Rain, wind, snow and ice are
the main causes of power outages in Cowlitz County. Inclement
weather in the fall and winter weather also brings an increased
likelihood of power lines being knocked down by the wind and
trees.
Please remember that your power can go out anytime of the year,
for any number of reasons. If you are prepared for an outage
it is much easier to endure. Plan ahead and make sure you have
the following items on hand:
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Canned/packaged food |
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Fresh water (bottled) |
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Blankets |
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Battery-operated radio |
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Flashlight with fresh batteries |
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Stay away from downed lines
and never touch objects that are in contact with downed
lines. |
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Report a power outage to the PUD immediately
and any evidence of what may have caused it (downed lines,
loud noise, flash of light, trees on lines, etc. Please
do not call 911 to report your power is out. The PUD dispatch
center is open 24-hours per day at (360) 423-2210 or (800)
631-1131. |
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Cowlitz PUD line crews are called out
at the onset of a power outage. If you receive multiple
busy signals while calling the PUD to report an outage,
there is a good chance your neighbors have already notified
us. If you believe your outage is an isolated incident,
please continue to call until you get through. |
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After an outage has begun, we recommend
that you unplug appliances that will come on automatically
(refrigerator, pump, etc.) once the power is restored. |
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When your power is out, never
use generators, grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline,
propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices inside
your home, basement, garage, or camper—or even
outside near an open window. |
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Unplug any equipment with electronic
circuitry—computer, television, microwave—which
could be damaged by voltage fluctuations that could occur
when power is restored. |
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Do not open the refrigerator/ freezer
when power is off. A refrigerator keeps food cold for a
few hours during an outage, while food in the freezer can
stay frozen for two-to-three days—but the door must
remain closed. A full freezer keeps food frozen longer
than a half-full one. Wait until the power has been restored
to open these doors and evaluate your food. |
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If you have a generator, please refer to our Generator
Safety tips before using it. |
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