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Monday, Sep. 28

A weather system is tracking into our region overnight with strong winds forecasted for Kitsap, Island, far Western Whatcom and Skagit Counties. Winds impacting fully flush vegetation this early in the season can lead to a larger than expected number of outages.

We understand how difficult it is to be without power.  Our teams are preparing to respond and we have added staffing overnight and into the morning. Crews will remain in the field to assess damage and restore power as long as it is safe.  If your power goes out, we’ll work around the clock to restore it as quickly and safely as possible.

As we prepare for storm conditions, we encourage our customers to do the same:

  • Make sure to have emergency supplies at home and in your vehicle, such as extra batteries, flashlights, food and blankets.
  • Have a battery-powered radio ready to go.
  • Charge cell phones and mobile devices in case the power goes out.
  • Download the PSE mobile outage app to track and report outages or visit pse.com/outagemap.
  • Find more preparedness tips at pse.com/storm.    

alert 

Safety first:

  • Assume all wires on the ground are energized. Never touch or go within 35 feet of any wire on the ground. Call PSE at 1-888-225-5773 or 911 to report any wire on the ground.
  • If you’re using portable heaters, keep them away from furniture, draperies and other flammable materials.
  • Always use flashlights instead of candles.
  • Be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning:
    • Never install or use a generator indoors or in enclosed or partially-enclosed areas, even those that are ventilated. When using your generator outdoors during a power outage, avoid placing it near windows, doors and vents. More generator safety tips: pse.com/en/pages/generator-safety.
    • Never use a natural gas range for heating, or charcoal as an indoor heating or cooking source.
    • Additional carbon monoxide safety information: pse.com/en/pages/carbon-monoxide.
  • Never charge your phone or other devices in a running vehicle with the garage door closed.

Create an emergency kit

Create an emergency kit that will keep you and your family safe and comfortable during a major power outage or natural disaster – and have it ready before disaster strikes. The following checklist will get you started. Make sure to include enough supplies to last at least three days for you, your family - and pets too.

Emergency kit checklist

  1. Water (1 gallon per person, per day)
  2. Non-perishable foods
  3. Cash (ATMs may not be working; small bills are best)
  4. Flashlights
  5. Radio (battery-powered or hand-crank)
  6. Extra batteries
  7. First aid kit
  8. Whistle to signal for help
  9. Sturdy shoes, gloves
  10. Shelter items (tent, tarp, rope)
  11. Dust mask to help filter contaminated air (cotton t-shirts can work)
  12. Wrench to turn off utilities, such as natural gas or water
  13. Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for sanitation
  14. Manual can opener
  15. Multipurpose (A-B-C) fire extinguisher
  16. Unique family needs (supplies for infants, pets; prescription and over-the-counter medications; emergency phone numbers, important documents such as birth certificates)

Preparing multiple kits, for home, work and your vehicle, is a good idea.

Remember: When preparing for a major storm, earthquake, wildfire or flood, a preparedness kit is most effective when you also have an emergency plan.

More kit ideas

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