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CenterPoint Energy's Preparedness for Winter Storm

As weather forecasts align, CenterPoint Energy is gearing up for a winter storm projected to bring significant wintry precipitation to the Greater Houston area this coming week. With predictions indicating a drop in temperatures and potential freezing conditions, CenterPoint is proactively implementing their cold weather action plan to ensure service reliability and safety for its customers.

Following the convergence of various weather models, the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Southeast Texas, effective from Monday evening through Tuesday evening. In anticipation of the harsh weather, CenterPoint has secured the help of approximately 1,200 additional mutual aid workers who are set to arrive by Monday. This support is crucial in case of widespread outages or service disruptions caused by the storm.

CenterPoint Energy's teams have activated their Emergency Preparedness and Response protocol, gathering information from both in-house and third-party meteorological data. Their focus is to assess the potential impacts on the electric and gas systems, ensuring a quick response to any emergencies that may arise.

As the storm approaches, it is essential for all residents in the Greater Houston area to have a preparedness plan in place. CenterPoint urges customers to stay informed about weather conditions and to take proactive steps to ensure their safety during the storm. Customers can access power outage updates and information through CenterPoint’s Power Alert Service®, which will provide timely alerts via phone, text, or email.

Cold Weather Preparations

CenterPoint Energy has taken various steps to fortify its infrastructure ahead of the severe cold weather. This includes inspecting critical cold-weather equipment and deploying cold weather mitigation strategies across both electric and gas systems. The company is working closely with local emergency responders and government officials to coordinate their response efforts.

In addition to reinforcing its services, CenterPoint has introduced the Winter Energy Guide, an online resource designed to assist customers during the winter heating season. This guide includes vital information about staying warm, safe, and energy-efficient throughout the cold months ahead.

Safety Tips for Customers

CenterPoint Energy also reminds its customers of important safety precautions to follow during winter storms:

• - Stay Clear of Downed Power Lines: Always maintain a distance of at least 35 feet from downed lines and report any hazards immediately.
• - Work Crew Safeguards: Be mindful of work crews and allow them ample space to conduct repairs safely.
• - Generator Safety: Always use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas, and never operate them inside to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• - Space Heater Precautions: Ensure space heaters are positioned at least three feet away from any combustibles and have safety shut-off features.
• - Natural Gas Leak Awareness: If you smell gas, exit the building immediately and call both CenterPoint Energy and emergency services without using any electrical devices.

Furthermore, CenterPoint advises residents to enroll in their Power Alert Service® for the latest updates on outages and restoration efforts as they unfold in real-time. Subscribers can also follow @CenterPoint_TX on social media to receive the most current operational news during this challenging weather event.

As we brace for the upcoming winter storm, CenterPoint Energy is committed to keeping the Greater Houston area informed and safe. By following the provided tips and staying connected with utility services, residents can better navigate this severe weather event together.