Power Outages Plague the Pacific Northwest
Release Date: November 16, 2006
Release Number: R10-06-048
SEATTLE, Wash. -- High winds scoured western states Wednesday, knocking out power in pockets from the Matanuska-Susitna Borough in Alaska to Portland Oregon, and emergency managers are closely monitoring power grids. While Pacific Northwest communities enjoy a fairly robust infrastructure, FEMA Regional Director Susan Reinertson cautions against complacency.
“The rainy season has just started and we’ve already received record rainfalls. Generating plants, transformer stations, power poles and even buried cable are vulnerable,” said Reinertson. “As families and businesses review their emergency kits and disaster plans, emergency power needs should rank right up there with food, water, first aid kits and shelter.”
During a power outage, resist the temptation to call 9-1-1 for information—that’s what your battery-powered radio is for. Turn off major electric appliances to protect against power surges when power is restored. Turn off all lights but one (to alert you when power resumes). Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to prevent food spoilage. Plan on cell phones or corded phones for emergency calls – cordless phones require electricity. Be careful with emergency generators, and never operate them indoors. Keep your car fuel tank at least half-full (gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps).
Candles may provide light during a power failure, but can cause fires. Flashlights and electric lanterns are safer. Battery operated radios and clocks are other essentials, along with a supply of fresh batteries. If electric wheel chairs, breathing machines or other electric life support devices required, consider extra battery packs or a prearranged agreement from local police or fire stations for priority support.
When the power does come back on, it is a good idea to wait a few minutes before turning on major appliance to help eliminate problems that could occur if there’s 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 manages federal response and recovery efforts following national incidents. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Thursday, 16-Nov-2006 22:31:01