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 Seattle City Light
News Release |
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| Subject:
Snow and Cold Weather Alert - Be prepared for snow and possible power outages |
For Immediate Release:
11/29/2006 1:00:00 PM |
For More Information Contact:
Power Outage Hotline – (206) 684-7400
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Snow and Cold Weather Alert
Be prepared for snow and possible power outages
SEATTLE - Seattle City Light has tips for customers in case of a power outage. The weather forecast calls for the possibility of more snow and/or freezing rain through Thursday, November 30th. Weather related outages can be expected.
City Light crews are on alert and have line service trucks fully stocked. When power outages occur, City Light will respond as quickly as possible. We urge Seattle residents and business owners to be prepared for outages by assembling an emergency kit for home or office.
Emergency kits should include flashlights, fresh batteries, wind-up clock, portable radio, mylar blankets and a manual can-opener. A supply of canned and dry food is recommended. Be sure and use surge protectors for sensitive electronic equipment or unplug that equipment. Do not use candles or open flames for a light or heat source. Also, do not use charcoal briquettes or gas barbecues to cook food indoors.
What to Do When The Lights Go Out
- Check your circuit breaker or a fuse box first. Learn how to reset the circuit breaker or safely change a fuse, and keep proper spares.
- Look around the neighborhood to see if your neighbor’s lights are off.
- Call Customer Service at (206) 684-3000 between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to report an outage; or after hours, call the Power Outage Hotline at (206) 684-7400 to hear a recorded message about current outages and power restoration updates. If your neighborhood is not listed, then stay on the line to provide your address and additional information.
- Dress in layers to conserve body heat.
- Use battery-powered flashlights for illumination. Avoid candles, oil lamps or anything with an open flame.
- Close doors, windows, curtains and unused fireplace dampers to keep heat from escaping.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible to keep food fresh. A full refrigerator will maintain safe temperatures for up to six hours; a full freezer for up to two days. Discard at-risk refrigerated foods that are warmer than 45 degrees F. If in doubt, throw it out.
- Do not use an open flame for heat. Also, do not use a portable barbecue grill inside the house for cooking.
- Check your home alarm system. Some home alarm systems are triggered by power outages.
- Use hot water sparingly. Most hot water tanks will retain heat for up to 24 hours.
- Unplug or turn off sensitive electronic equipment to protect it from power surges.
- Note that cordless phones will not work without electricity. Have a cell phone or corded phone available.
- Locate and use the manual override for your electric garage doors or gates.
- Leave one or two lights on to alert you that service is restored.
- When power is restored, turn on electrical appliances gradually. Sudden heavy consumption can drain the electrical system and extend the outage.
Please see the Seattle City Light web site for more power outage information: www.seattle.gov/light
- 30 - Seattle City Light is a publicly owned utility dedicated to exceeding our customers' expectations in producing and delivering low cost, reliable power in an environmentally responsible and safe way. We are committed to delivering the best customer service experience of any utility in the nation. Seattle City Light
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Customer Service
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Call (206) 684-3000
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