Power Outage/Emergency Preparedness (2024)

Don’t get caught in the dark without a plan.

Build a Disaster Survival Kit

Sudden power outages and disasters can occur without warning. They can be frustrating and troublesome, especially if they last for a long time. For prolonged power outages, follow the steps below to keep the members of your household as comfortable as possible until the situation is resolved.

Build a Kit

Here are a few emergency supplies you should have:

• 3-day supply of drinking water
• Non-perishable food that is easy to prepare
• Radio, battery-powered or hand-crank
• Flashlights and fresh batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle
• Manual can opener
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Extra blankets and warm clothing, including a hat
• Sleeping bags
• Clock, battery-powered or wind-up
• Any special medications you may need.
• If you have pets, food and water for them.
• Cash
• A plastic tub or backpack so you can keep these things together.
• Don’t forget where you store it.
• Check out Ready.gov’s Build a Kit webpage.
• Check out the FEMA Emergency Supply List (PDF).
• Check out the Red Cross Emergency Kit website.

Make a Plan

Disasters don’t plan ahead. You can!

• Make an emergency plan today – Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area.
• Know how you’ll contact on another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.
• As you prepare your plan, tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities.
• Download and fill out a family emergency plan or use it as a guide to create your own.
• Be sure to practice your plan with your family and/or household.
• Help neighbors – Check on your neighbors, almost half of Americans expect to rely on their neighbors after a disaster. Your neighbor might have to rely on you, will you be ready?
• Learn skills you need to help yourself and others until help can arrive. Take the training Until Help Arrives.

Visit the following link to learn more:

• Ready.gov’s Make a Plan webpage

Hazards most likely to hit this region:

• Hazards Guide (PDF)

Be Informed

Know how to access community resources

• The quickest, easiest, and most efficient way to report a power outage is on our SmartHub app. Download it and setup an account today. Click the links below, or visit the web version.

• Check out the mobile-friendly PUD 3 Outage Map and view up-to-date information about outages in Mason County.
• PUD 3 system status, and alerts to major outages can also be viewed on PUD 3’s Homepage; Facebook; andTwitter.
• Public safety officials use timely and reliable systems to alert you and your family in the event of natural or man-made disasters. Research the different warning alerts you can receive and the types of devices that receive alerts by viewing Ready.gov’s Emergency Alerts webpage.
• Add a NOAA weather radio, a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information, to your emergency kit. See Shelton, WA NOAA updates.
• Mason County Emergency Alert Notification sign up

Power Outage Tips

• During an outage, open the refrigerator and freezer doors as seldom as possible. Don’t leave them open very long. Food will stay frozen for about 72 hours in an unopened, non-operating freezer.
• If you have an emergency heating source, learn how to use it properly to prevent fire and ensure proper ventilation.
• Learn about PUD 3 generator safety.
• Report downed power lines: (360) 426-8255 or call 911.
• Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment, or electronics. Keep them turned off until 20 minutes after power has been restored.
• Track the outage using PUD 3’s SmartHub app.
• Leave one light turned on so you will know when power is restored.
• Don’t approach crews in the field. For your safety and theirs, please keep a safe distance and contact our offices for questions or concerns.

I Reported My Outage, Now What?

Ever wonder what happens during a power outage? The PUD 3 Outage map allows you to follow the status of an outage in your area from the time the outage is reported to the time power is fully restored.

Here’s how it works:

Outage Reported

PUD 3 is notified of an outage by our advanced metering system. Alerts are relayed back to our 24 hours a day, 7 days a week dispatch via the fiber network. Customers also report outages using the SmartHub app, or by calling us.

We’re Investigating

The PUD sends lineman to investigate the outage. Often times power can be restored quickly. But when lines or poles are damaged, a full crew must be dispatched for additional work.

Pending Crew Assignment

If a full line crew is needed for the repair, one is assigned as quickly as possible. During a storm, this can take longer if crews are already responding to other outages.

Crew Assigned For Repairs

Once assigned, the crew travels to the location and begins work. The time it takes to restore power can vary greatly based on the severity of damage.

Power is Restored

PUD 3 field staff and crews will work around the clock in all weather conditions until power is restored to every customer, often spending days away from their own homes and families.