Preparing for Winter Power Outages in Spokane
Spokane has seen what a big outage looks like. Ice Storm '96 and the November 2015 windstorm left large parts of the area without power for days. Here's how to be ready.
Request an electricianKnow what you depend on
List what you need power for: furnace blower, well pump, sump pump, fridge, freezer, medical equipment, phone charging. That list decides what kind of backup makes sense.
Generators done right
A portable generator must connect through a transfer switch or interlock, never through a household outlet. A standby generator can start automatically. See generators.
Carbon monoxide
Run generators outdoors only, well away from doors, windows and vents. Never in a garage. Keep battery-backed carbon monoxide alarms on every level.
Downed lines
Treat every downed line as live. Stay far away and report it to the utility. Don't drive over lines or touch anything they're resting on.
When power returns
Turn off or unplug sensitive electronics during the outage, then turn things back on gradually. Surge protectors help; whole-home surge protection is another option.
Keep warm safely
Never use a gas oven, barbecue or camp stove to heat the house. Close off unused rooms and gather in one.
Plan ahead
Fall is the time to test a generator, buy fuel safely, and check flashlights and batteries.
Get help
Send a request to have a generator hookup or transfer switch installed.
Protect pipes
If the outage drags on in deep cold, pipes in outside walls and crawl spaces can freeze. Keep cabinet doors under sinks open, let a tap drip if water still runs, and know where your main water shut-off is.
Medical needs
If anyone in the home depends on powered medical equipment, tell your utility and plan for backup power and a place to go if an outage lasts more than a few hours.
More electrical guides
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