Pack the essentials: MEC offers tips on preparing for severe summer weather

The South Texas summer months often bring conditions that are ripe for dangerous storms, and officials at Medina Electric Cooperative are taking the time to provide opportunities to safely enjoy the outdoors.
Potential summer weather events can result in power outages and Medina EC crews take all necessary precautions when major storms knock out power, before they work on any downed lines.
Medina EC encourages everyone to practice safety and preparedness to protect your family during major storms and outages.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends the following items for storm and disaster preparedness. For more resources, visit www.ready.gov:
Stock Your Pantry: Keep a three-day supply of non-perishable food such as canned goods, energy bars, peanut butter, powdered milk, instant coffee and water.
Sanitation and Hygiene: Ensure you have adequate supplies including towelettes, soap, hand sanitizer and other essentials like diapers and toiletries.
First Aid Kit: Make sure it is stocked with pain relievers, bandages, and other medical essentials. Keep your prescriptions current.
Basic Household Items: Set aside flashlights, batteries, a manual can opener, and a portable, battery-powered radio or TV.
Organize Supplies: Keep emergency supplies easily accessible in one location.
Listen to local news or NOAA Weather Radio for storm and emergency information, and check Medina EC’s website for power restoration updates. After a storm, avoid downed power lines and walking through flooded areas where power lines could be submerged. Allow ample room for utility crews to safely perform their jobs, including on your property.
Planning for severe storms or other emergencies can reduce stress and anxiety and lessen a storm’s impact.