Insights > Entergy Texas Winter Storm Alert – 2/13/21 @ 6 p.m.

Entergy Texas Winter Storm Alert – 2/13/21 @ 6 p.m.
By: Texas Editorial Team

02/13/2021

February 13, 2021                     Saturday, 6:00 PM

TEXAS

Background:

According to the National Weather Service, freezing rain, snow, sleet, and ice accumulations are expected in the Entergy Texas service territory beginning Sunday night and into Monday. Additionally, extremely cold temperatures will accompany this storm for much of the next week. 

Entergy Texas is closely monitoring weather forecasts as this type of precipitation can create hazardous driving conditions and problems for our electric system. Our crews and contractors are on alert and are ready to respond if needed.

Along with standard storm preparations, Entergy employees are navigating the COVID-19 pandemic by taking additional steps. Crews will continue to practice social distancing, and we ask that customers do the same. For our safety and yours, please stay away from work zones.

Key Messages:

  • Freezing Rain, snow, sleet, and ice accumulation are expected.
  • Traveling can be impacted with icy roadways, especially bridges and overpasses.
  • Ice accumulating on trees and power lines can result in power outages.
  • Entergy resources are prepared to deploy if outages occur. 

Safety is our number one priority.  If you lose power:

  • Stay away from downed power lines and assume they are energized. Report them to 1-800-9OUTAGE.
  • Report your power outage online to Entergy Texas or call 1-800-9OUTAGE. There is no need to speak with a customer service representative to report an outage if completed online.
  • If you have a portable generator, use it safely. DO NOT run it in an enclosed space. If connecting to the whole house, do so only if the connection has been installed by a licensed electrician to prevent back feed on to the distribution system.
  • Do not open your refrigerator or freezer door. Food will stay cold much longer this way. If outside temperature is below freezing, consider placing food in an ice chest outside.
  • Please stay clear of linemen as they work to safely restore power
  • Customers without power can help in the restoration process by turning off major appliances but leaving on a lamp or other light to indicate when power is restored. Then, gradually turn other appliances to spread out the increase in power usage over a longer time.

Customer preparations should include:

  • Charge up mobile devices and back-up batteries.
  • Download the Entergy app to sign up for text updates.
  • Review guidance at entergystormcenter.com.
  • If you have medical equipment that requires electricity to properly function, take necessary steps to secure an alternative source of electricity in the event of a power disruption.
  • Have an emergency kit including flashlights, medicine, first aid, blankets, water, and food.

Conserve Electricity:

Remember that extreme cold can drive increased electricity consumption. Follow these easy steps to reduce consumption and lower your usage:

  • Heating can account for as much as 55% of your monthly electric bill. Setting the thermostat to 68 degrees in the winter is an easy way to reduce how much energy you use. Every degree above 68 on the thermostat can increase your bill by about 3%.
  • Conserve hot water. Wrap your electric water heater with a water heater blanket that can be found at local home improvement stores and set the thermostat to 120 degrees or medium.
  • Keep all doors and windows closed. Constant traffic will let out the warm air, forcing your heater to work harder to keep the room at the set temperature.
  • Ensure fans are turning the right way. Fans should be run at a low speed clockwise during the winter. This helps keep the cold air from blowing down on you.
  • Keep the air circulating. Don’t block heat registers or air returns with curtains or furniture.
  • Leverage the sun. During the day, open your curtains and blinds to let in the warm sunlight. Close them at night to reduce heat loss.

Stay Informed:

We continuously keep our communities informed throughout a storm using the following channels:

Tags
Texas  Storm Center  Feb 2021 Storm 
Texas Editorial Team
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