Texas weather: How to report power outages

AUSTIN, Texas - ERCOT has issued a Weather Watch for January 15 to 17, and people are being asked to conserve power from 6 to 10 a.m. Monday. ERCOT says they are monitoring conditions closely and will deploy all available tools to manage the grid.

Energy companies say they're prepared to respond to local power outages as well.

How to check if your area is experiencing a power outage

• Austin Energy covers the Austin metro area. To report an outage in Austin, click here or text OUT to 287846. You can see all the power outages in the Austin area on Austin Energy's power outage map.
• Bluebonnet customers can call 800-949-4414 to report an outage. To see power outages in your area, click here.
• Georgetown Utility System customers can report outages by calling 512-930-3640. To check outages in the area, click here.
• Oncor customers can report an outage by texting OUT to 66267, use the MyOncor app, or select "Report an Outage" in the Oncor power outage map. You may also call 888-313-4747 to report your outage.
• Pedernales Electric customers report an outage. You may also see outages in your area by clicking here.

For customers of other electric companies, you can see a full list of where to report outages here.

How to stay warm when the power is out

The National Weather Service has the following tips:

• Close blinds or curtains to keep in heat.
• Close off rooms to avoid wasting heat.
• Wear layers of warm clothing.
• Eat and drink; food provides energy to warm the body; avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.

Other tips from officials on what to do in an outage include:

• Keeping refrigerator and freezer closed as long as possible to prevent food from spoiling
• An alternative would be to store food in a Styrofoam container or cooler with a bag of ice
• American Red Cross says food is safe 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below
• Charge your cell phone and other electronic devices with a car charger. Just do not do it with the garage shut.

What to do if power goes out

Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning and Electrical also offers some tips people can use to keep to their homes warm in the event of a loss of power.

• Confirm your power is out. When the power goes out, confirm what is happening. Check your main electric panel to see if a breaker tripped. Try to find out what caused the problem. Disconnect anything on that circuit before you flip the breaker back on.
• Keep your family members and pets safe and comfortable. If the outage is likely to be prolonged, prepare to stay comfortable. You need to bundle up with thermal wear, sweaters, jackets, gloves and mittens. Move your family to a room that can retain a comfortable temperature. Keep an eye on your family members and call 9-1-1 in case of a medical emergency. It’s also important to give extra consideration to infants, toddlers, older people and those with medical conditions.
• Use your wood burning fire place. A wood-burning fireplace provides warmth plus comfort and is an ideal option when your house gets unbearably cold during a power outage.
• Keep doors and windows closed. This will reduce the amount of warm air that is allowed to leave your home. Blinds and curtains should also remain closed across all bedrooms.
• Keep your refrigerator and freezer closed. Protect your perishable food by keeping the refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Opening the doors allows the cool air to escape, causing your food to spoil faster. It is okay to consume refrigerated food up to 4 hours after the power goes out. If power is out longer, pack items with ice in a cooler to keep them below 40°F.
• Turn off or unplug your appliances. Power surges could damage sensitive equipment (TVs, computers, tablets) and large appliances when power returns. It’s easy to forget what you were using when the power went off like the stove or iron, creating safety hazards once power returns, especially if you’re not home. If all the appliances in your home switch on all at once when power returns, the strain can trip the breakers of your electrical system.
• Use flashlights for lighting. If your power goes out at night, flashlights, battery-operated lights and lanterns are a safe lighting choice. It never hurts to keep a ready supply of extra batteries handy.

Track your local forecast for the Austin area quickly with the free FOX 7 WAPP. The design gives you radar, hourly, and 7-day weather information just by scrolling. Our weather alerts will warn you early and help you stay safe during storms.