A street is closed due to downed trees and wires while City Light crews make repairs in the background

When outages happen, City Light staff and crews begin working to immediately find the source of the problem and restore power as quickly as possible to all affected customers, while keeping safety as their number one priority. Getting through an outage safely will be easier when you know what to do.

Graphic of a white first aid cross on a blue backgroundUtilize your emergency kit

Locate your emergency kit, which should be stored in an easy to find location even in the dark.

Suggested items to include:

  • Battery powered lighting sources, such as flashlights and LED candles
  • A portable radio to stay up to date on news and alerts
  • Power banks to recharge devices as needed
  • Drinking water and non-perishable food items for each family member for at least 48 hours
  • Prescription medications and first aid supplies
  • Additional blankets and warm clothing
  • A printed list of important phone numbers and contact information for relatives
  • A deck of cards, puzzle, books, or non-electronic entertainment to preserve your battery life on communication devices
  • Don’t forget your furry family members – have an emergency supply of pet food readily available as well.

Graphic of a white flame over a burner on a blue backgroundAvoid fire risk

  • Avoid using open flame lighting sources when possible.
  • Candles and oil-based lanterns are a fire risk.

Graphic of a white electrical plug and cord on a blue backgroundProtect electronics and appliances

  • Disconnect computers, sensitive appliances, and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
  • Turn off light switches and lamps leaving one on to notify you when the power has been restored.
  • Once power has been restored, wait 15 minutes then gradually reconnect and power up appliances and electronics.

Graphic of a white refrigerator on a blue backgroundHandle food safely

  • Keep your refrigerator and freezers shut.
  • Do not store food outside even in freezing temperatures. Outside temperature varies, especially in the sun.
  • If in doubt, throw it out. Throw out meat, seafood, dairy products and cooked food that does not feel cold.
  • Never taste suspect food. Even if food looks and smells fine, illness-causing bacteria may be present.

Graphic of a white house on a blue backgroundPreserve heat

  • Close doors, windows, and curtains to retain heat.
  • Wear additional layers of clothing to help yourself as warm as possible.

Graphic of a white power generator on a blue backgroundKeep carbon monoxide out

  • Don’t attempt to heat your home with your gas oven, gas range, grill, or portable propane heaters.
  • Never use generators, grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window.
  • These devices use up the oxygen in your home and create carbon monoxide that can cause suffocation.

Graphic of an eye on a blue backgroundStay alert

  • Assume that all downed power lines are active. Do not approach and stay 30 feet back. Call 911 to report downed power lines.
  • If a power line hits your vehicle, stay inside the car because the ground around your car may be energized. Sound the horn, roll down your window and call for help. Warn others to stay away.
  • Be aware of loose tree limbs and branches that may come down and strike you.

Graphic of two silhouettes of people in white on a blue backgroundBe a good neighbor

  • Check on your older or at-risk neighbors before, during and after a storm or power outage to make sure they are okay.

City Light

Mike Haynes, Interim General Manager and CEO
Address: 700 5th Ave, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 34023, Seattle, WA, 98124-4023
Phone: (206) 684-3000
SCL_ExternalComms@seattle.gov

Seattle City Light was created by the citizens of Seattle in 1902 to provide affordable, reliable, and environmentally responsible electric power to the City of Seattle and neighboring suburbs.