With heavy rain and high winds forecasted for the Greater San Antonio area today and Wednesday, CPS Energy advises customers to prepare for potential power outages. Prior to the possibility of weather-related outages, customers are advised to:

• Locate a flashlight and battery-powered radio.
•  Protect electronic devices such as televisions, stereos, computers, and printers with a power strip equipped with a surge protector to avoid sudden spikes and surges that could damage electrical devices when power is restored.
• Review your emergency plan. Identify and be prepared to go to an alternate location in case of a power outage, especially if a member of the household has critical care needs.
• Be prepared with non-perishable food that does not require use of a stove or microwave.

If an actual outage occurs, customers should:

• Stay away from downed power lines! Treat all wires as if they are “live” (energized). Report damaged power lines immediately by calling 911 and CPS Energy at 353-4327.
• Turn off the electric air conditioning or heating system – leaving it on could create an overload on the system when power is restored and create an additional outage.
• Keep one light turned on to know when power has been restored.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep food cold longer.
• Use caution with candles and generators, carefully placing them so as not to create a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning hazard.

To report an outage, call 353-HELP (4357) or 1-(800) 870-1006 in rural areas. To view a near real-time map of affected areas, visit cpsenergy.com and click on Power Outages.