September 11, 2008

THIS A NEWS RELEASE FROM CENTRAL POWER AND LIGHT:

CPL Provides Comprehensive Tips for Coastal Residents

Affected by Path of Hurricane Ike

 

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX (September 11, 2008) – Hurricane Ike is anticipated to be a major hurricane threat with current landfall predictions putting Ike in the Matagorda Bay/Freeport area as early as 1 a.m. on Saturday, according to staff meteorologists at CPL Retail Energy. The State Governor’s office has already declared potential disaster areas for 88 counties along the Texas coast.

 As the third-largest retail electricity provider in Texas with nearly 1 million customers, CPL wants to ensure that Texas residents are aware of important tips in order to safeguard their families and homes. Given the barrage of information that attempts to advise residents on the proper precautions, CPL is releasing the following comprehensive list of local information to guide coastal residents through their preparations for the storm.

 Electrical Precautions

If a mandatory evacuation is enforced, turn off the electricity at the main circuit breaker before leaving your home. This will help protect appliances from power surges.

Given that a potential power outage may last several days, have enough flashlights and batteries on hand. Try to avoid using candles to light your home.

Avoid downed, damaged or loose power lines and report them immediately to your local law enforcement or fire department.
If possible, do not walk through open water. If a downed power line has fallen into the water, you risk being electrocuted.

Never use charcoal grills or generators indoors, including in garages. Both items produce high levels of carbon monoxide that can reach lethal levels in enclosed spaces.

Do not use electrical or gas appliances that are wet and do not turn on damaged appliances because of the hazards of electric shock or fire.
 

Local Area Resources

Report any power outages to American Electric Power by calling 877-373-4858. AEP Texas handles all power outage requests regardless of electric provider.
Keep a fully-charged mobile phone nearby so that you can make an emergency call in the event of a power outage. 
Have a battery-powered radio on hand so Corpus Christi area residents can tune into radio frequency KKTX 1360 AM to hear about current storm conditions, road closures, as well as progress on electricity restoration.
Those with web access can monitor http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ or http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem for the most current information on weather conditions.
Corpus Christi area residents who plan to leave the area should proceed to emergency evacuation sites which include the following locations:
San Antonio: Emma Frey Elementary, 900 S San Eduardo Avenue or Pfeiffer Elementary, 4551 Dietrich.

New Braunfels: Churchill Middle School, 1275 Business 35; Morningside Elementary, 3855 Morningside Drive; or New Braunfels Middle School, 659 S. Guenther.

Laredo: Cigarroa Recreation Center, 2201 Zacatecas St.

 

CPL Retail Energy also recommends that residents check on any neighbors with special needs. Make sure they have a ride to safety or call 2-1-1, a special emergency information line that will refer them to local resources such as the Red Cross who can provide assistance with food, clothing, shelter or other necessities.

 

The company also reminds residents that large storms can lead to interruptions in banking and credit card systems, and in the function of gasoline pumps. Texans in affected areas are urged to have cash on-hand, and heed the warnings regarding keeping their vehicles’ fuel tank full during the hurricane season. CPL asks that all coastal residents heed the advice and order of their local emergency management organization.

 

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About CPL Retail Energy, a Direct Energy company

CPL Retail Energy and Direct Energy are part of the Centrica group of companies, one of the largest multi-state providers of retail energy services in North America. The North American operations have grown to more than 5 million residential and commercial customer relationships.  Through its Direct Energy, CPL Retail Energy, and WTU Retail Energy brands, the company is the third largest retail energy provider in Texas, and owns a series of energy-related services companies. The company also offers comprehensive energy solutions to more than 60,000 businesses across North America. Globally, the Centrica group of companies is a leading provider of energy and other essential services with approximately 32 million customer relationships. For more information, visit www.cplretailenergy.com.

 

 

 

Contacts:              Lisa Dornan                                                    Daphne Avila

                           Lisa.dornan@cplretailenergy.com                     daphne.avila@ketchum.com

                           (713) 877-3925                                                (214) 259-3431