Weather Preparation
Occasionally, extreme weather hits Central Texas, impacting businesses, homes, and PEC’s operations. In these events, planning ahead is the best thing you can do to keep your family safe. Learn what you can do right now, immediately before a storm, and during an emergency event.
Prepare an emergency kit
Be prepared for inclement weather before it happens. If you don’t have an emergency kit already, now is the time to make one. Include the following items in your kit, and keep it stocked, up to date, and in a designated spot that is always easily accessible:
- flashlights
- batteries
- bottled water
- nonperishable food
- blankets
- matches
- first-aid supplies
- medications (over-the-counter and prescription)
- pet supplies
- battery banks for charging devices
- all-weather radio
- multipurpose tool
- air-activated heat packs
- hand sanitizer
- a list of important numbers, including your PEC account number, and PEC’s outage reporting and emergency line, 888-883-3379.
Sign up for SMS alerts
PEC now offers a one-way text alert service. Sign up today to receive these messages from PEC during an emergency, including prolonged power interruptions and mandated rolling outages. Add your mobile phone number to your account or call 888-554-4732 to add multiple phone numbers or verify you’re signed up to receive these important messages. When your number is added to your account, you can report an outage simply by texting “OUTAGE” to 25022.
Download PEC’s SmartHub app
When a storm hits, you’ll have quick access to report and track outages 24/7, right at your fingertips with SmartHub.
If temperatures drop and forecasts begin to show cold weather or a wintry mix, you may want to have these items ready and on-hand, in addition to your emergency kit:
- Charged cell phones and extra cords for charging phones, tablets, and other electronic devices
- Additional firewood
- Coats, hats, gloves, and warm clothing
- An additional heating source
- Your PEC account number (keep this handy)
- Extra fuel for vehicles
Prepare your home
- Insulate external water lines on your water heater to help keep your pipes warm and save money on heating water. Remove and store garden hoses and cover exposed water lines and spigots. Remember to drip your faucets when temperatures drop below freezing.
- Falling tree branches are a common cause of property damage and power outages. Trim any trees that are close enough to damage your home. Never trim trees that come within 10 feet of power lines yourself! Contact PEC at 888-554-4732, and we will trim them to a safe distance, free of charge.
- Check the weatherstripping on your windows and doors, and seal leaks with caulk or replacement stripping. Addressing air leaks may save you up to 20% on your heating bill!
- Check the HVAC filter at least once a month and replace it when it is dirty.
- Have a certified technician perform maintenance on your system to ensure it runs efficiently.
- Develop a plan with your family in case of prolonged outages. Know where and when to seek shelter if needed.
Report and track outages
Our updated outage map allows members to search in real time for their address to see if their outage is registered, the status, and the estimated time of restoration if one is available. Report and track your outage at outages.pec.coop or by calling 888-883-3379.
Follow PEC
Monitor PEC communications for potential energy conservation alerts and follow guidance when you can. We’ll provide updates whenever possible on our website and social media channels, including:
Protect your home
- Keep your faucets on a slow drip to keep pipes from freezing. Catch the dripping water in a clean container, sink, or tub to use if your water system is impacted. If your pipes freeze, turn off the main water supply to prevent further damage.
- Pick the lowest temperature you’re comfortable with and set your thermostat there — 68 degrees or lower is recommended. When you’re not home, keep your thermostat set at 60 degrees.
- Keep drapes and blinds closed, except when windows are in direct sunlight.
- Close doors to unoccupied rooms to help warm your home faster.
- If you experience an outage, keep lights and appliances off to avoid overloading circuits when power is restored. Instead, leave only one light on as a signal, so that you know when your power returns.
- If you have an additional heating source, like a fireplace, ensure it’s clean and working properly before using it.
Remember these important winter storm safety tips:
- Don’t use your stove or oven for heat. Gas stoves and ovens produce carbon monoxide, and electric ones pose a fire risk when not used as designed.
- Don’t run your car in the garage as a way of warming up. Only run the car outside, and before you start it, make sure that the exhaust pipe is clear of snow and debris. Taking these steps could save you and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Never run a generator closer than 20 feet from doors and windows to prevent fumes from entering the home.
Protect your family
- Watch weather reports closely. Keep your all-weather radio nearby and listen to local media reports for the most up-to-date weather and safety information.
- Keep a close watch on the temperature in your home and check it often. If outages are prolonged, consider staying with friends, family, or in a local shelter.
- Remember these important safety tips when using your generator and always practice safety when using alternative heat sources.
- Bring pets inside your home, and provide blankets, shelter, and water for livestock.
- If you are able, check on elderly relatives, neighbors, and friends to make sure they’re safe, especially if they live alone.
