INCOMING SYSTEM COULD LEAD TO SEVERE STORMS AND POWER OUTAGES

CPS Energy is actively monitoring weather conditions and crews are ready to respond to our community as a strong weather system will work its way through our service area in the afternoon and evening of Wednesday, April 17.

“In the event of power outages, our crews are ready to respond,” said Rudy Garza, Senior Vice President, Distribution Services and Operations. “True to our People First philosophy, we will continue any power restoration efforts through the evening hours into the early morning if needed to make sure everyone is restored as quickly and safely as possible.”

The storm will bring in damaging straight-line winds of 60 mph or higher, along with large hail greater than golf ball-size possible over the Hill Country and Edwards Plateau. Strong winds may cause tree limbs to hit or fall on power lines; or power lines can come into contact with other power lines. Lightning can strike transformers, utility poles, high lines or other equipment. All may result in a power outage. CPS Energy is encouraging customers to be prepared for potential weather-related outages and downed power lines.

CPS Energy is asking customers to be prepared for these types of severe thunderstorms by following these tips:

• Report your outage online with your smart phone or tablet by visiting cpsenergy.com or by calling (210) 353-HELP (4357).
• Sign up for Energy Alerts at cpsenergy.com through Manage My Account.
• Be prepared. Keep cell phones, flashlights, batteries and other important items available for an unexpected power outage. 
• Stay informed. Check our outage map and refresh for current outage updates. Also, follow our Facebook and Twitter sites for status updates. If possible, seek local TV or radio station weather reports. 
• Stay away from downed power lines and report them to CPS Energy. Do NOT attempt to move or drive over the lines. Even in an outage, power lines may still have electricity running through them. 
• If your home or business is flooded, never enter standing water unless you’re absolutely sure the main power has been shut off.
• Unplug electrical equipment such as stereos, TVs and computer equipment to help protect them from power surges during power restoration. 
• Keep the refrigerator door closed as much as possible. Refrigerated food should be safe for up to 4 hours. 
• If it looks like the power outage will be for more than 2-4 hours, pack perishable items (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products and leftovers) into a cooler surrounded by ice. 
• Discard any perishable foods that have been above 40 °F for more than 2 hours. Visit the U.S. Food & Drug Administration website to learn how to keep food safe at fda.gov.
• If your neighbors have power and you do not, check your breakers. 
  • Keep in mind that tripped breakers account for about 15% of our service calls.
• Motorists are asked to slow their speed and use caution through the affected areas when utility crews are out restoring power.

For additional safety tips, please visit cpsenergy.com and search safety.