As efforts to restore power in the Houston area continue, some residents have been without electricity for nearly a week since Hurricane Beryl.
One apartment community in Montrose, The Gardens, is one of those areas that has gone days without power. People in the area report that many residents are elderly and disabled members of the LGBTQ+ community.
“It’s a hub for the LGBTQ community. They don’t have anywhere else to go,” says tenant, Amanda Wolfe.
MORE: Consistent storms forcing crews to stop as thousands are still without power
Wolfe, and so many others have reached out to CenterPoint several times, hoping to get answers as to when the power will be restored. Meanwhile, area businesses and homes are starting to get their power restored.
Another concern at the rear of the building is a blown transformer. Tenants say they’re concerned it could spark and catch fire.
“Those things are going to fall. They’re going to catch fire and it’s not even 20 feet from the building,” says Rocky, another tenant, who is referring to the power lines that dangle from the power pole.
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The Houston Fire Department tells KPRC 2 they are aware and have been out to the site several times as they continue to monitor it.
Like The Gardens, there are many areas still without power that are isolated from the neighborhood they’re in.
We’ve gotten a lot of questions regarding why some people have power and others may not. CenterPoint says there could be several reasons with one of them being what’s called a “Nested” outage. That’s where after fixing the main line, there could be other isolated issues keeping the power out, such as a damaged transformer, fuse, or other infrastructure.
For people who live at The Gardens, they’re hoping whatever it is, the power comes back soon.
“I’ve been most afraid for them. I don’t know how they’ve managed,” says Wolfe, referring to her fellow tenants.
HFD recommends if people see downed trees or power lines to call 311. And, if it’s a life or safety issue call 911.