Severe Storm Kills 4 in Houston, Next Steps & Recovery Tips

Last night’s major thunderstorm brought 100 mph winds, trees snapped in half, destruction of homes and businesses, power outages for nearly 1,000,000 around the Houston area, and the unfortunate and tragic deaths of at least 4 of our fellow Texans.

may 16 2024 severe thunderstorm in houston texas

BKV Energy is here to help those impacted by the weather. Here is our list of tips to stay safe and recover from the storm.

Important contact information

Report outage to CenterPoint: 800-332-7143
Report outage to Texas New-Mexico Power: 888-866-7456
Essential Community Services: Call 2-1-1

Staying safe

Stay Informed: If you can, find a way to charge your smart devices so you can stay updated on the latest information.
Avoid Downed Power Lines: Treat all downed power lines as active. Keep your distance and report them to your region’s utility.
Find Shelter: If your home is damaged and you do not have a place to stay with friends or family, check in with local churches, the American Red Cross, and other authorities to find shelter.

Dealing with power outages

Food Safety:If your power is out, eat perishable food first and keep your refrigerator closed as much as possible.
Generator Safety: If relying on a generator, keep it outside and away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Communication: Conserve phone battery with texting rather than phone calls.

Recovery & community support

Assess Damage: Take photos of damage and get in touch with insurance to file claims as soon as possible.
Cleanup Safety: Wear safety gear such as work gloves and be wary of glass and nails while cleaning up debris.
Help Neighbors: If you can, check on your neighbors, especially the elderly, disabled, and those with young children.
Volunteer and Donate: If you’re able, volunteer at local shelters or disaster relief organizations. Consider donating to reputable organizations to aid those affected by the storm.

One thing we know to be true, when the going gets tough, Texans stand together. Our team in Houston has also been directly impacted by this severe thunderstorm and we are here standing by your side during the recovery process.

Over the next few days and weeks, remember to lend a hand to those in need, and most importantly, stay safe.

Written by Graham Lumley

Graham Lumley is the Growth Product Manager at BKV Energy, a retail electricity provider in Texas' deregulated market, where he has worked since 2023. He analyzes customer usage and billing data, helps develop BKV's fixed-rate plans, and creates tools to simplify Texas electricity shopping. He has written over 200 articles on Texas electricity rates, delivery charges, plan types, energy generation, and more to help Texans understand their bills and pay less. With over 10 years of experience in consumer products, marketing, and energy, he explains the Texas electricity market in plain language.