Stay Safe During An Outage

Our region faces various natural disasters, including strong winds and ice accumulation, leading to potential service disruptions. With every natural disaster comes the potential for service disruptions, which can vary from short-lived inconveniences to more prolonged challenges, contingent upon the disaster's severity. At NVEC, we place a paramount importance on your well-being, and we are committed to ensuring that our valued consumers and members are well equipped for those moments when the lights may unexpectedly dim. Below, you'll find a set of recommendations aimed at helping you prepare effectively:

  • Store a minimum of one gallon of water per household member per day for at least three days. Don't forget distilled water for infants, medical equipment, and essentials.

  • Aim for a daily caloric intake of approximately 2,000 calories per adult per day for a minimum of three days. Invest in non-perishable food items that require only a can opener, have no need for heating, and boast a lengthy shelf life.

  • Don't forget your beloved pets; ensure you have extra pet food and a gallon of water per pet per day for a minimum of three days. Consider keeping an additional bag of dry food on hand for unforeseen emergencies.

  • Maximize resource conservation by filling your bathtub with water for flushing toilets and cooking. This can be readily sanitized through boiling or by using plastic covers designed to fit tubs.

  • As a precaution, avoid opening your fridge or freezer unless absolutely necessary to preserve the contents for as long as possible.

  • Foster a sense of unity by communicating with your neighbors and consider organizing communal gatherings or cookouts for resource-sharing and collective safety.

Ensure you have the following items on hand to create a comprehensive emergency kit:

  • A flashlight with extra batteries

  • A battery-powered or hand-crank radio

  • A first-aid kit

  • Be mindful of the needs of babies, children, and pets

  • Necessary medications and medical supplies; keep copies of prescriptions in a secure location in case they are lost

  • Personal hygiene items, including hand sanitizer, wet wipes, tissues, and feminine products

  • Baby products

  • A multi-tool

  • Copies of important documents, such as driver's licenses, birth certificates, marriage licenses, insurance documents, and any other critical legal paperwork.

  • Cash, as ATMs, point-of-sale terminals, and banks may not be accessible.

  • Maps and evacuation routes; be sure to know your evacuation route and keep GPS or local maps updated

  • Battery chargers, including inverters to charge larger electrical equipment, especially for medical purposes

Ensure that if specific medical necessities are required, such as dialysis, there is a plan in place to reach an alternative location.

  • Special consideration is provided to those with disabilities, the elderly, and individuals with medical conditions. Registering with STEAR (State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry) can provide local emergency responders with essential information about the needs of the community. STEAR website can be found here.

During an emergency, having a well-thought-out communication plan is of utmost importance. Here are some recommendations:

  • Populate your mobile contacts with pertinent medical and personal information for quick access in case it's needed.

  • Establish a family or household communications plan, ensuring that everyone knows how to reach each other in the event of a disaster.

  • Keep a vigilant eye on local emergency alerts when severe weather is predicted. Utilize a hand-crank radio when power is out and prioritize text messages, which are more reliable during emergencies due to potential bandwidth overload.

  • Maintain multiple charged battery charges ready for use.

  • Social media platforms are an efficient means of receiving quick safety updates and situational awareness from local emergency officials. However, always exercise caution and verify information before acting upon it.

  • Ensure to follow official government, NVEC website, and trusted news outlets. These sources will consistently provide verified and accurate information.

When utilizing generators, follow these safety precautions:

  • Place generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas.

  • Install CO detectors near sleeping areas.

  • Store fuel safely and turn off generators before refueling.

  • Use a transfer switch for proper electrical connections.

  • Select an appropriately sized generator.

  • Perform regular maintenance.

  • Keep children and pets away.

  • Be cautious during refueling, use proper extension cords, and protect generators from weather.

  • Familiarize yourself with the generator's manual and shutdown procedures.