Before a power outage:
Prepare a safety kit with a flashlight, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food, blankets, warm clothing, emergency phone numbers, battery-powered radio, a first aid kit and other items you might need if power is out for several days. There are some great checklists on the Take Winter By Storm website – a site dedicated to emergency preparedness in Western Washington.
Stock up on pantry dried goods such as rice, canned foods, dried soups/noodles, trail mixes and non-perishable entrees. If you use a camp or propane stove, DO NOT USE IT INDOORS. Carbon monoxide deaths are very common during prolonged outages.
Plan ahead ways to keep foods cold. Use freeze-pack inserts and keep them frozen. Use a cooler. Freeze water in plastic jugs or containers or store bags of ice.
If a storm is predicted, make sure your vehicle has plenty of fuel. When power is out, gas pumps at service stations typically don’t work. Also keep cell on the charger as long as possible if a major storm is anticipated. You may need it if the land lines go down.
If a storm is predicted, we advise you use the National Weather Service in Seattle as your source for weather information. Pay particular attention to Watches, Warnings and Advisories as they will offer information regarding timing, strength and duration of winds.
If your garage has an electric door opener, locate the manual release lever and know how to operate it. Educate yourself on how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Install surge protectors and/or battery systems for computers, flat screen TVs, etc. If a permanent generator installation is desired, consult a licensed electrician to install an approved transfer switch. Do not connect a generator directly into your home’s main fuse box or circuit panel. View our Generator Safety Page for more info.
During a power outage:
Call 360 385 5800 to report a power outage. If no one has answered, we are likely processing many calls and/or turning the phones over so that all customer service representatives can field incoming calls. If you cannot get through initially, please wait about 5 minutes and try again. During a major outage Jefferson PUD will have a short outgoing message describing the outage and where it is. Generally, we will not provide information regarding when power will be restored during a major storm event.
Listen to local radio stations such as KPTZ (91.9 FM) or KSQM (91.5 FM) for emergency management status updates. If you have cellular data service, get up to date info from the PUD on Twitter and Facebook
Turn off lights and appliances, including your furnace, and unplug sensitive electronic devices, like computers to avoid a circuit overload when power is restored. Leave one light switch on so you’ll know when service returns.
Keep freezer and refrigerator doors closed; open them only when necessary. Food will usually stay frozen for 36-48 hours in a fully loaded freezer if you keep the door closed. A half-full freezer will generally keep food frozen for 24 hours
Do not use gasoline-powered machinery, such as generators in any enclosed space; toxic fumes kill! Operate generators outdoors. Plug appliances directly into the generator using heavy duty, properly grounded extension cords that aren’t worn or frayed.
Do not use charcoal grills indoors. Dangerous carbon monoxide generated from them and other fuel-burning devices can and do kill people every year.
Do not use a gas range or oven for room heating. A fuel-burning heater, such as a kerosene heater, requires plenty of ventilation to prevent buildup of harmful fumes. Place heaters on a hard, stable surface away from flammable materials. Never leave children or pets alone when using a portable heater.
Drive Carefully if you leave your home. If driving and traffic signals are out, treat the intersection as a four-way stop.
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