Power Outage

• Stock up on emergency supplies. Have enough food and water to last at least 2 weeks without power and know how to prepare food without using regular appliances, like a refrigerator or stove.
• Keep flashlights and batteries handy.
• Talk to your medical provider to make a plan for any medical devices that rely on electricity and refrigerated medicines.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors and know how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning(PDF, 223KB) .
• Keep vehicle gas tanks at least half full.
• Place a thermometer in your refrigerator and freezer to monitor temperatures to make sure food is safe to eat.

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Use coolers with ice if necessary.
• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning(PDF, 223KB). Never use generators, camp stoves, or charcoal grills inside or in the garage. Use them outdoors in well ventilated areas.
• Go to a community location with power if heat or cold is extreme. Shopping centers, movie theaters, libraries, and community centers are all good options. Never use a gas stove top or an oven for heat.
• Check in on neighbors, especially older adults and families with young children.
• Turn off or disconnect electronic devices and appliances to avoid harmful surges when power returns.

• Throw away any food that is not safe to eat. When in doubt, throw it out!
• Contact your medical provider if you are concerned about refrigerated medications that may have been spoiled.
• Avoid any downed power lines. Call 9-1-1 to report.
• Report any downed trees or tree limbs. On a street or sidewalk, call Public Works at (425) 587-3900. At a park, call the Parks & Community Services at (425) 587-3300. On private property, call the Planning & Building Department at (425) 587-3600.

Puget Sound Energy Outage Map
Report power outages and see current outage information.

Refrigerated Food Safety
Make sure food has not spoiled during an outage and is safe to eat.

Generator Safety
Visit FEMA's page about how to use generators safely to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

FEMA's Winter Weather Safety
Winter weather may cause a power outage.

FEMA's Extreme Heat Safety
Extreme heat may cause a power outage.

Downed Power Lines
Safety information about downed power lines from Puget Sound Energy.