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Thursday, Nov. 5

We're watching the forecast and preparing for gusty winds Friday, followed by a stronger weather system Saturday night into Sunday. We expect stormy weather conditions to persist for the next few weeks. Many trees still have vegetation and that could lead to additional outages associated with the weather systems this weekend.

We understand how difficult it is to be without power. Our teams are preparing to respond, we're adding staff for the weekend, and 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.    

Visit PSE’s Alerts and Advisories page for more information: pse.com/alerts.


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.

Gas shut-off

There is typically no reason to shut off your natural gas service at the meter, even after a natural disaster.

After a natural disaster

In a post-disaster situation, such as a major earthquake, unless you smell, see, hear or suspect that gas is escaping, do not turn off your gas service at the meter. If the meter is shut-off, only PSE can restart service, so restoration times will be delayed and you could be without energy for quite some time.

More on earthquake safety, including seismic shut-off valves.

In the event that you need to turn off your gas service at the meter, follow these steps:

  • Locate your main gas service shutoff valve. It's usually the first fitting on the natural gas supply pipe coming out of the ground next to the meter.
  • With a wrench, turn the lever in either direction until it is crosswise to the pipe.
  • Once the gas is turned off, leave it off. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TURN IT BACK ON YOURSELF.
  • Call PSE at 1-888-225-5773 and we will turn it back on, check the system and relight your appliances.

To temporarily shut off natural gas to any appliance

For non-emergency situations, such as a new appliance installation, you may want to turn off the gas to individual appliances or have your installer do this for you. The valve is typically located on the fuel line entering the appliance. You can usually turn this valve on and off by hand.

Excess flow valves

Most customers who had service installed or upgraded after 2006 have an excess flow valve that will automatically restrict the flow of gas if the gas service is damaged under some circumstances. If your service is not equipped with this type of valve, you may have one installed at your own expense. More.

main gas service shutoff valveIllustration of main gas service shutoff valve showing the "on" position of the lever aligned parallel to the pipe and the "off" position aligned crosswise to the pipe.