HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 16: (EDITOR'S NOTE - Alternate crop) Karla Perez and Esperanza Gonzalez warm up by a barbecue grill during power outage caused by the winter storm on February 16, 2021 in Houston, Texas. Winter storm Uri has brought historic cold weather, power outages and traffic accidents to Texas as storms have swept across 26 states with a mix of freezing temperatures and precipitation. (Photo by Go Nakamura/Getty Images)

As Houston prepares for the possibility of freezing temperatures and icy conditions next week, CenterPoint Energy is stepping up efforts to prevent power outages like those experienced during the infamous freeze a few years ago.

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The company has been collaborating with local and state teams, and first responders, and deploying cold-weather measures across its electric and gas infrastructure in the Houston area. Since August, CenterPoint has trimmed over 3,500 miles of high-risk vegetation, a proactive step to prevent tree-related power line damage—an issue that caused widespread outages during previous severe storms.

“We’re monitoring the severe cold weather expected to hit the Greater Houston area starting on MLK Day,” said Matt Lanza, CenterPoint’s Meteorology Manager. “Our team is keeping a close eye on models for potential winter storms and urging customers to stay alert to changing conditions.”

HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 16: Snack shelves are seen nearly empty in Fiesta supermarket on February 16, 2021 in Houston, Texas. Winter storm Uri has brought historic cold weather, power outages and traffic accidents to Texas as storms have swept across 26 states with a mix of freezing temperatures and precipitation. (Photo by Go Nakamura/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 16: People shop in Fiesta supermarket on February 16, 2021 in Houston, Texas. Winter storm Uri has brought historic cold weather, power outages and traffic accidents to Texas as storms have swept across 26 states with a mix of freezing temperatures and precipitation. (Photo by Go Nakamura/Getty Images)

Early forecasts predict freezing temperatures and precipitation from Sunday through Thursday, potentially leading to frozen power lines and outages. CenterPoint’s Senior Vice President of Electric Business, Darin Carroll, reassured Houstonians, stating, “Our teams are ready to respond quickly and safely to any impacts. We’ve enhanced staffing plans and stationed crews across the region to restore service efficiently.”

HOUSTON, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 21: The U.S. and Texas flags fly in front of high voltage transmission towers on February 21, 2021 in Houston, Texas. Millions of Texans lost power when winter storm Uri hit the state and knocked out coal, natural gas and nuclear plants that were unprepared for the freezing temperatures brought on by the storm. Wind turbines that provide an estimated 24 percent of energy to the state became inoperable when they froze. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

The company urges Houstonians to prepare for the cold by creating emergency plans and staying weather-aware. CenterPoint also reminds residents to stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines and report them immediately.