Be Prepared for a Power Outage

Modern Electric Water Company’s goal is to ensure there are as few service interruptions as possible, but sometimes weather conditions, car accidents, or wildlife can cause the power to go out.

Being ready for a power outage will help you stay safe and be more comfortable. First, make a contact plan for your family.  Secondly, build or restock your emergency kit. The kit should have enough food, water, clothing, and supplies to last for at least three days.

The following is an emergency kit checklist:

• One gallon of water per person, per day
• Non-perishable and easy-to-prepare food
• Manual can opener
• Flashlights with extra batteries
• Sleeping bag or warm blankets for each person
• First Aid Kit
• Cash
• Fire extinguisher
• Portable, battery-powered or hand-cranked radio
• Multipurpose tools
• Medications and any required medical items and paperwork
• Backup power for any electric power, life-sustaining equipment
• Contact information for family and emergency services
• Matches in a water proof container
• Books, game and cards
• Whistle to signal for help
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and lotion
• Cellphones with external chargers and / or non-cordless telephone
• Paper plates and towels, plastic cups and utensils, and trash bags
• Pet food, bowls, and a pet carrier (if needed)
• Baby supplies (if needed)

Additionally, sign up for local alerts and warning systems such as Alert Spokane. Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home.

During an outage, keep freezers and refrigerators closed. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Use coolers with ice if necessary. Monitor temperatures with a thermometer. After the outage, throw out refrigerated food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.

Turn off all the appliances that were on before the outage; unplug electronic equipment.

Generators, camp stoves, or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows to avoid possible carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.

Do not wire an emergency generator into your home’s electrical system, unless there is a disconnect switch to separate generated power from Modern’s distribution system. Backfeeding of electricity from the generator into power lines could injure or even kill a lineman working to restore power.

Please turn on your front porch light so crews can see which residents have power restored.

Check on your neighbors. Older adults and young children are especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures. Go to a community location with power if heat or cold is extreme. Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment, or electronics. Finally, keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks full. For more information to help you plan ahead for emergencies visit Ready dot Gov.