You've Lost Power and Gained Boredom? How to Report a Power Outage in Houston (Without Resorting to Carrier Pigeons)
Let's face it, Houston. Sometimes the heat gets a little too enthusiastic, and next thing you know, your air conditioner throws in the towel and your house transforms into a personal sauna. But hey, at least you can whip out the glowsticks and have an impromptu rave, right? (Although, glowsticks might not be the best idea after that much pizza in the fridge defrosts...)
Fear not, fellow Houstonians! Before you channel your inner MacGyver and attempt to rig your house to a hamster wheel (trust me, it doesn't work), here's the lowdown on how to report a power outage and get your Netflix back online.
Step 1: Embrace the Darkness (For a Moment)
Take a deep breath and resist the urge to bang on your neighbor's door screaming, "Is it just me, or is it 19th century out here?" (Chances are, they're dealing with the same situation.) Peek outside. See any fallen power lines? If so, don't touch them! They pack a wallop stronger than your Aunt Linda's pecan pie after Thanksgiving dinner. In that case, call 911 immediately.
Step 2: Become a Power Outage Reporting Superhero
Channel your inner hero and report the outage! Here's your arsenal of options:
- Dial the Dynamic Duo: CenterPoint Energy - Their number is 1-800-332-7143. Be prepared to unleash your most charming phone voice, because sometimes superheroes have to wait on hold.
- Text Message to the Rescue! Text "OUT" to 83212. Just make sure the phone number they have on file is your current one. No one wants to play detective when the lights are out.
- The Digital Force: The CenterPoint Energy Website - You can report an outage online https://midwest.centerpointenergy.com/outage/report. Just remember, with great internet power comes great responsibility...use it wisely (and to report the outage, not to endlessly scroll through TikTok).
Step 3: Patience is a Virtue (Especially in the Heat)
Once you've reported the outage, settle in for the wait. CenterPoint Energy will work their wires off (pun intended) to get your power back on. In the meantime, here are some heroic ways to entertain yourself:
- Dust off those board games! Sorry millennials, but sometimes the old-fashioned way is the best.
- Flashlight Tag! Turn your misfortune into a childhood memory revival. Just make sure you don't trip over any rogue furniture.
- Hold a Candlelight Storytime! Get creative and tell spooky stories (because what's scarier than a hot house, right?).
Remember, stay safe, stay cool, and report that outage! Hopefully, your power will be back on before you have to resort to singing show tunes for entertainment. But hey, if you do, at least you'll have a captive audience (your slightly grumpy family).
