I recently moved here from the east, where we often had power outages because of snow.
Do I need to be concerned about that here?
It does snow here, but nothing like you experienced in the east.
And occasionally the power does go out — usually because of factors such as ice on a power line, a tree limb falling onto a line or a car skidding into a utility pole.
For these reasons, we continually remind our customers to be prepared should the lights go out.
Know where your home’s circuit breaker or fuse box is located. If the lights go out, first check there to see if there’s a problem inside the home.
Then check to see if the neighbors have power. If they do not, report the outage by calling Clark Public Utilities at 360-992-8000. This automated number will record your outage information and provide you with information on outages we’re aware of.
Plan ahead
Before an outage hits, prepare a kit.
Include a flashlight with extra batteries or a crank-type flashlight, a battery powered or wind-up clock and radio, drinking water, non-perishable food — such as tuna, crackers or energy bars — and a manual can opener.
Add a blanket and store everything in a watertight container. Cordless phones will not work, so have a corded phone or cell phone.
Appliances
Unplug all sensitive electrical equipment, such as TVs, the microwave, computers and printers.
Also turn down all thermostats and turn off the circuit breaker for the water heater. This helps reduce the demand on the electrical system once power is restored.
Refrigerators, freezers
It’s important to avoid opening doors to refrigerators and freezers. Food will stay frozen in a full freezer about two days, and in a half-full freezer it will stay frozen for one day.
Food still containing ice crystals can be refrozen. Otherwise, it should be prepared quickly or disposed of.
Be careful if using a portable generator. The Energy Adviser will address generator safety next week.
Keep safety in mind
Do not burn anything larger than candles inside without proper ventilation. And don’t use the fireplace for heating unless you know the chimney is safe.
Fire, smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning can silently kill. You are safer eating a peanut butter sandwich than trying to cook on an old hibachi in the fireplace.
Don’t take chances.
Stay in one room closed off from the rest of the house to conserve heat. Dress warmly and wear a hat.
Clark Public Utilities does all it can to deliver safe and reliable electricity, but unfortunately power outages do happen.
Please be prepared and we’ll be doing all we can to get the power back on.
The Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities energy counselors, who provide conservation and energy use information to utility customers. Send questions to energyadviser@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, in care of Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA, 98668. Past topics are available at http://www.clarkpublicutilities.com.
