Power Outage 87111 (2024)

FAQs

How long do most power outages last? ›

Average Duration of Power Outages

On average, most technical or minor outages in the USA last about 1-2 hours. However, those caused by major natural disasters can extend for days or even weeks.

Report an outage or electric emergency 24/7 at 888-342-5766, report online or text #OUT to 78766.

As the USDA notes in Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency, your refrigerator will keep food safe for up to 4 hours during a power outage. Keep the door closed as much as possible. Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers after 4 hours without power.

Can I Shower When the Power Is Out? To shower when the power is out, your home needs a traditional tank-style water heater. If that water heater still has hot water in reserve, then you can take a warm shower. If you plan to take a shower, you need to do it soon after the power goes out.

Depending on the amount of water remaining in the pipes, you might be able to flush your toilet several times while the power is out. Eventually, however, your tank won't fill up anymore because the pumps are down. When this happens, you will need to flush your toilet manually by pouring in a bucket of water.

Televisions, computer equipment, game consoles, fans, lights and all other smaller appliances should be unplugged, especially if they were in use when the power went out. Larger appliances, such as refrigerators, should not be unplugged.

In 2022, California accounted for 24% of all U.S. power outages, and Texas accounted for 14%. California, Texas, and Pennsylvania are the states most affected by power outages during the winter.

Who do I call to report a power outage in Texas? ›

If you would like to report an incident such as criminal damage, shoplifting under $500, fraud, harassment, etc., please click here Online Crime Reporting Online Crime Reporting Online Crime Reporting Online Crime Reporting to be directed to our online crime reporting requirements page and form.

Unplug appliances with electronic components, such as microwaves, televisions and computers. This will help to eliminate damage to your appliances from voltage surges when the electricity is restored. Wait a few minutes before turning on these appliances when the electricity is restored.

Wool blankets are the best for staying warm, and keeping your head covered with a hat will help as well. Sleeping Bags – Blankets are good for on the couch, but at night, you'll want to sleep in a good-quality sleeping bag to trap all that body heat right where it belongs.

Be sure to unplug or turn off large electronics and appliances—like HVAC and refrigeration units—to prevent additional damage. Sometimes the easiest way to do this is by turning off individual breakers at the electrical panel. Once power is restored, systematically turn units back on.

Most power outages can be restored within hours, but those caused by storms or violent winds that damage electrical lines and equipment can linger for days or even weeks.

Blackouts can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few days or even weeks. A brownout is only a partial loss of power, where a system's capacity and voltage are reduced. Brownouts usually happen when there's high demand across the power grid.

Each planned power outage is likely to last around three hours, and in emergency cases, this could be longer. You'll be contacted before it's planned, with the details of the time when the power will be cut.

Extended power outage means an interruption in electric service lasting more than 24 hours.