As winter approaches and the air gets colder, residents in Corpus Christi are not just turning up their thermostats—they are also boosting their preparedness for potential power outages. Their dependence on electric heating solutions like furnaces and space heaters means that a power loss can quickly turn a chilly day into a dire situation.
Unwelcome Darkness and Cold
Minerva Metoyer, a resident of the Westside of Corpus Christi, recently experienced the inconvenience of a power outage firsthand. “We lost power last week for about two hours,” Metoyer shared. The outage disrupted her evening routine, leaving her and her family unable to use their kitchen or dine together. Despite her neighborhood’s history of reliable power, the unexpected blackout caught them off guard. “We weren’t prepared for that,” she admitted.
The incident sparked a deeper conversation among neighbors about emergency preparedness. “We talked about getting Coleman lanterns and a Coleman stove—let’s be prepared next time,” Metoyer said, emphasizing the community’s resolve to be better equipped for future disruptions.
Proactive Measures Against the Cold
With colder weather predicted to hit South Texas, residents like Metoyer are not the only ones getting ready. Omar Lopez, the Director of Communications for AEP Texas, assured them their team was on high alert. “This might just be the beginning of winter for South Texas, but we have crews on standby and ready to respond,” Lopez explained.
He clarified that the weather did not cause the recent outages but highlighted the company’s robust preparedness strategy. “We have our team of meteorologists and get daily updates. Our crews are strategically positioned across critical areas, ready to be dispatched quickly and safely,” Lopez detailed.
Community Concerns and Safety Tips
The stakes are particularly high for individuals with specific medical needs. “I worry about people in our neighborhood, especially those on medication that requires refrigeration,” Metoyer expressed, underscoring the broader community concerns beyond personal discomfort.
Additionally, Metoyer raised concerns about older homes with inadequate insulation, which can be particularly vulnerable in cold weather. “Many of us rely on electric heaters, and if we lose power, staying warm becomes a significant challenge,” she pointed out.
To mitigate the risks associated with winter outages, Lopez and local experts recommend several precautionary measures:
- Keep all drapes and doors closed to retain heat.
- Follow safety instructions for heaters and generators.
- Charge mobile phones and other essential devices in advance.
- Layer clothing to maintain body warmth.
- Plan backups for at-home medical devices that need power.
Ready for Whatever Comes
While the weather remains beyond control, Lopez emphasizes that AEP and residents can control their responses through thorough preparedness. As Corpus Christi faces the winter months, the community’s spirit of readiness demonstrates a collective commitment to ensuring safety and comfort despite the challenges posed by potential power outages.