Prepare for fall and winter storms
Fall and winter storms in the Pacific Northwest can bring powerful winds, heavy rain, and occasional snow, all of which can impact electrical service. While our crews work to restore power as quickly as possible, some outages may last several hours depending on the extent of damage and safety conditions. PSE strongly encourages customers to prepare their homes now for the storm season ahead.
Storm preparedness essentials:
- Stock emergency supplies for both home and vehicle use, including extra batteries, flashlights, and non-perishable food items
- Ensure you have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio available for emergency broadcasts
- Charge all cell phones, portable battery packs, and mobile devices before storms arrive
- Limit refrigerator and freezer access during outages – a closed refrigerator stays cold for up to 12 hours
- Turn off lights and unplug appliances and sensitive electronics such as computers to prevent circuit overloads when service is restored. Leave one light on to signal when power returns
- Download the myPSE app to track and report outages, monitor restoration progress, and receive estimated repair times, or visit pse.com/outagemap
Access additional preparation tips and power restoration information here.
Important safety guidelines:
- Never approach or touch downed power lines – stay at least 35 feet away as they may be energized. Contact PSE at 1-888-225-5773 or 911 to report hazards. Find out what to do about downed lines here.
- Never bring outdoor grills indoors for cooking. Do not use natural gas ranges for heating or charcoal as an indoor heat source, as these can cause deadly carbon monoxide poisoning
- If you use a portable generator, follow all manufacturer safety instructions carefully.
Our current reliability projects on Bainbridge Island are designed to make the Island’s electric grid more resilient by replacing aging equipment and adding redundancy to the system. The completion of these projects will reduce the frequency and duration of power outages, serving customers reliably into the future.
