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Monday, Sep. 28

A weather system is tracking into our region overnight with strong winds forecasted for Kitsap, Island, far Western Whatcom and Skagit Counties. Winds impacting fully flush vegetation this early in the season can lead to a larger than expected number of outages.

We understand how difficult it is to be without power.  Our teams are preparing to respond and we have added staffing overnight and into the morning. Crews will remain in the field to assess damage and restore power as long as it is safe.  If your power goes out, we’ll work around the clock to restore it as quickly and safely as possible.

As we prepare for storm conditions, we encourage our customers to do the same:

  • Make sure to have emergency supplies at home and in your vehicle, such as extra batteries, flashlights, food and blankets.
  • Have a battery-powered radio ready to go.
  • Charge cell phones and mobile devices in case the power goes out.
  • Download the PSE mobile outage app to track and report outages or visit pse.com/outagemap.
  • Find more preparedness tips at pse.com/storm.    

alert 

Safety first:

  • Assume all wires on the ground are energized. Never touch or go within 35 feet of any wire on the ground. Call PSE at 1-888-225-5773 or 911 to report any wire on the ground.
  • 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.

Downed power lines

Keep clear of fallen utility wires

If you come across a downed utility wire of any kind, always do the following:

  • Assume it's energized and stay as far away as you can.
    Energized lines can charge the ground near the point of contact and may electrocute you. If you come upon a downed line of any kind, stay at least 35 feet away. Do not attempt to rescue a person or pet.
  • Call 911 or the utility serving the location. For Puget Sound Energy, call 1-888-225-5773.
    Leave everything to utility professionals and emergency personnel.
  • Do not drive over downed power lines.
    Even if they're not energized, downed wires can get entangled with your vehicle and cause further damage.
  • Stay in your car.
    If a power line falls on your vehicle while you're driving, do not exit until you know for sure that the line is de-energized.
  • If you must evacuate, jump away and land with both feet together.
    Do not touch the vehicle while stepping on the ground, as this can create a path for electricity to run through you.
  • Shuffle away to safety.
    Keep your feet together and take small, shuffling steps until you're at least 35 feet away. Taking larger steps can also create a path for electricity to run through you.
  • Learn about downed utility wire
    Download and read our document to learn more about downed utility wire.
Downed Power Line