoid being outside, even if it seems like the storm has ended. Strong winds could follow periods of calm.
Cirro also provides information on how to apply for FEMA assistance. For reference, you can apply by registering at DisasterAssistance.gov or calling (800) 621-FEMA.
Discount Power Storm Center
Getting where you need to go when severe weather is forecast can be chaotic. Discount Power’s storm preparedness page shows where you can find the latest updates on traffic, construction, and road closures.
Become familiar with these sites before a hurricane is on the horizon so you’re well-informed during a storm:
- Houston Transtar
- Texas evacuation routes
- Texas Flood and Road Construction information
- North Texas Tollway Authority
More resources from Houston energy companies
Now that you know where to look as you prepare for the second half of hurricane season (and future years as well), you have a wealth of information at your fingertips.
Here are a few more resources from electricity companies Houston residents trust for hurricane support.
- Recovering from a Disaster
- FEMA
- Safety and Preparedness
- American Red Cross
- National Weather Service
- Harris County Emergency Management
- Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management
- City of Corpus Christi Emergency Operations Center
Preparation is key when it comes to Texas weather
With these resources from local Houston power companies, you can make sure you have a plan for keeping your family safe through severe weather situations and potential evacuation.
Now is the time to prepare, so you can remain cool, calm, and collected in the face of adversity.
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