Texans Employ Whataburger App for Navigating Hurricane-Caused Power Blackouts
Hey there! In the wake of Hurricane Beryl slamming Texas, a Houston resident has discovered an unusual way to track power outages — the Whataburger app. With the electric company's map proving less than adequate, BBQBryan found the fast-food chain's app to be a handy alternative, especially since it highlights over 1.9 million power outages in the state.
While the Whataburger app isn't designed to function as a power outage tracker, its utility becomes quite clear in this situation. By showcasing which specific restaurants are closed,users can infer possible power outages, especially when nearby restaurants are open.
However, it's essential to note that this information might not always be accurate, as store closures could be due to reasons other than power outages. For precise and detailed information, official power company maps like CenterPoint's usually offer a more reliable source. Unfortunately, CenterPoint's outage map has had some glitches, causing a gap in reliable information.
Americans, finding solace in familiar places amid uncertainty, have turned to fast-food companies like Whataburger. In fact, this incident brings to mind the Waffle House Index, an old saying that suggests the preparedness of an area for a natural disaster can be determined by how swiftly the local Waffle House reopens.
Whataburger's CEO, Ed Nelson, acknowledged the app's assistance to Houston residents in understanding the power situation in the city. He emphasized that the app should be used as a general idea and encouraged residents to verify the status of their local spots before heading out. "Whataburger is that friend by your side in good times and bad," Nelson said. Stay safe out there!
- In the future, we might see more reliance on technology and unexpected sources, like fast-food apps, to track essential services, such as power outages, when the usual methods prove inadequate.
- As the CEO of Whataburger, Ed Nelson, noted, while the Whataburger app can provide a general idea about power outages, it's always wise to verify the status of specific locations before venturing out.
- The convenience of the Whataburger app, which highlights millions of power outages in Texas, demonstrates its potential as an alternative solution for tracking power outages during critical situations like Hurricane Beryl.
- Despite the usefulness of alternative methods, such as the Whataburger app, for tracking power outages, it's crucial that we remain grateful for reliable sources like the official power company maps, which, though flawed at times, provide precise and detailed information.