File image courtesy of GW Consulting.
Pedernales Electric Cooperative, Canyon Lake’s electricity provider, offers these tips for the cold, icy week ahead:
- Prepare an emergency kit that includes flashlights, batteries, bottled water, nonperishable food, blankets, matches, first-aid supplies, medications, pet supplies, battery banks for charging devices, an all-weather radio, multipurpose tool, air-activated heat packs, hand sanitizer, and a list of important numbers, including PEC account numbers.
- Charge cell phones.
- Buy additional firewood.
- Keep coats, hats, gloves and warm clothing on hand.
- Find an additional heating source.
- Keep gas tanks filled.
- Insulate external water lines on water heaters to keep pipes warm and save money on heating water. Remove and store garden hoses and cover exposed water lines and spigots.
- It’s too late to trim trees but heads up — falling, icy tree branches are a common cause of property damage and power outages.
- Check weatherstripping on windows and doors and seal leaks with caulk or replacement stripping. Addressing air leaks could save up to 20% on a heating bill.
- Check HVAC filters at least once a month and replace dirty ones.
- Develop a plan in case of prolonged outages (where and when to seek shelter).
PEC’s outage reporting and emergency line is 888-883-3379. The utility also offers a one-way text alert service. Sign up to receive messages from PEC during an emergency, including prolonged power interruptions and mandated rolling outages. Mobile numbers can be added through SmartHub or by calling 888-554-4732.
The utility delivers electricity to 385,868 accounts across 8,100 square miles of the Texas Hill Country.
