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NEWS FROM YOUR PUBLIC POWER & WATER UTILITY • WINTER 2014-2015
Storm season is here. Are you prepared? The early December “Pineapple Express” wind and rainstorm was a brutal reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness, particularly for those who lost power for extended periods. These events along with ice and snowstorms, wildfire, earthquakes and tsunamis are risks associated with living here that will result in multiple day power outages for some or many in the future. Below are some resources that can help you prepare for these threats and what to do in case you are in the dark.
How does the PUD prepare? Internally, we have been connecting our substations with fiber optics so that we can monitor and control devices enabling us to respond more quickly to a problem. We are trimming trees that would otherwise grow into or fall onto our lines during a wind event. Maintenance, however does not help if soil-saturating rains coupled with gale force winds cause trees to topple from the roots as many did during the recent storms (see images). In preparation for severe winter storms we increased supply of poles, transformers and conductors, kept our fuel tanks topped off and limited employ-
Crews clearing trees that downed 15 spans of new Jefferson PUD wire near Coyle, January 11, 2014.
ee time off. In the event of a storm, we have mutual assistance agreements with other PUDs and agreements with contractors to bring in additional crews. During the last storm Mason PUD 3 had two crews available to assist after our December 11 windstorm and three contractor crews from Michaels were brought in as well (one we staged before the storm). The PUD also coordinates with local and state emergency management to address priorities, mobilize resources and maintain communications between the utilities and emergency services such as Jeffcom 911. PUD staff and management track
National Weather Service advisories, watches and warnings for storm timing and intensity. Timing is important if crews are being mobilized from the east as they will be affected by Hood Canal Bridge closures. All phases of our emergency preparedness are planned ahead of time and then refined after events to learn from and improve upon our response.
How you should prepare All Jefferson PUD customers should prepare a plan with your family and assemble an emergency kit well in advance of a strong storm or disaster. You should not be planning when you hear about a weather
warning in your area or after an earthquake strikes. Stores may not have the supplies in stock that you will need to ride out several days without power. If a storm is predicted, make sure your vehicle has plenty of gas. When power is out, gas pumps at service stations typically don’t work. Also keep cell phones on the charger as long as possible if a major storm is anticipated. The National Weather Service in Seattle is a great source for weather information. Pay particular attention to Watches, Warnings and Advisories as they will offer information regarding timing, strength and duration of winds. If your garage has an
electric door opener, locate the manual release lever and know how to operate it. Stock up on pantry dried goods such as rice, canned foods, dried soups/noodles, trail mixes and non-perishable entrees. If you use a camp or propane stove, do not use indoors. Carbon monoxide deaths are very common during prolonged outages. Plan how to keep foods cold. Use a cooler, freeze pack inserts and keep them frozen. Consider purchasing dry ice for your freezer. Freeze water in plastic milk jugs. Install surge protectors and/or battery systems for computers, flat screen TVs, etc. If a permanent generator installation is desired, consult a licensed electrician to install an approved transfer switch. Do not connect a generator directly into your home’s main fuse box or circuit panel. For help with planning and installing backup generators, call Jefferson PUD (360-385-8360). Educate yourself on how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Why you should call us during an outage During business hours call Jefferson PUD (360-385-5800) to report a power outage. If no one Continued on page 4▼