[Preservenw] High Winds Cut Power In Pockets Across Pacific NW: Preparedness Tips When the Lights Go Out

[Gary Menges]

High Winds Cut Power In Pockets Across Pacific NW
Preparedness Tips When the Lights Go Out

Release Date: November 16, 2010
Release Number: R10-10-043

FEMA 2010 Region X News Release

SEATTLE, Wash. -- Strong winds walloped the west coast last night, felling 
trees, blocking highways and causing sporadic power failures.  As utility 
crews work to restore power, emergency managers urge residents affected by 
outages to exercise caution and common sense.

"Power outages raise a number of safety concerns as residents seek to 
light, heat and power their homes from alternative sources," said FEMA 
Regional Administrator Ken Murphy. "Emergency power needs can rank right 
up there with food, water, first aid kits and shelter, but we need to be 
careful!"

When the power fails, resist the temptation to call 9-1-1 for 
informationthats what your battery-powered radio is for.  Keep 
refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to prevent food 
spoilage.  Turn off electric appliances to protect against power surges 
when power is restored.  Turn off all lights but one (to alert you when 
power resumes).  Plan on cell phones or corded phones for emergency 
callscordless phones require electricity.  Keep your car fuel tank at 
least half-full (gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps). 
Candles can be dangerous fire hazards.  Flashlights and electric lanterns 
are safer by far.  Battery operated radios and clocks are other 
essentials, along with a supply of fresh batteries.  If electric wheel 
chairs or electric life support devices are part of the equation, consider 
extra battery packs or a prearranged agreement from local police or fire 
stations for priority support.

Never use a portable generator in a garage, carport, basement, crawlspace 
or other enclosed or partially-enclosed area, even with ventilation. If 
you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to 
fresh air immediately. Install home Carbon Monoxide alarms that have 
battery back-up. Store fuel safely.

When the power comes back on, wait a few minutes before turning on major 
appliances to help eliminate problems that could occur if theres a sharp 
increase in demand. If you think that electric power has been restored to 
your area but your home is still without power, call your local power 
company.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure 
that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our 
capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and 
mitigate all hazards.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 16-Nov-2010 12:56:39