A Texas power outage can happen unexpectedly, especially during hurricanes, extreme heat, or freezing conditions. Texans that lived through Winter Storm Uri in February 2021 know this all too well. No matter the season, it’s always wise to be prepared and have a plan to keep your family safe and comfortable until the power comes back on. Here are a few tips for Texans on how to be ready for a power outage.
Build an Emergency Kit
Prepare a kit with essentials you might need if the power is out for a while. Ready.gov, an excellent source for emergency preparedness, recommends:
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- Candles and matches
- Cell phone chargers and battery backups
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- First-aid supplies (see the American Red Cross for pre-made kits)
- Enough water for each family member (1 gallon per person, per day)
- Non-perishable food, like canned goods, granola bars, or peanut butter (enough for several days)
- Manual can opener
- Disposable dishes and utensils, in case you’re without water
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape for sheltering in place
- Dust masks (to filter contaminated air)
- Personal sanitation products
- Local maps
Your kit may look different based on your and your family’s needs, but the important thing is to think through everything you may need should you lose power for several days.
Plan for medical needs
When prepping for a long power outage, don’t forget about daily health and medication needs:
- If anyone in your household relies on electrically powered medical equipment, talk to your doctor or medical provider about what to do during an outage. You may need to arrange backup power or relocate temporarily if the outage lasts too long.
- If you take prescription medication and you know a storm is coming, getting that refill beforehand will give you peace of mind.
- If any of your medications must remain cold, include a cooler in your emergency kit and have ice packs ready in the freezer.
Charge devices early
If there’s a chance of bad weather, be proactive and keep phones, tablets and portable chargers fully charged. You’ll be relieved to stay connected and updated if an outage occurs.
Keep appliances safe
Power surges can happen when electricity comes back on. To protect your electronics, remember to unplug TVs, computers and gaming systems when the power goes out. Using surge protectors in your home can help keep things safe, as can a power surge protection plan offered by some electricity providers.
Prep for extreme temperatures
Texas power outages can happen during very hot or very cold weather, so it’s important to stay prepared for both. To keep comfortable during a power outage:
- In Winter: Wear layers, cover windows with blankets to trap heat, and gather in one room to keep warm. If you have a fireplace, stock up on firewood.
- In Summer: Close curtains and blinds to block out heat. Use fans if you have battery-operated ones. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
Think about backup power options
It may be worth purchasing a generator or solar-powered backup system for your home. If you go the generator route, the Department of Energy recommends that you:
- Make sure it’s installed by a licensed electrician
- Check if a permit is needed
- Ensure it has an automatic breaker that disconnects the house from your energy company’s regular electric lines when it’s running (which would create a danger for utility workers)
- Do a regular maintenance check
You can also check out portable backup power solutions. Some electricity companies, like Green Mountain Energy, even offer discounts on sustainable backup power from Goal Zero to help you prepare for extreme temperatures, power outages and storms.
Have a family emergency plan
A household-wide plan, communicated verbally and written in your emergency kit, can let everyone know where to go and what to do in an emergency situation like an outage.
Keep important contact info handy
Write down important phone numbers (like your utility company’s outage reporting line) and keep them in your emergency kit. The telephone number for power outages is likely on your electricity bill as well. Knowing who to contact and how to report an outage will make things easier when the lights go out. You should also keep a hard-copy list of family members’ contact information, so you can stay connected no matter whose phone you end up using.
Know your utility company’s outage alert process
Many utility companies offer apps and text alerts to inform you about Texas power outages. Sign up in advance so you can stay informed without scrambling for information.
Conclusion
Being prepared for a Texas power outage can save you a lot of stress if the lights go out — and it could even save your life in some scenarios. By following the steps listed above, you’ll be better able to weather any storm that may come your way.
To find a Texas electricity provider you can trust that can keep you informed during an outage with a power plan that fits your needs, check out Everything Energy.