INCOMING WEATHER SYSTEM COULD LEAD TO POWER OUTAGES

CPS Energy is actively monitoring weather conditions and crews are ready to respond to our community as a weather system will work its way through our service area in the midday hours today. According to the National Weather Service, Bexar County may experience isolated severe thunderstorms into the evening hours. 

“Our crews are ready to respond should our customers experience power outages,” said Rudy Garza, Senior Vice President, Distribution Services and Operations. “True to our People First philosophy, we will work around the clock to make sure everyone is restored as quickly and safely as possible.”

The storm has the potential of lightning, which can strike transformers, utility poles, high lines or other equipment. All may result in a power outage. If strong winds are present, this may cause tree limbs to hit or fall on power lines; or power lines to sway into each other.  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 or by calling (210) 353-HELP (4357). 
• 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.