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We're watching the forecast for strong winds this weekend. We know how difficult it is to be without power. As we make preparations, we encourage you to do so too. Visit pse.com/storm for preparedness tips.

Crews will respond to power outages as long as conditions are safe to do so. If your power goes out, we'll work around the clock to restore it as quickly and safely as possible. 

   

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Safety first.

  • Never touch or go within 35 feet of downed power lines because they might be energized. Call PSE at 1-888-225-5773 or 911 to report problems.

  • If you’re using portable heaters, keep them away from furniture, draperies and other flammable materials.

  • Always use flashlights instead of candles.

  • Be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning:

    • Never install or use a generator indoors or in enclosed or partially-enclosed areas, even those that are ventilated. When using your generator outdoors during a power outage, avoid placing it near windows, doors and vents. More generator safety tips: pse.com/en/pages/generator-safety  
    • Never use a natural gas range for heating, or charcoal as an indoor heating or cooking source.
    • Additional carbon monoxide safety information: pse.com/en/pages/carbon-monoxide

  • Never charge your phone or other devices in a running vehicle with the garage door closed.

  • Make sure that natural gas appliances are maintained and operated according to manufacturer recommendations.

PSE takes a holistic approach to the evolving risk of wildfires by operating and improving our infrastructure to create an electric system that is reliable, resilient, and above all, safe.

PSE's Wildfire Risk Management Program includes our year-round work to prevent wildfires by:

  • Investing in projects to strengthen our infrastructure.
  • Utilizing tools and new technologies to enhance situational awareness.
  • Monitoring real-time conditions and operating the electric system at varying levels of sensitivity.
  • Partnering with emergency responders, local organizations, and our customers to build more resilient communities.

Read our current Wildfire Mitigation Plan for more details.

Year-round prevention efforts

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Vegetation management

Trees and other vegetation that grow too close to power lines can cause power outages and create sparks, so PSE’s Vegetation Management program regularly inspects power lines throughout our service area and trims or removes hazardous trees and other vegetation.

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Strengthening the grid

PSE replaces and upgrades equipment to improve reliability and help prevent wildfires, including regularly inspecting and replacing poles, wires and other equipment, installing "tree wire" (specially coated overhead wire that helps prevent sparks, and strategically undergrounding power lines in areas with the highest wildfire risk.

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Wildfire safe operations

PSE monitors real-time conditions and will operate our electric system more sensitively during the summer months to prevent wildfires. When weather conditions are severe, we may turn on Enhanced Powerline Settings (EPS) or use a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) to help keep our customers and communities safe.

How you can prepare for peak wildfire season

  • Create and practice a household emergency plan and build an emergency kit.
  • Make sure your PSE account contact information is up to date.
  • If you use a medical device in your home that relies on electricity, apply for Life Support status on your account.
  • Learn more about how we operate the electric grid to prevent wildfires and keep communities safe, including using Public Safety Power Shutoffs.
  • Get your free Wildfire Ready Plan from Washington Department of Natural Resources and take action to make your home and community more resilient.
  • If you notice a tree that is dangerously close to overhead power lines or appears to be in poor health, please call your local PSE arborist or fill out our contact form.
  • Visit our Resources page to learn more about local organizations and programs to help you prepare for wildfire season, emergencies, and power outages.
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During high-risk weather conditions, we may use a Public Safety Power Shutoff to prevent wildfires from starting by proactively turning off power.

Learn more

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See a “danger tree” growing too close to power lines?

Please report it here

PSE wildfire plans
Resources