Sam Houston EC is taking steps now to prepare for Tropical Storm Nicholas, and we urge our consumer-members to prepare as well.
Now is the time to download the mySamHouston app, or set up your mySamHouston online account. You can even sign up for outage updates by text message or email, or report your outage without calling the Co-op.
The Co-op is preparing our crews and contractors in case Tropical Storm Nicholas causes damage to our system. Sam Houston EC covers an area roughly 4,000 square miles, so the impacts of this storm could vary greatly across the system.
We are in close contact with federal, state and local emergency management agencies to ensure a coordinated response.
Preparation Tips:
- Follow local weather forecasts for your area to stay up to date on the latest wind and rain projections.
- Have an adequate supply of prescription medicines and any necessary infant supplies on hand.
- If you or someone you know uses life-support equipment that requires electricity to operate, charge the battery before the storm, identify a location with emergency power capabilities and make plans to go there during a prolonged outage. Contact your local health department or emergency management offices about shelters that can assist you during a prolonged outage. If you have a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
- If you are in an area subject to an evacuation order, heed the order and move to a safe location.
- Develop an evacuation plan in case it’s needed. Communicate the plan to your family. Include pets or livestock in your plan.
- Assemble an emergency storm kit. Include a battery-powered radio, flashlight, first-aid kit, battery-powered or wind-up clock, extra batteries, special needs items, an insulated cooler and a list of important and emergency phone numbers.
- Have a telephone with a cord or an extra charged cell phone to use as a back-up. Cordless telephones won’t work during an outage.
- Keep at least a 3-5 day supply of non-perishable food and bottled water, and have a hand-operated can opener available.
- Consider having supplies handy for your propane or charcoal grill. Be sure to grill outdoors in well ventilated areas for safety.
- Secure outdoor items. Safely store lawn furniture, decorations, toys, garbage cans and other items that can be brought indoors.
- Protect your electronic equipment. Unplug sensitive electronics, or plug computers and other sensitive equipment into surge suppressors. Consider an uninterruptible power supply, such as a generator.
Safety Tips:
- Stay away from downed wires. Contact your local co-op to report a downed wire or an outage.
- Avoid crews working in the street. This will keep you and the crews safe and allow them to work on restoring your power.
- Do not enter flooded areas, which can conceal downed wires or other potential hazards.
- Tune in to local news broadcasts for the latest weather and emergency information.
- Follow the advice of your local emergency management and health officials.
- Take cover as necessary.
