News Release from: Pacific Power
STORM CUTS POWER TO 20,000 IN CLATSOP COUNTY
Posted: November 19th, 2012 11:36 AM
Contact: Nov. 19, 2012
Media Hotline, 800-570-5838 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Storm cuts power to 20,000 in Clatsop County
Pacific Power deploying crews to battered area; reminds residents to stay safe
PORTLAND, Ore. - The season's first powerful series of wind and rain storms has pounded the northern Oregon coast leaving 20,000 Pacific Power customers without electricity this morning.
Pacific Power is assessing the storm damage, which affects customers in Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach and several other nearby communities. At this time, no estimate for when power will be restored is available. Crews and equipment from less affected areas are on their way to help restoration efforts in the more hard-hit areas.
As of 11 a.m., Pacific Power also had approximately 2,000 customers without power in Lincoln County and approximately 2,000 customers without power scattered across the Willamette Valley and southern Oregon.
"Staying away from downed power lines, acting quickly to keep others out of the area, and immediately notifying Pacific Power or emergency responders will protect family members, can prevent serious injury and save lives," said Doug Butler, vice president of operations.
Important outage safety information on topics such as downed power lines, heater and generator safety and more is available online at www.pacificpower.net/outage. The website also provides information about current power outages affecting 500 or more customers.
If your lights go out, first check your own breaker or fuse box to make sure the outage is not restricted to your residence. Customers should report a power outage toll free at 1-877-508-5088.
"Just as our employees are prepared to respond to power outages safely and quickly, we encourage our customers to be informed and prepared to help ensure the safety and well-being of their families," said Butler.
One way to stay safe is to assemble an outage kit with items that will be useful in other emergency situations as well. Store these items in a water-tight container:
* Bottled water - one gallon per person per day. (Most emergency preparedness experts recommend having at least a three-day supply on hand.)
* Ready-to-eat foods and manual can opener
* Battery-operated radio, clock, flashlight and extra batteries
* Blankets
* First aid kit
For other electrical safety information, visit www.pacificpower.net/safety or call toll free at 1-800-375-7085.
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