Prepare Now

Be prepared for inclement weather before it happens. If you don't have an emergency fit already, now is the time to make one. Include the following items in your kit, and keep it stocked, up to date, and in a designated spot that is easily accessible. 

• Flashlight
• Batteries
• Bottled water
• Nonperishable food 
• Blankets
• Matches
• First-air supplies
• Medications (over-the-counter and prescription)
• Pet supplies
• Battery banks for charging devices
• All-weather radio
• Multipurpose tool
• Hand sanitizer
• A list of important numbers, including your SMTX Utilities account number. Don't forget about the SMTX Utilities outage map where you can report outages and receive outage notifications.

Before A Storm

If forecasts begin to show sever weather coming your way, you may want to have these ready and on-hand in addition to your emergency kit.

• Charged cell phones and extra cords for charging phones, tablets, and other electronic devices
• Extra clothes
• Battery-powered radio
• An additional electrical source, such as a generator
• Extra fuel for vehicles

Prepare Your Home

• Clear your yard of any decorations, potted plants, or debris that could potentially cause damage to your home
• Clean out clogged gutters and downspouts 
• Check the weatherstripping on your windows and doors, and seal leaks with caulk or replacement stripping
• Sever storms can cause a branches and trees to fall on power lines, call 512-393-8313 to see if you are in services for the City of San Marcos to trim your tree limbs that may be a hazard
• Develop a plan with your family in case of prolonged outages (where and when to seek shelter if needed)

During A Storm

• Our updated outage map allows utility customers to search in real time for their address to see if their outage is registered, the status, and the estimated time of restoration is one is available
• SMTX Utilities will provide updates whenever possible on our website and City of San Marcos social media channels, so be sure to like and follow for potential energy conservation, outage, and weather alerts: 
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Nextdoor

Protect Your Home

• Make any necessary repairs to the exterior of your home 
• Clear your gutters of any debris to ensure proper drainage
• Keep drapes and blinds closed, except when windows are in direct sunlight
• Remove dead branches that could end up being dangerous projectiles in a severe storm
• If you experience an outage, keep lights and appliances off to avoid overloading circuits when power is restored. Instead, leave only one light on as a signal, so that you know when your power returns
  

Protect Your Family

• Never run your car in the garage as a way of warming up or cooling down - only run the car outside. Taking these steps could save you and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning
• Never run a generator closer than 20 feet from doors and windows to prevent fumes from entering the home.
• Watch weather reports closely. Keep your all-weather radio nearby and listen to local media reports for the most up-to-date weather and safety information
• Keep a close watch on the temperature in your home and check it often. If outages are prolonged, consider staying with friends, family, or in a local shelter
• Keep these important safety tips in mind when using your generator and always practice safety when using alternative cooling sources
• Bring pets inside your home if there are threats of severe storms headed your way. 
• If you are able, check on elderly relatives, neighbors, and friends to make sure they’re safe, especially if they live alone

SMTX Utilities is dedicated to providing reliable electric service to keep you and your family safe. While some events are beyond our control, we work hard to ensure that we are as prepared as possible.