AEP Texas employees joined hundreds of community members and emergency officials at the 2026 Coastal Bend Hurricane Conference. The annual conference strengthens the community’s resiliency efforts by bringing emergency responders together to share their strategies ahead of the storm season.

With downed power lines being one of the deadliest hazards following a hurricane, AEP Texas employees Jesus Vasquez and Jeffrey Edgeman presented on safety measures first responders should keep in mind during a storm. They explained touch and step potential, urged first responders not to pull any electrical meters, and reminded everyone not to go near any downed power lines.

“You may not have an audible or visual cue that the line is energized so it’s best to always assume it is energized and stay as far away as possible from it,” Edgeman said.