Upshur Rural
Electric Cooperative
Serving East Texans
since 1937.
***URECC MEMBERS***
***Update for HALL Service Area, as of 3:30pm***
In the Berea area, there is a tree that requires removal to prevent further damage to poles and lines.
***URECC crews have determined that we will have to take an outage to remove the tree and make necessary repairs. The repairs should start around 5pm and it is estimated that the outage will last approximately 3 to 4 hours.***
Crews will work as quickly and safely as possible to restore your power. Your patience is greatly appreciated!
After a Storm
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Outages &
Downed Power Lines
East Texas is known for its beautiful towering trees. High winds from storms often damage those towering trees by breaking them or even uprooting them. These trees are often taller than the legal right of way easements cleared for power lines. When a tree or limb falls on a power line it can cause an outage or blinking lights in your home if the breaker on the lines is not thrown. If the breaker is not thrown, a live downed line can become a deadly hazard; not only will the line continue to conduct electricity, but also anything it touches will conduct electricity, including the ground. Avoid downed lines from a safe distance and report them immediately.
Report Downed Lines
1. Through the URECC SmartHub App
2. By texting "OUT" to 855-939-3744
(If you only have 1 meter listed on your account)
3. By calling 903-680-2100 or 1-866-804-1674
***During a large outage, phone systems may be overloaded, resulting in extended periods of a busy signal or extensive ringing with no answer.
Downed power lines can carry an electric current strong enough to cause serious injury or even death. Electricity wants to move from a high voltage zone to a low voltage zone – and it could do that through your body.
Downed Power Line Facts
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If you see a downed power line, move away from it and anything touching it. The ground around power lines – up to 35 feet away – may be energized.
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Electricity is invisible. You cannot tell whether or not a power line is energized just by looking at it. You should assume that all downed power lines are live.
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Downed power lines can carry an electric current strong enough to cause serious injury or possibly death.
Safety Tips - Live to Tell
The following tips can help keep you safe around downed lines:
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If you see a downed power line, move away from the line and anything touching it. The human body is a ready conductor of electricity.
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The proper way to move away from the line is to shuffle away with small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground at all times. This will minimize the potential for a strong electric shock.
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If you see someone who is in direct or indirect contact with the downed line, do not touch the person. You could become the next victim. Call 911 instead.
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Do not attempt to move a downed power line or anything in contact with the line by using another object such as a broom or stick. Even non-conductive materials like wood or cloth, if slightly wet, can conduct electricity and then electrocute you.
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Be careful not to put your feet near water where a downed power line is located.
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If you are in your car and it is in contact with the downed line, stay in your car. Tell others to stay away from the vehicle.
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If you must leave your car because it’s on fire, jump out of the vehicle with both feet together. Do not touch the live car and the ground at the same time. This way you avoid being the path of electricity from the car to the earth. Shuffle away with small steps keeping your feet together and on the ground at all times.
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Do not drive over downed lines.
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After a storm or other event, do not attempt to disconnect or move downed lines. Call for assistance and stay away!