November winds and rain have officially arrived and along with them so has the risk of power outages. Seattle City Light is prepared to answer the call when power outages occur by keeping crews and equipment at the ready, but there are some things that you can do at home to prepare for the inclement weather ahead. Here are some tips and resources to help you stay safe and informed when the power goes out:  

Have your emergency kit and at the ready

• Keep your emergency kit stocked and stored in an easy to find location even in the dark.
• Suggested items to include:
• Battery powered lighting sources such as flashlights and LED candles and portable charging devices
• Drinking water and non-perishable food items for each family member for at least 48 hours
• Prescription medications and first aid supplies
• Blankets and warm clothing for each of your home’s occupants
• A deck of cards, puzzles, books, or non-electronic entertainment to preserve your devices’ battery life for important purposes
• Don’t forget your furry family members – have an emergency supply of pet food readily available as well.
• For tips on what you need, visit seattle.gov/emergency-management/prepare.

Stay informed 

• Be aware of current weather conditions. When inclement weather is expected, limit travel to necessary trips only to help prevent additional accidents and keep the roads clear for emergency personnel.

Keep carbon monoxide out

• Don’t attempt to heat your home with your gas oven, gas range, grill or portable or propane heaters.
• Never use generators, grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window. They use up the oxygen in your home and create carbon monoxide that can cause suffocation.

Stay alert

• Assume that all downed power lines are active. Do not approach and stay 30 feet back. Call 911 to report downed power lines.
• If a power line hits your vehicle, stay inside the car because the ground around your car may be energized. Sound the horn, roll down your window and call for help. Warn others to stay away.
• Be aware of loose tree limbs and branches that may come down and strike you.

How we address outages

City Light is committed to restoring power to our customers as quickly as possible while ensuring the safety and security of our crew members.

• Working with power lines is dangerous even in the best of weather conditions, so the safety of our crew members is always a priority.
• During extreme weather events, we work strategically and methodically to restore power to as many customers as we can while also assisting first responders and other utility providers to address public safety issues.
• Please give City Light crew members ample room to work free from distractions. This is for your safety and theirs. As always, your patience is appreciated.

For more information about how to prepare before, during, and after a power outage, visit seattle.gov/city-light/outage-safety