Severe Weather and Power Outages In Austin

Austin’s diverse climate ranges from hot summers to occasional cold snaps, making it prone to severe weather like thunderstorms, flash floods, and even the rare winter storm. These conditions make Austin vulnerable to power outages that sometimes last for hours, and sometimes for days. Having a solid plan and the right supplies can help keep you and your family safe during storms and outages.

How to Prepare for a Power Outage and Severe Weather When You Don’t Have a Home
Backup Generator

Proper storm preparedness in Austin can make a world of difference when the power goes out. Follow these essential steps to safeguard your home and loved ones.

Before an Outage

Prepare a Power Outage Kit

To ensure you’re ready for an Austin energy power outage, gather the following power outage necessities for your emergency kit:

Battery-powered radio
Blankets, pillows and extra layers of clothing
Bottled water for drinking and sanitation
Cash in small bills
Cooler for keeping food cold
Easy-to-prepare, non-perishable food
Emergency contact information
Fire extinguisher and functioning smoke detectors
First-aid kit
Flashlights with extra batteries
Important documents and medical information
Manual can and bottle openers
Pet food and essentials
Portable chargers for electronic devices
Simple entertainment like books and cards

Additional tips on how to prepare for a storm in Texas:

Close shut-off valves to prevent pipes from bursting during extreme cold.Ensure you have access to a corded landline phone or a fully charged cell phone.Freeze containers of water to help keep perishable foods cold during prolonged outages.Have an evacuation plan if staying at home becomes unsafe.If you rely on well water, fill containers and bathtubs with water.Keep your car’s gas tank full in case evacuation is necessary. Stock up on kindling and wood if you use a fireplace or wood stove for heat.

Stay Informed

Use resources like the Austin Storm Center to stay updated on severe weather alerts and real-time updates. If you need to evacuate before a storm or your home becomes uninhabitable, use the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) Locator or text DRC and your ZIP code to 43362 (e.g., Shelter 78704). You can also find open shelters and disaster relief services through the American Red Cross.

During a Power Outage in Austin

When your power goes out, there are several important steps you can take to stay safe and manage the situation effectively.

Report the Issue

First, check to make sure the outage isn’t caused by an issue in your home. If not, report the outage to Austin Energy.

During an Extended Outage

Food Safety: Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. A full freezer can preserve food for 48 hours, and a refr
Portable Generator Safety: Only use generators outdoors and with proper ventilation.
Stay Comfortable: In hot weather, wear light clothing and stay hydrated. In cold weather, dress in layers, close u
Stay Informed: Monitor weather updates and power restoration information.
Turn Off Major Appliances: Shut down what was on when the outage occurred, such as the HVAC system, lights

After an Outage

When Austin’s severe weather has ended and power is restored, there are still a few important actions to take.

Inspect Your Home and Property: Check for damage and avoid downed power lines. If you see a downed power line, immediately report it to your energy company.
Check on Loved Ones: Let your loved ones know that you’re okay and ensure they are, too. If you’re unable to reach someone, use the Red Cross’s Contact Loved Ones service.
Maintain Food Safety: Discard any perishable food that was without refrigeration for more than four hours.

Check Reported Power Outages in Your Area

Canter Power offers a power outage map for Dallas. View live updates courtesy of
PowerOutage.us on our Power Outage Map page. Click or tap the map for information by state and county.

How a Generator Helps You Be Prepared

A whole-home Generac generator from Canter Power ensures your home stays powered during emergencies, including Austin natural disasters. With a generator, your heating and cooling systems, refrigerators, lighting, electronics, medical equipment, and security systems stay up and running.

For all the details about generator selection and installation, see our Buyer’s Guide or let one of our Generator Specialists do the work for you by scheduling a free estimate. Your free at-home or virtual estimate is one of the best ways to start preparing for the next power outage.