HOUSTON – CenterPoint Energy says it has activated its Emergency Operations Center and mobilized 2,600 personnel as a tropical disturbance threatens the Greater Houston area with heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and the potential for flash flooding.
The update comes after the National Hurricane Center issued a Tropical Storm Watch for portions of Galveston, Brazoria and Chambers counties as Potential Tropical Cyclone One moves through the Gulf.
CenterPoint officials said the company is continuing a series of preparedness efforts ahead of anticipated impacts through early Thursday.
“Our entire team remains focused on preparing for and responding to potential impacts from this ongoing storm system and working closely with our local and state emergency partners on any response,” said Jason Fabre, CenterPoint’s vice president of special response and incident commander.
Fabre urged residents, visitors and businesses across the Houston area to remain weather aware and take precautions as conditions deteriorate.
CenterPoint’s storm preparations
As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, CenterPoint said it has taken the following actions:
- Activated its 24/7 Emergency Operations Center to coordinate storm response efforts.
- Mobilized approximately 2,600 personnel to respond to power outages and restoration needs.
- Increased staffing at customer service call centers, with additional resources on standby and reported wait times of less than one minute.
- Continued coordination with state and local emergency management agencies, the City of Houston, surrounding counties and FIFA officials ahead of Wednesday’s World Cup activities.
- Shared safety and preparedness information with customers through social media and other communication channels.
Safety reminders for customers
CenterPoint is urging customers to take the following precautions during the storm:
- Monitor local forecasts and remain alert for flash flooding.
- Stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines and assume they are energized.
- Avoid touching anything in contact with a downed wire, including fences, tree branches and standing water.
- Do not attempt to operate natural gas meters or appliances that have been submerged by floodwaters until they have been inspected by qualified personnel.
- If you smell natural gas, leave the area immediately and call 911 and CenterPoint from a safe location.
- Keep roads clear for emergency responders and call 811 before digging or clearing debris near underground utility lines.
CenterPoint said crews remain prepared to respond to storm-related outages and restore power as quickly and safely as conditions allow.
Residents can find additional preparedness resources and outage information through CenterPoint’s Action Center.