Winter weather, icy conditions, and freezing temperatures can create hazardous situations, impacting homes, business and Bandera Electric Cooperative’s operations. At Bandera Electric Cooperative, the safety of our members is our top priority, and we encourage everyone to take steps to prepare and stay safe during severe winter conditions.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
Having an emergency kit ready before winter weather arrives can make a big difference during an outage or emergency. Your kit should include:
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Bottled water
- Nonperishable food
- Blankets
- Matches
- First-aid supplies
- Medications (over-the-counter and prescription)
- Pet supplies
- Battery banks for charging devices
- All-weather radio
- Multipurpose tool
- Air-activated heat packs
- Hand sanitizer
- A list of important numbers, including your BEC account number and BEC’s outage reporting and emergency line, 226.3372
Keep your kit in an easily accessible location and make sure all household members know where it is.
Space Heater and Electric Blanket Safety
Portable heating devices can help keep you warm, but they must be used safely:
- Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything flammable, including furniture, curtains, and bedding.
- Never leave space heaters unattended or running while sleeping.
- Plug heaters and electric blankets directly into wall outlets. Do not use extension cords or power strips.
- Inspect electric blankets for frayed cords or damage before use and turn them off before going to sleep.
- Never use outdoor heating equipment indoors.
Power Outage Safety Tips
If winter weather causes a power outage:
- Use flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire risk.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food.
- Dress in layers and use blankets to stay warm.
- Never use generators, grills, or gas stoves indoors or in enclosed spaces.
- If using a generator, operate it outdoors and away from windows and doors.
Downed Power Lines and Electrical Hazards
Winter storms can cause fallen trees, ice buildup, and damaged power lines:
- Stay far away from any downed or sagging power lines and always assume they are energized.
- Do not attempt to move or repair electrical equipment yourself.
- Report downed lines or hazardous conditions immediately through BEC’s official channels.
Emergency Preparedness, Critical Care, and Load Shedding
- BEC encourages members to familiarize themselves with important emergency preparedness resources, including information on Critical Care services and load shedding.
- Members who rely on electricity for medical or life-sustaining equipment should ensure their Critical Care status is up to date and have a personal emergency plan in place, including backup power options where possible. During periods of extreme demand or system emergencies, controlled outages or load shedding may be necessary to protect the reliability of the electric grid.
- To learn more about emergency preparedness, Critical Care services, and how load shedding works, visit:
https://www.banderaelectric.com/outages-safety/outage-center/emergency-preparedness/
Stay Connected and Informed
We encourage members to stay informed during winter weather by monitoring local forecasts and checking BEC’s website and social channels for updates. Our crews remain ready to respond at all times and will work as safely and quickly as possible to restore service when conditions allow.
If you are faced with an emergency, always call 911 first. For any other questions or concerns, please contact Bandera Electric Cooperative at 866.226.3372.
Your safety matters to us. Thank you for taking the time to prepare and stay safe!