Core Insights - A winter storm is impacting the Greater Houston area, with hard freezes expected and over 3,300 workers mobilized for damage assessment and power restoration [1][2][3] Company Response - CenterPoint Energy has deployed an expanded workforce of 3,300 workers to assess and repair weather-related damages, with less than 2,000 customers currently experiencing outages, representing less than 1% of its 2.9 million customers [2][3] - The company activated its Emergency Operations Center on January 21 to prepare for the winter storm, including staging over 700 natural gas workers and inspecting critical electric equipment [5][9] - CenterPoint has conducted outreach to Critical Care customers and is providing regular updates to government officials and the media regarding its preparation and response efforts [5][6] Safety Measures - The company emphasizes safety by reminding customers to stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines and to report any such incidents immediately [4] - CenterPoint encourages customers to enroll in its Power Alert Service for updates on outages and restoration times [6] Preparedness Actions - CenterPoint has implemented winter readiness activities since fall 2025, including weatherization requirements and emergency training for personnel [6][9] - The company has donated and installed over 20 emergency backup generators and positioned 17 compressed natural gas trailers to enhance local emergency preparedness [9] Customer Communication - CenterPoint provides an Outage Tracker for customers to monitor outages by county, city, and zip code, ensuring accessibility for all users [7]

Core Viewpoint - CenterPoint Energy is mobilizing resources and personnel in preparation for a significant winter weather event expected to impact Southeast Texas, emphasizing customer safety and service continuity [1][3]. Emergency Preparedness - 100% of CenterPoint's 3,300 line skills workers and contractors will be in place by 12 p.m. Saturday to respond to the winter weather [1]. - The Emergency Operations Center has been fully activated with approximately 200 personnel and will remain operational throughout the storm [2]. - Over 700 natural gas workers and contractors are being deployed to support the response efforts during the weekend [2][5]. Safety Measures - The company urges the public to heed local officials' guidance and stay off roads from Saturday night through Monday due to hazardous conditions [1]. - Customers are reminded to assume downed power lines are energized and to maintain a safe distance from them [4]. Equipment and Resource Readiness - CenterPoint has positioned 17 compressed natural gas (CNG) trailers to ensure supply availability and has pre-staged electric restoration equipment, including over 9,200 distribution poles and more than 11,500 transformers [5]. - The company is inspecting nearly 200 natural gas regulator stations and has installed heaters to prevent ice damage [5]. Customer Communication - CenterPoint encourages customers to enroll in the Power Alert Service® for updates on outages and restoration times [6]. - Customers can access storm-related safety tips in multiple languages through the company's website [7]. Company Overview - CenterPoint Energy, Inc. serves over 7 million metered customers across Texas and other states, with approximately $45 billion in assets as of September 30, 2025 [9]. - The company has been operational for over 150 years and employs around 8,300 individuals [9].

Core Viewpoint - New Jersey American Water is proactively preparing for an upcoming snowstorm and has shared safety tips for customers to ensure reliable water service during extreme weather conditions [1][2]. Preparation Efforts - The company has initiated readiness measures including testing and fueling generators, securing additional water treatment chemicals, and updating staffing plans to manage potential service disruptions [2]. - Operations personnel are prepared to handle increased flows at wastewater treatment plants due to the storm [2]. Customer Safety Tips - Customers are advised to prepare for extreme weather by updating emergency contact information, locating their main water shut-off valve, and protecting exposed pipes [8]. - Recommendations include allowing a small trickle of water to run overnight to prevent pipes from freezing and applying heat to frozen pipes safely [8]. Post-Storm Actions - After the storm, customers should check for cracks and leaks in thawed pipes and clear snow from fire hydrants to ensure emergency access [6][8]. - The company emphasizes the importance of staying informed about service impacts through their alerts page and Customer Advisory Map [7]. Company Overview - New Jersey American Water is the largest regulated water utility in New Jersey, serving approximately 2.9 million people with safe and reliable water and wastewater services [10].

RT Lauren Dreyer (@LaurenDreyer)The @Starlink team is in close contact with emergency preparedness officials and rapid response teams in Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, among many other countries across the Caribbean that may be impacted by Hurricane Melissa. ...

Flood Preparedness & Safety - Pre-planning and early evacuation are crucial in flood situations [1] - Prioritize personal safety over possessions [1][2][6] - Seek the highest possible point in a building, avoiding attic entrapment [2] - Roof access is critical for visibility to rescuers; wear bright clothing if possible [3] - Use tools to break windows to prevent injuries during escape [4] - If trapped in a car, roll down windows to allow water to fill the car [5] - Get on the car roof and stay low to avoid being swept away [5] Flood Response & Prevention - Never assume a car can safely navigate floodwaters [5] - Turn around and head away from the flood [6] - Heed warnings, even repeated ones, as they may indicate a real threat [6]