Power Outage & Electrical Emergency: Houston Storm Response

Is It Just Your House or the Whole Neighborhood?

When the lights go out, your first job is to figure out the scope of the problem. A neighborhood-wide outage and a tripped breaker in your own panel require completely different responses.

Start by looking outside. Are your neighbors' lights on? Is the street lamp working? If your home is dark but everything around you is lit, the problem is almost certainly inside your house.

NOTE: Houston's older neighborhoods — including parts of Montrose, the Heights, and East End — run on aging electrical infrastructure that can be more prone to isolated outages and service drops. If you live in one of these areas, individual service issues are not uncommon.

If the outage appears to affect your street or neighborhood, check the CenterPoint Energy outage map or call their 24/7 outage line at 713-207-2700. You can also report an outage and get estimated restoration times through the CenterPoint app.

Step-by-Step: What to Do When the Power Goes Out

Follow these steps in order when you lose power at your Houston home.

1. Check your breaker panel. Go to your main electrical panel — usually in a garage, utility closet, or hallway — and look for any breakers that have flipped to the middle or "off" position. Reset by switching fully off, then back on.

2. Look for a tripped GFCI outlet. Kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor outlets are often on GFCI circuits with their own reset buttons. A tripped GFCI can take out multiple outlets on the same circuit.

3. Check the CenterPoint outage map. If your breakers look fine, visit CenterPoint's website or call 713-207-2700 to see if there is a reported outage in your area.

4. Report the outage if it's not already listed. Use the CenterPoint app or website to submit your address. This helps crews prioritize restoration in your area.

5. Unplug sensitive electronics. Before power is restored, unplug computers, televisions, and appliances. When power comes back, it sometimes surges briefly and can damage equipment.

6. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. A closed refrigerator holds a safe temperature for about four hours. A full freezer stays safe for up to 48 hours.

7. Do not open your electrical panel if you see scorch marks, smell burning, or hear buzzing. Call an electrician immediately.

"When the power goes out in Houston, the problem is either on CenterPoint's side of the meter or yours. Knowing which side determines who you call."

Electrical Emergency Warning Signs

A power outage is inconvenient. An electrical emergency is dangerous. Learn to tell the difference.

WARNING: The following signs indicate a potential electrical fire hazard in your home. Do not ignore them. Leave the area and call a licensed electrician immediately.

• Flickering or dimming lights that happen repeatedly
• Outlets or switches that feel warm or hot to the touch
• A burning smell near your electrical panel, outlets, or walls
• Sparks when plugging in or unplugging a device
• Breakers that trip repeatedly in the same location
• A buzzing or crackling sound coming from the walls or panel
• Discoloration or scorch marks around outlets or the panel cover

Any one of these symptoms can indicate wiring that is arcing, overloaded circuits, or failing components. These are not problems to monitor over time — they are problems to fix today.

CRITICAL: If you see sparks, smell burning plastic or rubber, or notice smoke near any electrical component, leave the house immediately, call 911, and do not re-enter until the fire department clears the home.

Generator Safety During Houston Power Outages

Portable generators are common in Houston homes, especially during hurricane season when outages can stretch for days. They are also one of the most dangerous pieces of equipment a homeowner can own if used incorrectly.

CRITICAL: Never run a generator inside your home, garage, enclosed porch, or within 20 feet of any window or door. Generators produce carbon monoxide — a colorless, odorless gas that can be fatal within minutes. CO poisoning is the leading cause of generator-related deaths during power outages.

Safe generator practices for Houston homeowners:

• Always operate generators outdoors in open, well-ventilated areas
• Keep the generator dry and on a flat, stable surface
• Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords rated for the load
• Never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet ("backfeeding") — this is illegal and can electrocute utility workers restoring power
• Install a transfer switch or interlock kit if you want to connect a generator to your home's wiring — this must be done by a licensed electrician
• Store fuel in approved containers away from living areas

TIP: Consider installing a battery backup system or a standby generator with an automatic transfer switch. Unlike portable generators, standby units turn on automatically when power goes out and run safely outside the home at all times.

Electrical Safety Tips During an Extended Outage

When power is out for hours or days — as it often is after a major Houston hurricane or ice storm — a few safety habits protect your family and your home.

TIP: Leave one lamp switched on so you know when power has been restored. This prevents you from waking up to a dark house when lights suddenly come back on at 3 a.m.

• Use flashlights instead of candles when possible to reduce fire risk
• Never use a gas stove or oven as a heating source
• Keep a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector in the home
• If you have a medically necessary device that requires power, register with CenterPoint Energy's medical baseline program for priority restoration
• Check on elderly neighbors during extended outages — heat-related illness is a serious risk in Houston summers when AC is unavailable

When to Call an Electrician vs. CenterPoint Energy

This is one of the most common sources of confusion during a power outage in Houston. The answer comes down to the meter.

Call CenterPoint Energy (713-207-2700) when:

• Your neighbors are also without power
• The CenterPoint outage map shows an active outage in your area
• Power lines near your home are down or damaged
• Your service line from the street appears to be disconnected

Call a licensed electrician when:

• Only your home is without power and the breaker panel looks normal
• Breakers keep tripping after you reset them
• You notice any of the electrical emergency warning signs listed above
• Your panel is warm, buzzing, or shows any visible damage
• You are having work done that requires the power to be shut off at the meter

NOTE: The utility company is responsible for the equipment up to and including your meter. Everything inside your home — panels, wiring, outlets, fixtures — is your responsibility as the homeowner.

Houston Storm Season Electrical Prep

Houston's hurricane season runs from June through November, but damaging storms can hit any time of year. Electrical preparation before storm season starts can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a weeks-long ordeal.

TIP: Schedule a pre-season electrical inspection with a licensed Houston electrician every spring. They can identify outdated wiring, overloaded panels, and code violations before a storm puts additional stress on your system.

Checklist for Houston homeowners before storm season:

• Test all GFCI outlets and replace any that do not trip and reset properly
• Check your breaker panel for signs of wear, corrosion, or outdated components
• Trim trees near power lines on your property (contact CenterPoint for lines near the street)
• Stock a power outage kit: flashlights, batteries, portable phone charger, battery-operated fan, water, and a 3-day food supply
• Know where your main breaker is and how to shut off power to the entire house
• If your neighborhood floods, shut off power at the main breaker before water enters the home

WARNING: Never enter a flooded area of your home if you are unsure whether the power has been shut off. Water and live electricity are a fatal combination. Call an electrician or the fire department to assess the situation first.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I report a power outage in Houston?

Call CenterPoint Energy's 24/7 outage line at 713-207-2700, use the CenterPoint app, or report online at centerpointenergy.com. Providing your account number or service address helps crews locate and prioritize your area faster.

Is it safe to use a generator during a power outage?

Yes, but only when used correctly outdoors in a well-ventilated area at least 20 feet from any window or door. Never run a generator inside a garage or enclosed space — carbon monoxide poisoning kills dozens of people each year during power outages, and CO is undetectable without a dedicated alarm.

How long does food last in a fridge without power?

A refrigerator that stays closed will keep food safe for roughly four hours. A full freezer maintains a safe temperature for up to 48 hours, and a half-full freezer for about 24 hours. When in doubt, use a food thermometer — anything above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for more than two hours should be discarded.

When should I call an electrician vs. CenterPoint Energy?

Call CenterPoint when the outage affects your neighbors or the outage map shows an active event in your area. Call a licensed electrician when only your home is affected, your breakers are behaving abnormally, or you notice any warning signs like burning smells, flickering lights, or warm outlets.

Can a power surge damage my appliances?

Yes. When power is restored after an outage, it can come back with a brief voltage spike that damages electronics and appliances. Plug sensitive devices into surge protectors and unplug them before a storm hits. For whole-home protection, ask a licensed electrician about installing a whole-house surge protector at your main panel.

How do I prepare my Houston home for hurricane season power outages?

Start with a spring electrical inspection from a licensed electrician to catch any issues before storm season stress-tests your system. Stock a 72-hour outage kit with flashlights, a battery-powered fan, a phone charger, and water. If you rely on medical equipment or have elderly family members at home, register with CenterPoint's priority restoration program before the season begins.