CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – As Hurricane Ike approaches the Texas Gulf Coast, electric customers on life support systems are reminded to make arrangements now in case of a prolonged power outage.

AEP Texas delivers electric power on the coast from Port Isabel to Matagorda, Texas. These areas are the most susceptible to power outages caused by violent tropical weather.

“We understand the special needs of customers who are on life support systems or who need uninterrupted electric service for health reasons,” said David Hooper, director of customer services. “However, we have no control over what Mother Nature will decide to do during the course of a storm.”

Hooper advises customers with special needs to make arrangements to evacuate well in advance of an approaching storm to avoid power interruption.  Those with special health needs such as prescriptions are encouraged to plan ahead, as many facilities may be closed in the aftermath of a severe storm.

“Once a storm passes and our restoration efforts begin, we will make every effort to get the lights back on as soon as possible,” said Hooper. “We will communicate through the media, our website and call center about restoration progress.”

Residents also are reminded about 2-1-1 Texas, a free, easy-to-remember phone number connecting callers with health and human services in their community.  Callers dialing 2-1-1 are able to talk to a trained resource specialist who has access to comprehensive database listings of nearly all health and human services that exist in Texas.  This includes, but is not limited to, rent and utility assistance, food, emergency shelters, where to get employment help, medical and mental health assistance, help with transportation, and trained intervention counseling.   Information also is available on affordable childcare, caring for an aging relative or help recovering from a disaster.