CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (July 19, 2005) – In anticipation of high winds, lightning and heavy rains from Hurricane Emily’s landfall later tonight, AEP Texas cautions Rio Grande Valley residents to be mindful of downed power lines.
All power lines should be considered energized and dangerous. Because of the likelihood that the storm may cause many lines and possibly poles to fall, residents are asked to keep their children and pets inside during and after the storm.
To the extent that it can be done safely, every effort will be made to maintain electric service throughout the storm,” according to Harry Gordon, AEP Texas vice president of electric distribution. “However, crews will not be sent out until after the storm has passed.”
During the storm, customers are asked not to call the AEP Texas Customer Solution Center except to report downed power lines and other situations that could pose a safety threat. To report a fallen power line or utility pole, call 1-866-223-8508. All power lines should be considered energized and dangerous.
Residents also are asked to leave outside or porch lights on during and after the storm. These lights will act as a beacon for patrolling crews to show areas that have power and areas that are still without power, according to Gordon.
“We hope that the storm will weaken and have minimal effects to our service area,” he said. “However, we have our crews and equipment on standby and have made contingency plans to bring in additional resources if needed.”
AEP Texas, a unit of American Electric Power, delivers electricity to some 850,000 homes, businesses and industries in south and west Texas. AEP Texas provides regulated energy delivery service to consumers, regardless of which Retail Electric Provider they choose. The company is headquartered in Corpus Christi.
Andy Heines
(361) 881-5511 (Office)
(361) 815-0117 (Mobile)