Power Line Safety After Storms

​See downed overhead lines? Stay at least 35 feet away and call 713-207-2222 or 800-332-7143.

Houston storms often damage power lines, exposing people to deadly danger. Keep your family and neighbors safe with these downed-line safety tips.

If You See Downed Power Lines:

  1. ​Do not go near downed lines or fallen wires.
  2. Stay away from anything touching downed lines (tree limbs, vehicles, puddles, etc.).​
  3. If someone already made contact with a power line, do not try to rescue them. You can’t help if you become a victim. Call 911.
  4. Report downed power lines to 713-207-2222 or 800-332-7143.

Keep Your Distance From Objects Near Overhead Lines:

  • ​Metal objects like fences and guardrails can become energized if a power line contacts them.
  • Do not attempt to remove tree limbs from power lines.
  • The ground may be energized near a downed line.
  • Standing water (puddles from flooding) may be energized from a downed line. 
  • Parked vehicles may be energized from a downed line. Learn more about vehicles and downed lines at electric safety​. 

Damage to Your Home’s Electrical Equipment:

After CenterPoint Energy restores power, many Houston customers continue experiencing electricity problems because their customer-owned electrical equipment was damaged in the storm.

Service from an overhead wire: The weatherhead – where the overhead power line or service drop connects to your home or building – is owned by the customer. The customer must hire an electrician to repair a damaged weatherhead. CenterPoint Energy cannot restore power to your house until customer-owned equipment is repaired.


Service from an underground line: The riser – the metal or plastic pipe below your meter where the power lines connect to your home – is owned by the customer. The customer must hire an electrician to repair a damaged riser. CenterPoint Energy cannot restore electrical service until all customer-owned equipment is repaired.

Learn more about post-storm safety:

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