Are You Ready If the Lights Go Out?

As any Granny worth her salt would say, "The frost is on the pumpkin." And, by that, I mean fall is here. Time for potato soup, candles and cozy sweaters! Also, it's time to be thinking about some some back-up plans in case the power goes out. Here are some basic power outage preparation tips courtesy of our Cowlitz PUD.

• Create a kit that contains flashlights with extra batteries and a battery powered radio. Know where to find it in a dark house!


• Cordless phones do NOT work without electricity, so make sure you have an old-school corded phone.


• Know how to open your electric garage door if the power is out.

If the power goes out:

• Unplug electronics--computer, TV, microwave--and don't turn them on again until the lights have returned to normal brightness.


• Turn down thermostats and turn off water heater circuit breaker to help reduce initial electric demand when power is restored.


• Do not open refrigerators or freezers.


• If you use a generator, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Place it outside for proper ventilation. NEVER use barbeques or propane heaters indoors.


• Leave a porch light switched on to let PUD repair crews know when service is restored.


• To report a power outage, call the PUD at 423-2210 or (800) 631-1131.

Short power outages are a part of life in this area, but imagine what it would be like to have to deal with it for a week or more, like some of our neighbors to the north did last year. On a related note, later this fall, the Department of Emergency Management will be hosting a "Cooking in the Dark" seminar to teach people how to survive and thrive during an extended power outage. Keep checking the blog for more information!