Outages – Be Prepared
To report an outage call: (360) 452-9771 or (800) 542-7859 or report it using the SmartHub app!
Current Outages Map – please note there is a difference between the number shown in the legend on the map and the number shown when you mouse over an outage indicator dot. This is because the data is pulled from two sources, one of which is identifying the number of meters, and one counts the number of customers. Some customers have multiple meters, so the lesser of the two numbers is the number of customers out.
Help Us Help You – The PUD’s outage management system identifies outage sites by the phone number used to report them. If you contact information has changed, and you have not notified us of that change, please do so now. This includes if you have recently disconnected a land line. We need to know to remove it from your account. This allows you to receive the automated calls that go out to notify you of a planned outage. The system will default to the landline first if you have multiple numbers associated with your account. Help us help you! Call 360-452-9771 or 800-542-7859 to update your information.
While our crews have an ongoing schedule of maintaining branches and brush away from PUD equipment, outages can still occur for a variety of reasons including digging, wildlife contact, car accidents, equipment failure, and the usual storms that bring down branches and trees. The following tips also work in conjunction with your disaster plan and emergency kit:
- Have flashlights/lanterns and batteries stocked up. We recommend ones with LED lights as they are long lasting, safe, and BRIGHT! Tip: Keep one or two flashlights close at hand where you can easily reach them in the event of an outage, but for the rest store the batteries in a plastic baggie with the flashlight or lantern to avoid battery leakage. Check your supplies annually along with your smoke detector batteries to ensure you have fresh batteries and that all flashlights/lanterns are working.
- Avoid using candles which can cause fires.
- Keep cell phones and any battery-powered devices charged. Invest in battery or solar powered charging devices as a backup. Cordless phones do not work during outage so if you have a landline, consider having a standard corded phone.
- Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio on hand to be able to listen for updates.
- Find out if your electric garage door has a manual release mechanism and know how to use it.
- Never burn charcoal, or use a gas oven or barbecue as a source of heat. Do not run your car inside a closed garage to keep warm.
- Follow your generator’s operating manual carefully and only operate it outside in a dry, well-ventilated area. Never connect a generator to your home’s electrical system. Contact your local PUD office if you have questions.
- Purchase or make ice packs to keep in your freezer to help keep food cold during an outage. During the outage, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours. A full, unopened freezer will maintain its temperature for about 48 hours.
- If you require any medical or assistive devices that require power, determine what your backup plan will be.
- Turn off or disconnect appliances or electronics in case of a power surge when service is restored or invest in surge protectors. Leave one light turned on so you’ll know when the power comes back on.
- Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures higher than 40 F for 2 hours or more, that has an unusual odor, color, or texture. When in doubt, throw it out!
—————————————————————–
Other resources:
American Red Cross: Power Outage Safety
WA State Dept of Health – Food Safety During a Power Outage