HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — As Hurricane Beryl left more than 1.5 million Houstonians without power, residents are facing sweltering conditions and a frantic search for generators.
Hardware stores across Houston are reporting empty shelves for generators and propane, leaving many like Rene Ramirez scrambling to keep cool. “We’ve got the windows open. We’ve got the doors open. My grandkids are just running back and forth. We sit outside to keep it cool, but it’s really hot,” Ramirez shared with ABC13 after visiting multiple stores in vain.
David Koster from Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning, and Electrical emphasized the critical need for generators in Houston, describing them as a necessity rather than a luxury. Despite challenges such as power outages affecting their operations, Koster noted that demand for generator installations is expected to surge as power is restored.
Preparing for severe weather with generators, especially whole-home units, requires significant investment and planning. Whole-home generators can cost thousands of dollars and involve lengthy installation processes requiring permits. Even portable generators, which are more affordable, require professional setup to prevent safety hazards like fires or electric shocks.
Reflecting on the current shortages, Ramirez expressed resilience, stating, “I can’t find nothing. It’s hard, but you gotta keep on going. Can’t give up.”
As Houston prepares for the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, the community anticipates replenished supplies in hardware stores by next week, aiming to meet the urgent demand for generators to cope with ongoing power challenges.
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