Cooler temperatures are usually welcome in Central Texas, but winter weather can also bring ice, wind and the potential for power outages. Austin Energy works year-round to improve resiliency and prepare for outage emergencies. Here are some ways your business can be ready for whatever the season brings.

Learn how to report a power outage, sign up for outage alerts and help everyone in your facility stay safe during an outage. You can report an outage online, by texting OUT to 287846 or by calling 512-322-9100. Register online to receive Outage Alerts texts or text REG to 287846. If you are not texting from the number associated with your facility’s account, you will need to provide an account number.

Make an emergency plan specific to your facility and the people in it. Do you have temperature-sensitive equipment or supplies? Does anyone on your staff have limited mobility or a serious medical condition? What if you have customers or other visitors in your facility when the power goes out? Take these things into consideration when making emergency plans.

Make sure Austin Energy has a good cell phone number and email address on file for your business. During an outage, Austin Energy will text and/or email important information and updates to the contact you provide. Log into your COA Utilities account or call 512-494-9400 to update your business’ contact info.

Learn how Austin Energy handles outages. Understanding how Austin Energy prepares for and recovers from outages can help you plan, too. Ongoing equipment maintenance and tree trimming help with resiliency. Communications planning and tools like the Outage Map and Outage Alerts help customers prepare before an outage and stay safe and informed during an outage. And, extensive training helps crews work quickly and safely to restore power.

Finally, share this information with your employees, so they can prepare too. Many of these tips are useful at home, as well as work.

Visit austinenergy.com/outagefor more tips to help you get ready, stay ready and know what to do in case of an outage.