01/23/2026
As severe winter weather approaches our service territory, we want to assure members that we have been monitoring weather conditions and will have crews on standby, as always, in the event that an outage may occur.
How ice can impact electric lines:
Power lines can be affected in three ways (or a combination thereof); the weight of the ice, tree branches breaking and falling onto the line, or wind causing the lines to sway. Half an inch of ice can add as much as 500 pounds to a power line, and damage can begin when accumulations exceed a quarter of an inch. Additional weight can be applied if a tree branch breaks off and rests on it, increasing the potential for the power line to come down.
Jackson Electric always encourages you to practice safety! If you see a downed power line:
⚡Assume all wires are power lines and assume they are energized.
⚡Always assume that a downed power line is energized, and move away to safety.
⚡Do not try to touch a downed line with your hand or any objects such as a stick or pole.
⚡Avoid touching anything or anyone who is in contact with a fallen power line.
⚡Do not drive over a downed power line.
⚡Keep children and pets away from fallen electric lines.
⚡While some energized wires spark and snap, others may not appear dangerous.
⚡Standing water can hide energized power lines or other hazards, or put you at risk of drowning.
⚡Give us a call!
ELECTRIC OUTAGE:
Jackson County District - 361-771-4400
Matagorda County District - 979-245-3029
INTERNET OUTAGE: 361-771-4444
Tips to keep you and your family safe and warm in case of an outage:
❄Dress warmly. Several layers of clothing provide better insulation than a single layer of heavier clothing.
❄Move to a single room, preferably one with few windows. Ideally, this room should be on the south side of the home for maximum heat gain in the daytime. The room should be shut off from the rest of the house and could be one with a fireplace, wood stove or other alternate heat source.
❄If you use an alternate heat source, be sure and follow operating instructions. For example if you use a kerosene heater, adequate ventilation is a must. All fuels should be stored outside of the home for safety reasons!
Stay safe and stay warm! 🧡⚡
