Why 24/7 electricians matter in North Texas storm season
North Texas gets two storm seasons that hit electrical systems hard: spring hail and wind from March through June, and the occasional winter freeze. Both tend to cause trouble after dark, when most offices are closed.
What storms actually break
Straight-line winds and falling limbs pull the service drop away from the house, often bending the mast and tearing the meter base off the wall. Lightning and grid switching send surges that kill AC control boards, garage door openers and pool equipment. Heavy rain finds its way into outdoor boxes and old meter bases.
Oncor repairs the lines up to your meter. The mast, weatherhead, meter base and everything inside the house are the homeowner's, and that is where an electrician comes in.
The first ten minutes after damage
If a line is on the ground, stay away from it and anything it touches, and call Oncor and 911. If the mast is bent but wires are still attached, keep people and pets away from that side of the house.
Inside, switch off breakers for any room with water near outlets or fixtures. Unplug sensitive electronics so they are not hit again when power comes back.
Why waiting until morning can cost more
A damaged meter base can let water into the panel overnight. A partial outage running on one leg can damage 240 volt appliances like the AC and dryer. A burning smell from a panel or outlet can turn into a fire while you sleep. Those are reasons to call at night instead of waiting.
Plenty of storm calls are not emergencies, like a GFCI that will not reset on the patio. A good 24/7 line will tell you which is which.
What helps before the next storm
A whole-home surge protector at the panel, a properly sized generator inlet or standby unit, and trimming limbs back from the service drop all reduce storm damage. If your mast is already leaning or rusted, repair it before spring.
A storm-season checklist
Walk outside once before spring and look up at the service mast: it should be straight, strapped to the house and sealed where it passes through the roof. Look at the meter base for rust or gaps. Trim limbs back from the line between the pole and the house, or ask Oncor to if they touch the utility side. Test GFCIs on patios and pool equipment. Keep a flashlight near the panel and label the main breaker so anyone in the house can find it in the dark.
Quick answers
Who do I call when a tree limb takes down my power line?
Call Oncor for the utility line and an electrician for the mast, weatherhead and meter base on your house. Oncor reconnects after your side is repaired.
Are storm surges really that common in Dallas?
Yes. Spring lightning and heavy grid switching on hot days both send surges, and HVAC control boards are a frequent casualty.
Services mentioned in this post
Emergency Electrician
Burning smell, sparking, smoke or a dead panel. We answer 24/7 and send the nearest electrician.
Learn moreMeter Base & Service Mast Repair
Storm-damaged masts, weatherheads and meter bases repaired so Oncor can restore power.
Learn moreWhole-Home Surge Protection
A surge protector at the panel guards AC boards, appliances and electronics from spikes.
Learn moreLights out, breaker tripping, or a burning smell?
Call now. A person answers around the clock and we send the nearest NTX electrician who can safely take the job.