Harsh winter weather conditions can pose significant challenges. Here are some essential tips to stay safe.
Build an emergency kit that includes nonperishable food, water, blankets, flashlights and a battery-powered radio — essential supplies to sustain you and your family during the outage.
Consider investing in alternative heating sources such as a generator or a wood-burning stove. However, be vigilant about ventilation to prevent the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Always follow safety guidelines. Keep heating sources away from flammable materials. Refrain from using outdoor grills indoors and monitor any open flames closely to avoid potential accidents.
Keep a battery-powered radio handy to receive updates about the winter weather and any emergency announcements. Consider communication with your neighbors and community to offer support and assistance, especially to those who may be more vulnerable during the outage.
To receive alerts specific to your address, be sure to sign up for the Garland Emergency Notification System at GarlandTX.gov/Alerts.
Stay proactive, stay informed and stay safe. For more helpful information, visit GarlandTX.gov/OEM.
How to Prepare for a Power Outage:
Interruptions in electric service can happen at any time due to broken tree limbs, weather events, vehicles hitting poles, equipment failure or other circumstances beyond our control. Garland Power & Light has crews available 24/7 to restore these kinds of power outages as safely and quickly as possible.
If you have a power outage, report it to GP&L by calling 972-205-3000 or texting OUT to 972-205-4000. Oncor customers should call 888-313-4747.
What you can do to prepare for a power outage:
- Have a backup power source: Keep battery backups charged; run generators outside, away from the home.
- Have an Emergency Plan: ready.gov/power-outages or GarlandTX.gov/Prepare.
- Register for the Garland Emergency Notification System: Sign up at GarlandTX.gov/Alerts or call 972-781-7272.
- Document chronic conditions or critical illness: If a person in your home depends on electricity for medical equipment, register at GarlandTX.gov/CriticalCare.
About ERCOT Controlled Outages:
Power outages can also occur when there is not enough power supply to keep up with demand on the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) grid. ERCOT’s highest level alert, Energy Emergency Alert 3, requires controlled power outages also known as load shedding.
You can help by reducing electricity use if ERCOT asks for conservation.
Follow real-time grid conditions at ERCOT.com.
Information provided by city of Garland.