Consider last weekend’s chilly surprise storm as your reminder to get ready for the storm season ahead and to make sure you know what to do when the lights go out.
Storms cause a significant portion of the outages in the Pacific Northwest. Clark Public Utilities has spent decades building a hardened grid to withstand the worst weather, but sometimes nature’s wrath is too much to withstand.
Most outages are resolved quickly — especially in urban areas, but sometimes they can last for a day or longer — particularly in rural areas. Knowing how to react when that happens and having the right supplies on hand will make the difference between an inconvenient outage and a downright frustrating one.
The first step is building a kit and a plan. Step two is knowing what to do when the lights go out.
Here’s how to do it:
Start with a communications plan. Make sure everyone in the household knows how to get in contact with each other. Don’t forget to find ways to be in touch with vulnerable friends or family members who may need assistance. Write down any important numbers or addresses and put them in the kit.
Next, make a list of any supplies every pet or person may need over three days. Include important items like medications, first aid, food, water, flashlights, batteries, pet supplies and other important items. After you’ve gathered everything, leave your list with the kit so you’ll be able to refer to it in the future when it’s time to replenish the supplies. It’s not always feasible to keep important items in the kit, so at least be sure they’re easy to find during an emergency.
With an idea of the volume of stuff you need, grab a sturdy tote or bag and begin filling it. If you already have a kit, this is a good time of year to go through it and see if anything needs to be replaced or replenished. Store it in a place that will be easy to access in an emergency. Consider covering it in glow in the dark paint or stickers so it’ll be easy to find in the dark.
Next, prepare yourself and your home for outages. Remember to help utility crews restore power at your home quickly by reporting outages online at clarkpublicutilities.com or calling 360-992-8000. Only call 911 in the event of an emergency.
Plug all sensitive electronics — computers, TVs, stereos, etc. — into surge protectors. If you need internet service, smartphones can be used as hot spots, just check your phone plan first. Keep a battery pack on hand to charge portable electronics.
Learn to manually open your garage door, if it has an automatic opener. Keep your vehicle’s tank or batteries full. In an emergency, they can be a place to keep warm, charge electronics or get to safety, just never idle them in a closed space.
Electric cookware won’t work during an outage, so plan for barbecuing outdoors or making cold meals. Camp stoves are an option, but never, ever cook with them indoors.
For comprehensive supply lists and additional emergency planning tips, visit clarkpublicutilities.com or the Red Cross website.
Energy Adviser is produced by Clark Public Utilities and relies on the expertise of utility energy counselors and staff, who provide conservation and energy use information. To contact us call 360-992-3355, email ecod@clarkpud.com or visit www.clarkpublicutilities.com.
