At least for the moment...

[Trueblue Texan]

I have lights! I have water! I got to take a shower and wash my hair this morning! I had coffee made in the coffee maker. The electricity came on around 4:20 this morning...it's been over an hour! Maybe it'll stay on! It's up to 30 degrees outside and it's raining. Still not good to drive, but maybe without the crazy cold temps we'll be able to hang onto our lights and water. It's not fun to be without electricity, but it's terrible being without water.

[Trueblue Texan]

1. Aw, man...

Sittin’ in the dark again 😢5:47

[Walleye]

2. Wow. I feel for you.I Lost power for 4 days last summer after a tornado

The weather was warm and we had plenty of water it was still a royal pain. But at least it wasn’t life-threatening. Good luck!

[murielm99]

4. We were without water last year after the derecho.

I bought some bottled water, and we still have some of it stored, in case that happens again.

Coping with the cold has to be misery. Good luck to everyone in Texas. Stay safe.

[mountain grammy]

3. I'm sorry

Hope you’re back on soon.

[PJMcK]

5. Gas generators

After Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast in 2012, I bought a 4,000-watt gas-powered generator. It has enough power to run a space heater, the refrigerator and a light or two. It cost just under $300 and it has been worth every penny. I've had to use it about half dozen times and it kept us safe and warm through those blackouts.

It holds about 5 gallons of fuel which lasts about 7-8 hours and I keep two 5-gallon jerry jugs filled with additional gas. I cycle its use to 2 hours on and one hour off so the 15 gallons can last several days. It has several outlets including one that can be connected to the house's circuit breaker although I've never done that. I use a heavy duty extension cord to run the electricity into the house.

I highly recommend these devices as emergency equipment.

[Trueblue Texan]

6. Thx for the info!

We are definitely planning to get a generator after this !

[PJMcK]

7. Good luck with this storm!

When you start looking for a generator, make sure to get one that has wheels. They're very heavy and moving them around can be a little difficult.

Gas generators are really not any more complex than a lawn mower. It has spark plugs and you have to change the oil so it's a good idea to keep track of how many hours you run the thing. Also, get the waterproof cover to protect it when you're not using it, which is, thankfully, almost all the time!

[UpInArms]

8. Get one that puts out a pure sine wave

It will run electronics

Good luck ...

[Squinch]

9. Congratulations! How long were you out?

[Trueblue Texan]

13. Rolling blackouts...

This has been going on for 72 hours...the first 24 hours we had less than 2 hours of electricity. The next day we had about 3.5 hours...today we've had 3 hours already and it's not even noon...the power stays on an hour, then goes off at least 1 hour, sometimes as long as 6 hours. But at least the temps aren't as cold.

Our company (home health) hasn't made any visits all week. This has NEVER happened. We are calling our patients and checking on them...driving them a little crazy. But making sure they are safe and have oxygen, medications, food, water, heat. Some people are so poor it'll tear your heart out. I'll be so glad when this is over.

[Squinch]

15. That is truly terrifying with clients like that. Glad you're there

to check in on them.

[Lonestarblue]

10. I hope your power comes back on soon.

I turned the television on just long enough last night to watch the local news, and I was absolutely incensed at the shot of Houston’s empty business buildings lit up light Christmas while surrounding communities were without power because demand was too great! I suspect other cities were similar. Just as I’m sure that all of us will have astronomical electric bills next month since Texas decided to price power based on demand rather than actual cost. The Texas power grid needs some serious changes.

[Laha]

11. This reminds me so much of the ice storm we had here about ten years ago

We were lucky enough to have a fireplace, and we had friends come over just to keep warm. I actually enjoyed going out to harvest left over Christmas trees, dragging them back and chopping them up just so we wouldn't freeze. I'm glad things are working out for you. It's a scary thing to be left without power for days.

[ancianita]

12. I'm relieved and happy for you.

[LizBeth]

14. What part of Texas? I have a son in San Marcos. He can't get the phone powered and I do not know I

will hear from him today.

[Trueblue Texan]

16. At least150 miles northeast of San Marcos...

Bryan/College Station area

[LizBeth]

17. +1. Thanks. I have been talking to him. He says people in his town is getting it but not his street

yet., But at least I have heard from him so I feel better. Appreciate and glad you have yours.