Be Prepared, All Year Long

Plan ahead and know what to do in case of a power outage.

It's hard to know when you might have a power outage. Power outages can happen because of storms, vehicle crashes, ice, tree branches, and even animals.

Make an outage prep plan that works for you and your household so you can get ready and stay ready before a power outage ever happens.

Take advantage each April and save nearly $250 in taxes on a portable generator and $25 on emergency ladders plus more during the annual tax holiday on emergency preparation supplies. The tax holiday runs April 27 – 29 this year; it starts at 12:01 a.m. Saturday and ends at midnight Monday. The Texas Comptroller allows certain emergency preparation supplies to be purchased tax-free, no exemption certification needed. Shop online and in-store while saving tax on:

Less than $3000:

Portable generators

Less than $300:

Emergency ladders
Hurricane shutters

Less than $75:

Axes
Batteries, single or multipack (AAA cell, AA cell, C cell, D cell, 6 volt or 9 volt)
Carbon monoxide detectors
Coolers and ice chests for food storage – nonelectric
Fire extinguishers
First aid kits, and more!

Visit the Texas Comptroller's website for more information

Top 10 List for Outage Prep

1. Know how to report a power outage, view the Outage Map, and sign up to receive Outage Alerts

You have three ways to report a power outage: online, by text message, and by phone. When you sign up for Outage Alerts, you can report an outage and receive Outage Alerts and updates via text message. Learn how to sign up for Outage Alerts or view the Outage Map.
2. Ensure that Austin Energy can contact you in case of emergency
Register yourself and everyone in your household to receive Outage Alerts by texting REG to 287846 or setting up your Outage Alert Preferences.

Make sure the phone number(s) and email address(es) associated with your account are current.

Call 512-494-9400 to get help updating your contact information.
3. Gather all important paperwork and information

Keep it in a safe, waterproof place. Keep all necessary information somewhere you can easily access. This can include legal and insurance paperwork, personal records, your Austin Energy account number, emergency phone numbers, and family and neighbor contact information. Have a printed copy of helpful contact information in case you lose cell phone power.
4. See if you qualify for the Medically Vulnerable Registry

If you or someone in your household has a medical condition that could become life-threatening during a power outage, the Medically Vulnerable Registry can help. Though customers on the registry are not guaranteed uninterrupted power or priority restoration during an emergency, they will work with a designated team member to establish a personalized emergency backup plan.
5. Make an emergency kit

The best emergency kit is one specific for you. You might have medicine, animals and/or people to plan for in your home. Storm kits may include flashlights; extra batteries; backup chargers for devices; glow sticks (not candles — they can start a fire); blankets; paper fans; hand warmers or gloves, an ice scraper for your car; a first-aid kit; a portable, battery-operated radio; bottled water; canned or dried food for people and animals; and a hand-operated can opener. Your emergency kit should be easy to grab if your power goes out. Be sure everyone in your family or business knows where the kit is located.

Learn how to make a basic emergency supply kit (pdf)
6. Create an evacuation plan

If the power is out for multiple days, you might need to spend time in a place away from home. Whether you just need a place to charge a device, or a place to stay overnight, you need a plan specific to your needs. Consider who you could call, where you could go and what arrangements you might need to make to take care of your household away from home. Check City of Austin resources for alternative places to stay if staying at a hotel or a loved one’s home is not an option for you.
7. Consider external power sources for your devices

Even if fully charged, devices like cell phones, tablets, and laptops can quickly run out of power. You can buy external power sources that use batteries or solar energy.
8. Think ahead for safety: generators, downed power lines, food safety, preventing falls, tree trimming

While portable generators can help during a power outage, operating them indoors is dangerous. Learn more about portable generator safety. Remember to stay away from downed power lines and keep your fridge and freezer closed. Store non-clumping cat litter or rock salt so you can prevent slippery sidewalks, driveways and decks. Contact Austin Energy about trimming trees away from power lines.

Get more safety tips
9. Regularly backup your computer, unplug during a storm

It's a good idea to back up your computer’s hard drive. If your computer is plugged in, a lightning strike can damage the hard drive and you can lose valuable records.
10. Plan how to pass the time

In extreme situations, such as extended ice storms or flooding, a power outage may last quite a while and you may be housebound. A battery-operated AM/FM radio can help to pass the time AND keep you up-to-date on the news. Board games, card games, books and puzzles offer a distraction, too.

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Download a Quick-Reference List

Download a quick-reference list to help you get ready and stay ready in case of a power outage — available in multiple languages.

Learn More

Date last reviewed or modified: 04/16/2024