PORTLAND, Ore. — When a snow or ice storm is in the forecast for your area, there's also usually the possibility of power outages. It's a good idea to plan ahead by knowing where to get the latest updates from your power company.
Below is a list of some of the major electrical companies in Oregon. Find your company to stay on top of outages and find out when the lights will come back on.
Don't see your power company? Send us an email at web@kgw.com and we will add the information.
Portland General Electric
Website: www.portlandgeneral.com
Report an outage: 503-464-7777 (Portland), 503-399-7717 (Salem), 1-800-544-1795 (elsewhere)
Twitter: @portlandgeneral
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PortlandGeneralElectric/
Pacific Power
Website: www.pacificpower.net
Report an outage: 1-877-508-5088, text 'out' to 722797, or report an outage on Pacific Power's website
Report downed wires: 1-877-508-5088
Twitter: @PacificPower_OR
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pacificpower
Salem Electric
Website: www.salemelectric.com
Report an outage: 503-362-3601
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SalemElectricCooperative/
View Salem Electric's outage map here
NW Natural
Website: www.nwnatural.com
Customer service: 1-800-422-4012
Twitter: @nwnatural
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NWNaturalGas
West Oregon Electric Co-op
Website: www.westoregon.org
Report an outage: 503-429-3021 or 1-800-777-1276
Twitter: @WOECooperative
Facebook: www.facebook.com/westoregonelectric
Safety tips during a power outage
Power outages can last for days or weeks, impacting needs including lighting, heating, cooling, cooking and communication. The American Red Cross offered the following tips on how to get prepared and stay safe:
- Stay connected and monitor alert: Sign up for alert systems and apps for text alerts.
- Stock food and water: Store non-perishable food and water supplies. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Throw out food refrigerated food that has been warmer than 40 degrees F.
- Know and plan for personal medical needs: Consider back up and non-power alternatives for medical devices and refrigerated medicine.
- Plan for heating your home: Use sealing around windows to insulate your home. Never use a generator, outdoor stoves or heaters indoors.
- Keep away from power lines: Stay at least 35 feet away from fallen power lines and anything they are touching. Always assume a power line is live and energized.