Prepare For Winter Weather Today
The infamous heat of a Texas summer is behind us, but that doesn’t necessarily mean severe weather doesn’t lie ahead. PEC has been working hard to prepare for winter’s arrival, and we want to help you do the same.
Prep your home
Taking steps to prepare your house now could save you from a major headache later. During a winter storm, many outages are caused by vegetation making contact with PEC’s equipment. PEC’s vegetation maintenance professionals use high-tech software to work proactively year-round, focusing on trimming where it is needed most to help reduce outages when weather hits.
Check the trees on your own property; if any branches are hanging over or are at risk of falling into power lines or the service drop to your home, request free trimming by logging in to your PEC account or by calling us at 888-554-4732. Never trim trees near electrical equipment yourself!
Make sure your HVAC is ready to heat your home this winter. Have it serviced by a professional and be sure to change your filter if it is dirty. You should also insulate exposed water lines and seal any air leaks. When temperatures drop below freezing, remember to drip your faucets.
Prepare your emergency kit
Have the following items together in case of an outage or emergency:
- Charged devices/portable charger
- Warm clothing and blankets
- An alternative heat source and/or firewood
- Fuel for your vehicles and your generator
- Batteries
- Non-perishable food items and water
- Your PEC account number
Stay in touch
Add your mobile number to your PEC account, and you’ll be able to report outages and receive updates by text. We’ll send messages when it’s important, like during an emergency or when an outage is planned at your location. You may opt out at any time. Message and data rates may apply.
Know how to report an outage
PEC offers several convenient options for reporting your outage. If your mobile number is saved to your account, you can simply text “OUTAGE” to 25022. You can also report outages at map.myPEC.com or by calling 888-883-3379.
Generator safety
Having a generator on hand in case of an extended power outage is a convenient way to maintain access to electricity, but they also pose serious safety risks if not used properly. Exposure to generator exhaust can cause carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Install CO alarms and never use a generator indoors.
Connecting your generator to your home’s circuits? Interested in a generator or interconnection? Learn more at myPEC.com/generators. Visit myPEC.com/winter for more information.
