Houston Power Outages: Causes, Updates, and Safety Tips

Power outages are an unfortunate reality in Houston, and being prepared is crucial. These disruptions can significantly impact daily life, whether due to severe weather or system overload. Understanding how to stay safe and connected during these events is essential for minimizing inconvenience and ensuring your well-being. Without power, it’s important to have strategies to keep yourself and your family comfortable. This guide provides practical steps for navigating power outages effectively, including the common causes, how to check for outages, and key safety tips to follow until power is restored.

How Do I Check the Status of My Power Outage in Houston?

1. CenterPoint Energy Website. Visit CenterPoint Energy’s website to view its interactive outage map. The map provides current outages, estimated restoration times, and affected areas in Houston. 
2. Centerpoint Energy Mobile App. Download the app on iOS or Android for real-time updates and to report outages. 
3. Text Alerts from Centerpoint Energy. Text “OUT” to 49773 to sign up for outage notifications. You’ll receive updates regarding your specific outage, including restoration times.  
4. City of Houston Website. The City of Houston’s website often shares information on power outages and emergency services. 
5. Use Social Media. Follow CenterPoint Energy on Twitter (@CNPalerts) or Facebook. Don’t miss important posts and updates. 

What Are the Most Common Causes of Power Outages in Houston?

Weather

Severe storms, such as thunderstorms, hurricanes, and tropical storms, can bring strong winds, heavy rain, and lightning, all of which can damage power lines. Houston is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms off the Gulf. These storms often cause flooding, and lingering high water levels can affect underground electrical systems. 

Humid and hot summers in Houston put additional stress on the power grid due to the high demand for air conditioning, leading to blackouts. 

Vegetation 

Vegetation, like trees, damages power lines or causes short circuits. During high winds, branches or whole trees can fall onto electrical equipment. Overgrown vegetation near power lines can cause outages if not regularly maintained. 

Maintenance 

Sometimes, utility companies plan temporary power outages to perform maintenance. This could include upgrading equipment or repairing damaged infrastructure. This blackout type is usually scheduled and announced with plenty of time to prepare. Once notified, ensure your EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus + 220W system is charged. Use the integrated solar panel to set up a home power solution when the outage arrives. 

Equipment Failure

Overloaded and ageing transformers, power lines, and substations occasionally fail, leading to local and widespread blackouts. Small animals like squirrels and birds are common causes of outages. Squirrels can climb on power lines and accidentally touch two lines, generating a short circuit. Birds often build nests in transformers, causing overheating. 

Rolling Blackouts

Rolling blackouts typically occur in Houston during extreme heat waves, severe winter storms, or hurricanes. These temporary power outages are planned to prevent the entire grid from failing when electricity demand exceeds supply. 

How To Stay Safe During a Houston Power Outage

Stay Informed 

Sign up for automated text alerts from the City of Houston and CenterPoint Energy to receive notifications about power outages. Since the internet and television services may be unavailable, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio is handy for receiving emergency alerts. Use EcoFlow Portable Power Stations to keep your phone and other devices charged. These portable batteries come in many sizes and a range of AC output to meet any power need. 

Prepare an Emergency Kit 

An emergency kit before a power outage helps minimize the blackout’s impact. Take time to prepare the kit so you don’t have to rush to the store before it hits. The kit should include flashlights, extra batteries, essential medication, a first aid kit, and activities to keep you occupied. Pick out a game, book, puzzle, or other new activity to open up when the blackout happens. Your emergency kit should have at least three days of non-perishable food and bottled water for each person. Add extra blankets, hand warmers, and layered clothing during the winter. 

Safe Lightening

There are many safe lighting options. Battery-operated flashing lights, headlamps, and lanterns are much safer and more portable than open-flame candles. If candles must be used, place them in a sturdy holder away from flammable objects and never leave them unattended. 

Food and Water Safety

Food and water safety are key concerns during an outage. No one wants to get sick, especially when the power is out. It’s good practice to keep fridge and freezer doors shut as much as possible. These appliances can hold their temperature for several hours, preventing food spoilage. 

Keep a supply of bottled water in your emergency kit, approximately one gallon per person per day. Planning for longer power outages will require more stock in the emergency kit. For non-perishable foods, have a cooking plan in place. Plan out meals in advance with fun recipes and a cooking stove, grill, or other way to prepare the meal if heat is required. 

Use Generators Safely

Typically, generators should not be used inside or in enclosed spaces. They should be placed outside, at least 20 feet from vents, windows, and doors. Carbon monoxide poisoning is difficult to detect until it’s too late. Invest in a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector. You can avoid the hassle of a generator while still powering your home with a high-capacity portable battery. The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 offers 4096 kWh of capacity and 4000W of AC output, enough to power appliances and electronics in your home for a few days. 

Stay Comfortable

Staying comfortable depends on the weather conditions. Stay hydrated in hot, humid Houston summers, wear light clothing, and seek shade. Heat-related illnesses are common, so take plenty of precautions to avoid overexerting yourself. In the winter, layer clothing, close off unused rooms, and use blankets to conserve heat. 

Check on elderly neighbours, young children, and those with medical needs during extended outages. 

Transportation and Fuel 

Gas stations will not be open during a power failure. They require electricity to run the pumps. If you know severe weather is coming through or there is a planned power outage, it’s a good idea to stop and fill your car tanks. During severe weather season, take precautions by keeping your gas tank half-full at all times. 

Have cash on hand, as ATMs and credit card machines will not work during an outage. Most businesses can stay open, but they can only accept cash. 

Secure Your Home and Personal Safety 

If outages occur at night, lock doors and windows to stay secure. Power home security systems with a solar generator like an EcoFlow DELTA Series Solar Generator. Solar panels keep the battery charged and ready to go at a moment’s notice. Or, keep the battery plugged into the wall for a full charge when needed. With a range of AC outputs and battery capacities, there’s a solar solution to power security cameras, motion detectors, alarm systems, and smart locks. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Power outages are a common occurrence in Houston, commonly due to severe weather like thunderstorms, hurricanes, and flooding. Vegetation and planned maintenance are other causes. Stay prepared by staying informed, having an emergency kit ready before, and using safe alternatives like solar-powered systems to ensure safety and comfort during outages. Consider investing in EcoFlow DELTA Series Portable Power Stations for reliable backup power solutions to keep your home running when the grid goes down.