North Texas is bracing for power outages due to the winter storm that arrived in the region on Friday, Jan. 23.
Ice collection over the weekend will likely lead to snapped trees, which could cause power outages. Here are a few tips for how to report power outages and what not to do when you lose power.
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- › Emergency shelters in Fort Worth
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What should you do during a power outage?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has a few tips for what to do and not do:
- Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
- Have nonperishable food and water on hand.
- If you’re using a generator, keep it outside and away from windows.
- Do you not use a gas oven or stove to heat your home, as it increases risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
- Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
- Check with local officials about heating centers near you.
Fort Worth has a few shelters available for those in need.
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What should you do when power returns?
If you do lose power, here’s what to do when it comes back on, according to FEMA:
- Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more.
- If food has an unusual odor, color or texture, throw it out.
- If the power is out for more than day, discard any medications that should be refrigerated unless the drug label says otherwise.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately for a new supply of medication if you have to discard it.
How do you report a power outage?
To report an Oncor power outage by phone, call 888-313-4747, text OUT to 66267 (ONCOR) or use the MyOncor App…