HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — On Friday, a northeast Houston family reached the 12-day mark without power following Hurricane Beryl’s landfall.
The storm caused three trees in their backyard to fall, cutting off power, gas, and sewage lines. Another tree is at risk of falling soon.
Carolyn Ann Bennett expressed her frustration: “I had to cut all my hair off two days ago because I was so stressed. CenterPoint says there’s nothing they can do for us now. We’re stuck between a rock and a hard place.”
The extensive damage at their Harmon Street home has prevented utility workers from restoring power. CenterPoint officials provided the following statement to:
“We can confirm that 6331 Harmon has meter loop damage. We cannot safely restore service to the home until a licensed electrician makes the necessary repairs.”
Kenneth Bennett, Carolyn’s disabled husband, mentioned that their insurance claims were denied since no trees physically struck their house. He and Carolyn care for their four grandchildren.
“It’s really dangerous to stay in this house. I pay all my bills, then try to get help, but keep getting the runaround,” Kenneth said.
The power outage also affected Dorothy Horton, their neighbor.
“This is the worst I’ve ever experienced,” Horton said.
Clearing the yard safely will be both challenging and costly.
The Bennetts have been sleeping on couches and sleeping bags, crowding into the only room cooled by a donated generator.
Local volunteer groups are working to bring in licensed crews to assist. The Bennetts are hoping the leaning tree in their backyard will not fall before it can be safely removed.
Kenneth added, “If it weren’t for the man upstairs, I don’t know what we would do.”
