What To Do During An Outage

Stay away from downed lines and never touch objects that are in contact with downed lines.

• Report a power outage to the PUD immediately and any evidence of what may have caused it (downed lines, loud noise, flash of light, trees on lines, etc.
• Do not call 911 to report your power is out.
• The PUD’s Outage Alert Hotline is open 24-hours per day at (844) 965-1319.

Cowlitz PUD line crews are called out at the onset of a power outage. If you receive multiple busy signals while calling the PUD to report an outage, there is a good chance your neighbors have already notified us. If you believe your outage is an isolated incident, please continue to call until you get through.

• After an outage has begun, we recommend that you unplug appliances that will come on automatically (refrigerator, pump, etc.) once the power is restored.
• NEVER use generators, grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices INSIDE your home, basement, garage, or camper, or even outside near an open window.
• Unplug any electronic equipment such as computers, televisions, and microwaves. These devices could be damaged by voltage fluctuations that could occur when power is restored.
• Do not open the refrigerator/freezer when power is off. A refrigerator keeps food cold for a few hours during an outage, while food in the freezer can stay frozen for two-to-three days-but the door must remain closed. A full freezer keeps food frozen longer than a half-full one. If possible, wait until the power has been restored to open these doors and evaluate your food.