Dealing with a Major Power Outage

Heavy rain, hurricanes and tornadoes can bring power outages. In fact, these days, we at Nueces Electric Cooperative also prepare for fire, accidents and threats of terrorism that could result in major power outages. A major power outage can impact thousands of people and it can take several days, or even weeks, to restore electric power to everyone. Restoring power after a major outage is a BIG job that involves much more than moving a few trees and throwing a switch. In very severe circumstances, it may involve the rebuilding of parts of an electric system that took almost 70 years to build in the first place. While we certainly won't take anywhere near 70 years to restore your service, in a crisis that demolishes all or much of the NEC distribution and/or transmission system, it will likely take many weeks to restore power to all of our members. That will be the case even with the support of other crews from around the state and country. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Major Outages & Electric Service Restoration 

How Do I Report an Outage? 

Call 1-800-NEC-WATT (1-800-632-9288) to Report your Power Outage to NEC

All Nueces Electric Cooperative telephone lines are manned 24 hours a day to receive emergency power outage reports. Calls are either answered in our office, or on weekends and after-hours, by our off-site call center. NEC has 19,000 consumers, and in a major outage, unfortunately, we cannot prevent the frustration you will undoubtedly feel as you repeatedly get a busy signal when you attempt to reach us by telephone. In a crisis situation, know that NEC begins its service restoration process as soon as the initial crisis or storm passes. We likely know about your outage, but we encourage you to report it anyway to ensure that your outage is not an isolated situation. Please be patient when reporting your outage.

How Can I Get Power Restoration Updates? 

1. NEC launched its Outage Texting system in June 2019 which sends texts alerts members during the event of a power outage. For more information, visit Outage Texting
2. News releases with restoration progress updates will be sent daily (or more frequently) during a major outage to the newspapers for their websites and print, television networks (Corpus Christi ABC, NBC, and CBS affiliates), and area radio stations (including  K99 and KLUX) These updates will continue until all power is restored.
3. The HOME PAGE the Nueces Electric Cooperative website: www.nueceselectric.org will provide regular updates and communication from the co-op on the restoration system progress. NEC encourages you to review the Power Restoration Process Image so you are aware of the restoration process and priorities. If you do not have access to a computer during the outage, you are encouraged to contact a friend or relative outside the area and ask them to check the website for you and provide you with the updated information.
4. NEC will utilize Facebook to provide updates and information. 
5. Restoration efforts can monitored by using the NEC Outage Viewer located on the homepage of www.nueceselectric.org. The Outage Viewer can be accessed using any smart device (cell phones, iPads, etc...) as well as home or business computers. Our website is hosted externally so even if NEC servers go down, we will still be able to access and update our websites. 

How is Power Restored? Does Anyone Get Priority Treatment? 

No employees, managers, or directors of NEC receive priority treatment for service restoration. However, Nueces Electric Cooperative does maintain a priority restoration list for member-consumers who rely on life support equipment. Registration for this list must be done BEFORE the storm or crisis, with proper physician authorization. Members should contact NEC for more information before the next crisis or storm. Registration must be renewed annually or members are removed from the list. NEC also maintains a priority list for any business and commercial consumers whose operations have an impact on public health and safety. These may include healthcare facilities, stores on which the public depends for supplies, utilities, etc. (Note: Even these priority registrants may need to wait a long time for damage repairs and power restoration. Back-up power systems and/or evacuation are strongly recommended.)

I Saw an NEC Truck Drive Right By My House. Why Don't I Have Power Yet? 

As detailed above, NEC crews have a methodical plan for checking the system for damage and then restoring your power. NEC has crews working throughout the crisis to restore service to all NEC members. They must follow the process and procedures in order to conduct the full system restoration in the most efficient and effective manner. Again, safety is our top priority, and a tired and/or undernourished lineman can be at great risk when working with electricity. All NEC employees must take time for periodic meals and sleep in order to safely and efficiently get the job of your service restoration completed. Because power line work conducted in the dark is slow and dangerous, NEC's emergency restoration plan calls for all line crews to sleep during the dark, evening hours. Please remember, NEC employees are working hard for you at a time when, like you, they also may have outages and other personal issues of their own to deal with as a result of the crisis. Your support, patience, and understanding are greatly appreciated. Please continue to monitor the NEC Outage Viewer to see the big-picture restoration progress. The outage Viewer is real-time, meaning what you see is what is happening.

What About Electric Safety During and After the Power Outage? 

Safety is our top priority during emergency service restoration situations and it should be your top priority, as well. NEC will not send employees into a dangerous situation to restore power until we can minimize the danger; whether this means taking time for proper tree removal or waiting to allow flood waters to recede. For safety's sake, please keep in mind the following:

GENERATORS

If used improperly a back-up generator can make life a lot more dangerous! Follow manufacturer instructions to protect you and your family when using a portable generator. Avoid it if at all possible, but if you must connect the generator to the house wiring, you must have had a qualified electrician hook up the standby electrical system. This is to protect linemen from being shocked by power from your generator while doing repairs to the line. (the power from your generator will back-feed through the power lines) 

Also, never keep your generator inside your home. Always runt he generator is your opened garage or patio to prevent death or illness from carbon monoxide poisoning. 

WIRING AND APPLIANCES EXPOSED TO WATER

If you have appliances or equipment that have been exposed to water never assume they are safe to use after they have dried. Before you try to use any electrical appliance that has been exposed to water, take it to a qualified service technician. The item may be fine, it may need reconditioning, or it might require replacement.

DOWNED POWER LINES

Assume that any downed power line is “live.” Do not go near it or attempt to remove anything in contact with it. Report the problem immediately to the utility and local fire or police authorities. If you can, stay nearby to warn others away from the downed line. If you’re inside a car in contact with a downed line, stay inside! You can safely use a cellular phone, if you have one, to call for help. Never drive across a downed power line. If someone is shocked by contact with a downed line, don’t touch the person! Use a dry, un-painted plastic or wooden object, such as broom handle, to try to separate the victim from the power source. Call 911 for help immediately.

Electrical Safety During and After Storms

Frequently Asked Questions

Severe storms and natural disasters can cause a variety of electrical safety hazards in and around our homes. Lightning, downed power lines, and floods are just a few of the serious safety concerns associated with storms. Unfortunately, many of these electrical safety hazards remain long after the storm itself has passed.

To help protect you from storm-related electrical hazards, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) and Nueces Electric Cooperative are providing answers to common storm safety questions about:
•    Lightning
•    Power Lines
•    Flooded Areas
•    Wet Electrical Equipment
•    Portable Generators
•    Post-Evacuation Procedures

Lightning

What should I do if I am caught outside during a lightning storm?

• Move to a low point. Lightning hits the tallest available object, so get down low in a crouched position if you are in an exposed area.
• Stay away from trees.
• Avoid metal. Don’t hold onto metal items like bats, golf clubs, fishing rods, tennis rackets, or tools. Stay away from metal sheds, clotheslines, poles, and fences.
• Stay away from water, including pools, lakes, puddles, and anything damp—like grass.
• Don’t stand close to other people. Spread out.

Is there any sort of warning before lightning strikes?

Not necessarily, but sometimes. If you feel a tingling sensation or your hair stands on end, lightning may be about to strike. Do not lie down. Instead, crouch down, tuck your head, and cover your ears.

What should I do if I encounter a lightning storm while driving in my car?

Slow down and use extra caution. If possible, pull off the road into a safe area. 

Am I safer in or out of my car?

Do not leave your vehicle during a thunderstorm. A vehicle is considered safe during a thunderstorm if it is fully enclosed with a metal top such as a hard-topped car, minivan, bus, truck, etc. While inside a safe vehicle do not use electronic devices, such as radio communications.

The storm is still raging outside. Are we safe from lightning if we stay inside the house?

Follow these indoor lightning safety tips to help keep your family safe inside while it’s storming outside:

• To avoid lightning strikes, stay away from windows and doors.
• If possible, unplug electronic equipment before the storm arrives. Avoid contact with electrical equipment and cords during storms.
• Avoid contact with water and plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets.

Can I talk on the telephone during an electrical storm?

Use corded telephones only for emergencies. You can use cordless or cellular phones.

I have an outside dog. Is it okay to leave him out there during a lightning storm?

Doghouses are not lightning-safe, and chained animals can easily become victims of lightning strikes. You should bring your pets inside to protect them.

Power Lines

What should I do if I encounter a downed power line?

If you see a downed power line, move at least 10 feet away from the line and anything touching it. The human body is a ready conductor of electricity.

The proper way to move away from the line is to shuffle away with small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground at all times. This will minimize the potential for a strong electric shock. Electricity wants to move from a high voltage zone to a low voltage zone—and it could do that through your body.

What can I do to help someone who has come in contact with a downed power line?

If you see someone who is in direct or indirect contact with the downed line, do not touch the person. You could become the next victim. Call 911 instead.

Can I use something that is not metal to try to move a downed power line myself?

Do not attempt to move a downed power line or anything in contact with the line by using another object such as a broom or stick. Even non-conductive materials like wood or cloth, if slightly wet, can conduct electricity and then electrocute you.

What should I do if I see a downed power line in the street while I am driving my car?

Do not drive over downed power lines.

What if a power line comes down onto my car or I didn’t see it until I’ve driven into it?

If you are in your car and it is in contact with the downed line, stay in your car. Tell others to stay away from your vehicle.
If you must leave your car because it’s on fire, jump out of the vehicle with both feet together and avoid contact with the live car and the ground at the same time. This way you avoid being the path of electricity from the car to the earth. Shuffle away from the car.

Is a downed power line still dangerous if it has come down in water, like a pool or pond?

Water is a good conductor of electricity. Any amount of water—even a puddle—could become energized. Be careful not to touch water—or anything in contact with the water—near where there is a downed power line.

Flooded Areas

My washer, dryer, and a few other appliances got really wet during the flood. Can I start using them again after they dry out?

Do not use electrical appliances that have been wet until they have been examined by a qualified service repair dealer. Electrical equipment exposed to water can be extremely dangerous if re-energized without proper reconditioning or replacement. 

Does a flood affect my home’s electrical system, too, or just the appliances?

Electrical items, such as circuit breakers, fuses, ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), receptacles, plugs, and switches, can malfunction when water and silt get inside. Discard them if they have been submerged. Have a licensed, qualified professional replace them.

Does it make a difference if the flood was caused by storm water or by a leaky water pipe?

Ocean water and salt spray can be particularly damaging to electrical equipment due to the corrosive and conductive nature of the salt water residue. Damage to electrical equipment can also result from exposure to flood waters contaminated with chemicals, sewage, oil, and other debris. 

No matter what caused the flood, electrical appliances should be examined by a qualified service repair dealer before being re-energized, and electrical items that were submerged should be discarded and replaced by a licensed, qualified professional.

Can flooded outside areas be dangerous too?

Yes—downed power lines or submerged outlets from adjacent homes could energize the water. Use extreme caution when entering any flooded area.

Wet Electrical Equipment

My home wasn’t flooded, but some electrical appliances have gotten wet. Do the same safety rules listed above apply to my situation?

Yes—they still apply.  Do not use electrical appliances that have been wet until they have been examined by a qualified service repair dealer. Water can damage the motors in electrical appliances, such as furnaces, freezers, refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers.

Portable Generators

I bought a new generator so that I’d be prepared for the next power outage. Is there anything special I should know about installing it?

ESFI strongly recommends that a licensed electrician install home generators to ensure they meet all local electrical codes. Also, make sure your generator is properly grounded in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Can’t I just plug my generator directly into one of my home’s outlets?

Do not connect generators directly to the household wiring unless an appropriate transfer switch has been installed by a licensed, qualified electrician. 

What could happen if I don’t have a transfer switch installed?

Without the proper transfer switch, power provided by the generator can “backfeed” along the power lines, creating a significant electrocution hazard for anyone coming in contact with the lines, including lineworkers making necessary repairs.

I’ve heard that generators should be kept dry. Can I run it in my garage to protect it from the rain?

Never operate a generator inside your home or in any other enclosed—or even partially enclosed—area. Generators very quickly produce carbon monoxide, which can easily enter your home. 

Place the generator on a dry surface under an open, canopy-like structure. Do not operate the generator in wet conditions or where there is standing water.

Can’t I just open the garage door to provide ventilation for the carbon monoxide?

Opening windows or doors or using fans does not provide adequate ventilation to prevent the build-up of carbon monoxide. Generators must be located outside a safe distance away from your home’s windows, doors, and vents, through which carbon monoxide can enter your home.

How far away from the house is a safe distance?

Preliminary research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) indicates that even 15 feet from the home is too close to operate a generator safely.

Remember your neighbors, too. Keep your generator a safe distance away from their homes as well.

What exactly is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that is created when common fuels such as natural gas, oil, wood, or coal burn incompletely. This odorless, colorless, tasteless gas is often called the “silent killer” because it is virtually undetectable without the use of detection technology like a CO alarm. Extremely high levels of carbon monoxide can be fatal within minutes.

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include fatigue, shortness of breath, drowsiness, headache, and nausea. Get to fresh air right away if you feel dizzy or weak while running your generator.

Is there anything else I should do to protect my family from carbon monoxide produced by my generator?

Make sure that there is at least one battery-operated or battery-backup carbon monoxide alarm in your home. Test it before using your generator.

Is it safe for my children to play in the area around the generator?

No. Keep children away from portable generators at all times. Also be sure to store generator fuel out of reach of children.

How many appliances can I plug into my generator at one time? Can I use it for my window air conditioner and my refrigerator at the same time?

The capacity of generators varies. Follow the manufacturer’s instruction carefully. Do not overload the generator.

My generator is powering my sump pump, but it is going to need more fuel soon. Can I refuel it while it’s running so I don’t have to turn off the sump pump? 

Unplug all appliances from the generator before shutting it down. Turn the generator off and let it cool down before refueling. Refueling the generator while it is running is a significant fire hazard.

Post-Evacuation

The storm is finally over. Can I go home now?

First and foremost, do NOT return home until instructed by the appropriate local authorities. Once they give the go-ahead:

• Return home during daylight hours, especially if power has not been restored.
• If you smell gas, leave the premises and notify emergency authorities immediately. Do not turn on lights, light matches, or engage in any activity that could create a spark. 

I’ve been told by my local authorities that I can return home now, but could there still be electrical dangers in and around my home?

Yes. Even if you have been authorized to return home, you should still take precautions to protect yourself from electrical hazards posed by downed power lines, flooded areas, and water-damaged appliances and electrical equipment.
 

NEC is ready for hurricane season. Are you? 

Every year at this time, people in South Texas brace themselves for another potentially destructive hurricane season. Use our hurricane preparedness guide to help you and your family prepare before, during, and after a potential storm.

Hurricane season officially takes place from June 1 through November 30, but NEC storm restoration planning takes place year-round. These powerful cyclones can severely impact our electrical system. 

When major storms knock out power, our line crews take all necessary precautions before working on downed lines. Our number one goal is to restore power as quickly and safely as possible when storm impacts any part of the eight-county NEC service territory. When severe weather is predicted, NEC teams makes preparations to ensure line crews and contractors are mobilized and properly equipped to respond as soon as it is safe to do so. During hurricanes, each NEC employee plays an important role in the restoration plan and has been trained to be as ready as needed.

NEC encourage you also to practice safety and preparedness to protect your family during storms and outages. For prolonged power outages, turn off major appliances, TVs, computers, and other sensitive electronics. This will help avert damage from a power surge and avoid overloading the circuits during power restoration. Leave one light on to alert you when power is restored. 

Listen to local news or a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio for storm and emergency information, and check our website, www.nueceselectric.org, and our Facebook and Twitter pages for important updates. You, or an out-of-town family member, can access the NEC website for regular updates and view outages through the NEC Outage Viewer. We will also communicate with you by sending out email blasts and automated phone calls. If you have an emergency, please contact your local law enforcement officials.

Advance planning can reduce stress and anxiety in the aftermath of storms and hurricanes. At NEC, we recommend that you act today because there is power in planning. 

Whatever this hurricane season may bring, your local electric cooperative is here for you just as we have been for more than 80-years. We hope that the information in this guide proves useful to you and your family or business as you prepare for the upcoming storm season. From our co-op family to yours, we hope you have a safe and wonderful summer.

Click HERE to view the 2023 South Texas Hurricane Guide (English)

Click HERE to view the 2023 South Texas Hurricane Guide (Spanish)

Report Your NEC Power Outage by Calling: 361-387-2581 or toll-free at 1-800-NEC-WATT (1-800-632-9288). Before you call, please check any next door neighbors to see if they are out of power and check your breaker box. In the rare event we can not find your account based on your service address or contact information, we may request the pole number (8-digit number found on the yellow tag of your power pole) or your meter ID number (found on the face of your meter). 

Be Prepared For Winter Storms

When winter temperatures drop and storms hit, it can be challenging to stay safe and warm. Winter storm severity varies depending on where you live, but nearly all Americans are affected by extreme winter storms at some point. Nueces Electric Cooperative cares about your safety, and we want you to be prepared. 

Heavy winds and ice can lead to downed power lines, leaving co-op members without power. During extremely low temperatures, this can be dangerous. During a power outage, our crews will continue to work as quickly and safely as possible to restore power, but there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself. 

•    Stay warm – Plan to use a safe alternate heating source, such as a fireplace or wood-burning stove during a power outage. These are great options to keep you and your loved ones warm, but exercise caution when using, and never leave the heating source unattended. If you are using gasoline-, propane- or natural gas-burning devices to stay warm, never use them indoors. Remember that fuel- and wood-burning sources of heat should always be properly ventilated. Always read the manufacturer’s directions before using.

•    Stay fed – The CDC recommends having several days’ supply of food that does not need to be cooked handy. Crackers, cereal, canned goods and bread are good options. Five gallons of water per person should also be available in the event of an extended power outage. 

•     Stay safe – When an outage occurs, it usually means power lines are down. It is best not to travel during winter storms, but if you must, bring a survival kit along, and do not travel alone. If you encounter downed lines, always assume they are live. Stay as far away from the downed lines as possible, and report the situation to our dispatchers by calling 361-387-2581 or toll-free at 1-800-NEC-WATT (1-800-632-9288) if possible.

Winter weather can be unpredictable and dangerous, and planning ahead can often be the difference between life and death. NEC is ready for what Mother Nature has in store, and we want you to be ready, too. 

 Texas Dept. of Transportation: Evacuation/Travel Information 

• Traffic Cameras

Storm Prediction Center: The National Weather Center

Local Weather Links:

• Nueces County
• Kleberg County
• Jim Wells County
• Duval County

City of Corpus Christi Warming Centers