How to Prepare for a Power Outage in Texas
A power outage in Texas can happen with little warning during severe summer storms. Taking a few simple steps now can help protect your family, home, and electronics before the next outage occurs.
While you can’t control the weather, you can take steps to prepare your family and your home before the next storm rolls through. A little planning now can make a big difference if the lights go out later.
At 4Change Energy, we want our customers to stay safe, informed, and prepared throughout storm season.
Build a Basic Emergency Kit
One of the easiest ways to prepare for a power outage is to have a few essentials ready to go.
Consider keeping the following items in an easy-to-access location:
- Flashlights
- Extra batteries
- Portable phone chargers
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable snacks
- First-aid supplies
- Battery-powered radio
If you have young children, don’t forget comfort items like blankets, books, games, or activities to help pass the time during an outage.
Take Advantage of Trusted Emergency Resources
Preparing for a storm doesn’t have to be a solo effort. As a proud supporter of the American Red Cross, 4Change Energy encourages customers to take advantage of the organization’s free emergency preparedness resources.
The American Red Cross offers guidance on:
- Building emergency kits
- Creating family emergency plans
- Severe weather safety
- Emergency alerts and preparedness apps
- Recovery tips after storms and natural disasters
Reviewing these resources before storm season arrives can help your family feel more prepared and confident if severe weather impacts your area.
Charge Devices Before the Storm Arrives
If severe weather is in the forecast, make it a habit to charge your phones, tablets, laptops, and portable battery packs ahead of time.
Having access to weather alerts, outage information, and emergency contacts can be extremely important during a storm.
Know Where to Find Flashlights
Many people rely on their phone flashlight during an outage, but phone batteries can drain quickly.
Keep flashlights in key locations such as:
- Bedrooms
- Kitchen
- Hallways
- Garage
This makes it easier to navigate safely if the power goes out unexpectedly overnight.
Protect Sensitive Electronics
Power surges can occur before, during, and after storms.
Consider unplugging:
- Computers
- Gaming systems
- TVs
- Home office equipment
Using quality surge protectors can also help protect valuable electronics from damage.
Keep Your Refrigerator and Freezer Closed
If the power goes out, try to avoid opening your refrigerator and freezer unnecessarily.
A closed refrigerator can typically keep food cold for several hours, while a full freezer can maintain temperatures much longer if the door remains shut.
Know Who to Call if the Power Goes Out
One of the most common misconceptions during a power outage is that your electricity provider restores power.
In Texas, power lines and infrastructure are maintained by your local Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU). These are the companies responsible for repairing storm damage and restoring service after severe weather.
If your power goes out during a summer storm, your first stop should be the 4Change Energy Power Outage Center. There, you can quickly find your local TDU’s outage reporting phone number and links to outage maps and restoration updates.
Visit the 4Change Energy Power Outage Center to:
- Report a power outage
- Find your local TDU
- Check outage maps
- Get restoration updates
Whether your TDU is Oncor, CenterPoint Energy, AEP Texas, Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP), or Lubbock Power & Light, contacting them directly is the fastest way to receive outage information.
Review Your Emergency Contacts
Before storm season peaks, make sure everyone in your household knows:
- Important phone numbers
- Emergency meeting locations
- How to report an outage
- Where emergency supplies are stored
A quick review can help reduce stress when severe weather strikes.
Stay Weather Aware
Texas weather can change rapidly. Monitor forecasts during the summer months and sign up for local weather alerts when available.
Paying attention to severe weather warnings gives you more time to prepare and can help keep your family safe.
Final Thoughts
Summer storms are a fact of life in Texas, but being prepared can make outages less stressful and help protect your family and home.
By building an emergency kit, using trusted preparedness resources from the American Red Cross, protecting electronics, and knowing where to find outage information, you’ll be ready when severe weather arrives.
And remember, when the power goes out, your local TDU is responsible for restoration efforts. Visit the 4Change Energy Power Outage Center to find outage reporting numbers, restoration updates, and the information you need to stay informed during storm season.