SPOKANE, Wash. — Heavy winds are expected across the Inland Northwest on Monday afternoon. The winds could continue into Monday nights, and power companies across the region are urging customers to be prepared for potential power outages and damage from the storm.
As Monday's potential outages are anticipated, there are steps you can take to ensure you are prepared for a power outage.
Additionally, it is important to know what to do in the event of damage from a wind storm, such as a fallen tree or power line.
Here's what you can do to keep yourself safe during a wind-related power outage:
What to do Before the Power Goes Out
- Sign up to receive outage alerts from your utility company:
- Avista
- Kootenai Electric
- Inland Power and Light
- Vera Water and Power- Call 1-888-774-8272
- Northern Lights
- Pend Orielle Public Utility
- Charge cell phones.
- Write Important Information on Paper-During an outage, your cell phone is your lifeline and you’re likely to want to keep it charged in case of an emergency. Because you can’t depend on your phone indefinitely, write down phone numbers and addresses you might need, such as a nearby hospital, a school that’s providing supplies, the local library or storm shelter, or other public places that might have power—places where you’ll be able to go to recharge your electronics and contact loved ones.
- Have a plan for your pets and livestock.
- If your water supply is dependent on electricity, fill your bathtub with water.
- Ensure smoke alarm batteries have been changed recently. Also, consider how an outage will affect home security systems, garage doors and sprinkler systems.
- If you have a medical need that relies on electricity, the Food and Drug Administration published Guidance on Home Use Devices, recommending that individuals dependent on a medical device establish a plan for responding to a power outage and maintain medical information, a list of emergency contacts, extra oxygen tanks, battery backups and contact information for transportation services.
- Assemble an emergency storm kit containing:
- Flashlights and fresh batteries.
- Battery-powered radio or TV and extra batteries.
- Bottled water (one gallon per person per day).
- Nonperishable foods.
- Blankets, bedding or sleeping bags.
- First-aid kit and prescription medications.
- Hand-operated can opener.
- Special items for infants, the elderly or family members with special needs.
- A variety of hand tools.
- Identification and copies of important family documents in a waterproof container.
- Cash (ATMs may be unavailable).
Tips to Prepare Before High Winds
- Wait to take your trash/recycling to the street until the day it will be picked up. Don’t leave it out overnight.
- Secure any outdoor furniture, decor, or loose items like trampolines, umbrellas, etc.
Safety During an Outage
- Turn off all the appliances that were on before the power went out.
- Unplug electronic equipment, including computers.
- Leave a light or radio on as an alert when power has been restored
- Help crews working in a neighborhood know which homes have power by turning on the front porch light.
- Use a generator only to run specific appliances and locate it outside so poisonous carbon monoxide fumes do not enter the home.
- Download the KREM 2 App-This will allow you to receive push updates and news alerts, and also allow you to watch KREM 2 newscasts via your phone to help you monitor what’s happening in your neighborhood and the greater community.