#United States #Houston #CenterPoint Energy #Greater Houston #wildfire safety

CenterPoint Energy's Proactive Measures against Wildfire Risks

In light of rising wildfire threats in the Greater Houston region, CenterPoint Energy has launched an array of safety initiatives aimed at safeguarding both its customers and the surrounding communities. With a Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service, indicative of heightened fire conditions, the company is taking no chances.

Precautionary Actions Enforced

The increased risk of wildfires is attributed to a combination of factors—high wind gusts, low humidity, and dry vegetation. In response, CenterPoint Energy has mobilized about 1,000 skilled workers across its service areas. These workers are prepped to address any emergency situations that may arise due to extreme weather conditions. The company has been actively conducting inspections of essential electric and natural gas infrastructure while also enhancing communication regarding potential temporary outages that might occur.

Community Communication Initiatives

To keep its customers thoroughly informed, CenterPoint Energy has been utilizing its Power Alert Service to send notifications to around 330,000 residents in the Cypress, Fort Bend, and Katy areas. These notifications aim to prepare the community for possible temporary safety outages that could result from the ongoing wildfire hazards. According to Don Daigler, Senior Vice President, Emergency Planning and Response, the company acknowledges that while recent rain might have provided some relief, it remains crucial to stay prepared.

Key Safety Measures Implemented

Effective measures that CenterPoint Energy has undertaken include:
1. Inspection and Reinforcement of Power Lines: The company has prioritized inspections and hardening of power lines located in areas identified as high risk for fires. This involves clearing away any vegetation that might pose a threat to the power supply.
2. Natural Gas Facility Inspections: Facilities have been thoroughly checked for vulnerabilities, meeting conditions for fire risks, and vegetation surrounding these facilities has been managed to reduce hazards.
3. Safety Settings Adjustments: Power line settings have been modified to ensure safe operation during the designated high-risk period of noon to 9 PM.
4. Deployment of Additional Crews: CenterPoint has prepared supplementary crews and contractors to act quickly in the event of power outages or service interruptions. Resuming safe service promptly is a priority.
5. Collaboration with Local Emergency Services: The company is coordinating with local government and emergency service agencies to ensure an organized response to any incidents.

Customer Preparedness and Resources

CenterPoint Energy encourages customers to not only stay informed but also take advantage of available resources for their safety. The community can visit CenterPointEnergy.com/StormCenter for the latest updates and safety tips regarding emergency conditions and wildfire preparedness.

Additionally, the company advises enrollment in its Power Alert Service® to receive critical outage updates via phone calls, texts, or emails, enhancing direct communication. CenterPoint's enhanced Outage Tracker, available in both English and Spanish, allows customers to monitor outages based on their locality.

As part of their mission to safeguard the community, CenterPoint is dedicated to keeping lines of communication open, ensuring that citizens are well-informed about emergency plans and the actions being taken in the face of environmental challenges.

For continuous weather updates, residents are encouraged to check in with the National Weather Service Secondary Forecast Office for the Houston/Galveston area online at weather.gov/hgx.