Preparing for Stormy Months Ahead

Summer’s extended stay meant warm, dry weather for much longer than anticipated this year. That doesn’t mean that the cold, rainy, and sometimes wintry weather we’re used to isn’t just around the corner. Windstorms, heavy snow, and other inclement weather events can result in power outages in our area. Seattle City Light has a few tips and resources to help you prepare for the storm season ahead so that you stay comfortable, informed, and most importantly, safe.    

Have a kit ready  
Make a pack that will last for at least seven days with essential items like medications, non-perishable food items, water, flashlights, spare batteries, warm clothing, and a first aid kit. Keep phones and other electronic devices charged and at the ready. Don’t forget to have supplies set aside for your pet as well. For tips on what you need, visit seattle.gov/emergency-management/prepare.

Stay informed 

Check the Seattle City Light outage map for current information about any outages in your neighborhood and surrounding areas. Be sure to sign up for emergency notifications via text for your area (Alert Seattle or Alert King County). 

Assess your trees  
With most of the leaves fallen, now is a great time to examine the structure of your trees. Look up and identify broken or cracked branches that could fall during a windstorm. If your trees could cause safety problems with power lines, call 206-386-1733.  

Sign up for our Life Support Program  
If you are a Seattle City Light customer and someone in your home is dependent on this equipment, City Light can help you maintain safety during planned and unplanned outages through the Life Support Equipment Program. For more information about this program and tips for managing outages with life support equipment, visit seattle.gov/city-light/life-support.

Never use gas or charcoal grills indoors 
In a power outage, never use gas grills, charcoal grills, or BBQs inside the home or in a garage. The exhaust fumes can be deadly in enclosed spaces. Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home to avoid illness or even death from carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Keep generators away from your home 
While generators can be effective during a power outage, they need to be used with care. Always use portable generators outside in well-ventilated areas.  

Stay away from downed power lines  
Stay at least 30 feet away from a downed power line and call 911 to report them.   

Seattle City Light is committed to restoring power to customers as quickly and as safely as possible while keeping crews safe. For more information about how to prepare before, during, and after a power outage, visit seattle.gov/city-light/outage-safety.

 Contributor Jenn Strang manages media relations for Seattle City Light.