How to Protect Your Home From Power Outages During Hurricane Season
Hurricane season can be a challenge in Texas. Earlier this summer, Hurricane Beryl hit Southeast Texas, causing power outages for almost 3 million homes and businesses. Many experienced prolonged outages even after the storm subsided. Following the storm, hot temperatures resulted in 23 heat-related deaths as residents were left without air conditioning.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warns of an active hurricane season in 2024. The NOAA predicted an 85% chance of an above-normal season, due in part to warming ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean. Based on the NOAA’s most recent predictions, the 2024 hurricane season will have 17-25 named storms and 8-13 hurricanes.
Power outages can be especially dangerous in Texas during hurricane season because of the potential damage from storms and summer heatwaves. If your power goes out this summer, it’s important you know how to keep yourself and your family safe. Here are some ways to protect your home from power outages during hurricane season.
Prepare for power outages in advance
You can begin to protect yourself from an electrical outage before you find yourself without power. Taking a few easy steps to prepare in advance can help you avoid some of the worst effects of power outages, major storms, and a combination of the two. Here are a few things you can do to prepare for power outages.
- Create an emergency kit. Packing a bag with supplies can protect you from power outages, storms, tornadoes, and other emergencies. Include the essentials in your emergency kit, like bottled water, nonperishable food, medicine, extra clothes and blankets, a first aid kit, flashlights, and batteries.
- Install surge protectors. Surge protectors prevent damage to your appliances and electronics during power surges or voltage spikes. They also let you quickly and easily turn off devices and appliances.
- Invest in a generator. Most power outages only last a couple of hours, but some can last days. If you’re able to invest in a generator, you can power some necessary appliances and keep your devices charged. Be sure to place your generator in an open and well-ventilated area and let it cool down before refueling.
- Save the utility’s contact information. In Fort Worth, the utility company is responsible for restoring power during an outage. If your power goes out, you should reach out to your utility (Oncor Electric) to report the outage and get an estimate of when service will be restored. Have your utility’s contact information saved so you can stay informed during a power outage.
What to do during a power outage
If your power goes out, your safety is the top priority. Keep yourself and others safe by following these guidelines.
- Use flashlights, not candles. Keep your emergency kit stocked with flashlights and extra batteries so you have a source of light during a power outage. Avoid using candles for light, as they are a leading cause of house fires every year. If you absolutely need to use a candle, be sure to fully extinguish it before going to sleep or leaving the room.
- Keep your refrigerator closed. If you keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed, you can greatly extend the amount of time perishable food stays at a safe temperature. Every time you open your fridge or freezer, cool air escapes. If your power goes out, the USDA says your food will remain at a safe temperature for about four hours.
- Keep your home cool. During the summer, power outages can mean hot temperatures inside and outside. Maintain a cooler internal temperature by closing your curtains and blinds during the day and keeping all windows and doors closed. Battery-powered fans can help circulate air around the room, making it feel cooler inside. If you live in a two-story home, sleeping downstairs can help you feel cooler because heat normally rises.
- Stay hydrated. Your emergency kit should include bottled water so you can remain hydrated during a power outage. Avoid drinking caffeine and alcoholic beverages, as these can cause dehydration. If possible, you should also avoid drinking tap water because water sources can become contaminated during storms and power outages.
- Remain informed. Whether the power outage is a result of a hurricane, extreme temperatures, or another reason, keeping informed of the situation can help you make safe choices. Listen to the radio and contact your utility for updated information about the outage, when service will be restored, and safety precautions to take in your area.
Power outages can be dangerous for people and damaging to property. Preparing in advance and knowing what to do during an outage can help you avoid the worst if you lower power during or after a hurricane.
This story was originally published August 10, 2024 at 8:00 AM.