Power Outages

Power outages are more likely to occur during severe weather events, such as strong thunderstorms, hurricanes, and winter storms, or other natural disasters such as wildfires.

Other ways power outages can occur is through Pacific Power's Public Safety Power Shutoffs and emergency de-energization. 

It is important to prepare and protect yourself and your family during a power outage.

Emergency Preparedness

Prepare for power outages by having an emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and more. This ensures you can stay safe and comfortable until power is restored. Learn more on How To Stay Safe During a Power Outage.

What are recommendations for water safety during a power outage?

Municipal Water
For people on municipal water, reach out to your water provider for more information and to ensure that the water provider has your up-to-date emergency contact information. 

Visit Yakima County's Utilities webpage here.

Private Well Owners 
Learn more about recommendations to disinfect your well after a power outage. Click on the image below for more information.

What are recommendations for food safety during a power outage?

Learn more about food safety recommendations for a food establishment during a power outage. This guideline helps retail food businesses know what to do before, during, and after a power outage so they can protect their customers from foodborne disease and minimize product losses. 

Click on the image below for more information.

What are recommendations for pools and spas during a power outage?

Learn more about recommendations on power outages for pools & spas. This guideline helps water recreation facilities know what to do during and after a power outage so they can protect their customers from waterborne illness or injury. 

Click on the image below for more information.

Do You Have Medical Equipment That Requires Electricity? 

Power outages can also impact the use of devices and refrigeration, important for those relying on medical equipment and medicines like insulin. Here are some tips:

• Identify emergency lighting, safe heating options, and backup power sources.
• Create an emergency power plan, including model and serial numbers of your medical devices.
• Check if your medical devices are compatible with batteries or a generator.
• Fully charge your phone, battery-powered devices, and backup power sources before a disaster.
• If possible, get manual alternatives for electric devices, like a manual wheelchair or cane as a backup for an electric scooter.

Pacific Power’s Medical Certificate Program helps Washington customers prepare for emergencies by providing extra notifications during Public Safety Power Shutoff events, not just for those who rely on electrically powered medical equipment like respirators or oxygen tanks, but also for those who need to keep medications such as insulin in refrigerators. 

Eligibility 
Customers with serious health conditions or those requiring powered medical devices qualify. 

How to Apply 
A medical professional must complete a form, available online at www.PacificPower.net/medical or printed and mail/fax to:  

• Attention: Medical Certificates 
  P.O. Box 400 
  Portland, Oregon 97207-0400  
  Fax: 1-877-283-7697