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Power Outage

Power outages are inconvenient and may cause:

  • A disruption to communications, water, and transportation
  • Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks, and other services
  • Cause food spoilage and water contamination
  • Prevent the use of medical devices

How to prepare for power outages

Before the power outage

  • Take inventory of the items you use that rely on electricity to function
  • Find and store batteries and other alternative power sources such as a portable charger or power bank
  • Have flashlights
  • Keep your mobile phones charged and gas tanks full. Maintain an adequate supply of fuel if you own a portable generator
  • Keep a supply of nonperishable food and water
  • Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines, if needed

During the power outage

  • To avoid damages that can be caused by electrical surges, disconnect appliances and electronics
  • Keep refrigerators and freezers closed so that the food inside does not spoil. Refrigerators can possibly be kept cold for about 4 hours after the power goes out, and freezers might be able to keep their temperature for about 48 hours. Try to use foods that do not require refrigeration during a power outage.
  • To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning – generators, camp stoves, or charcoal grills should be used outdoors and away from windows. Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
  • Monitor the cities’ social media pages for information on where to go if the heat or cold is extreme.
  • Check on your neighbors if you can. Older populations and children are especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures.

The Puget Sound Energy outage map contains information on active outages.

For customers of Tacoma Public Utilities, click here to view the power outage map.

After a power outage

  • Throw away any food that may be spoiled. Food that has been exposed to temperatures of 40 degrees or higher for more than two hours should be thrown away.
  • Medications that require refrigeration should be discarded if the power has been out for more than a day (unless the drug’s label says otherwise.)