Power Outage Prep: What Vancouver WA Homeowners Need This Storm Season

Preparing Your Vancouver WA Home for Storm-Related Power Outages

The National Weather Service warns that this week's storms combined with saturated soils could cause downed trees and power lines across Clark County. When high winds hit weakened trees, power outages follow.

Here is how to prepare your home before the next outage hits.

Charge Everything Now

Fully charge phones, tablets, and laptops before storms arrive. Keep portable power banks charged as backup. Once power goes out, these become your connection to emergency updates and utility reporting.

Write down Clark Public Utilities' outage hotline (360-992-3000) and save their website for reporting outages. Do not assume they already know about your outage.

Gather Emergency Supplies

Collect these items in one accessible location:

• Flashlights with fresh batteries (avoid candles due to fire risk)
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio for emergency updates
• First aid kit and prescription medications
• Bottled water (one gallon per person per day for three days)
• Non-perishable food that does not require cooking
• Manual can opener
• Cash (ATMs and card readers need power)

If your home uses well water, fill your bathtub before the storm. This water can be used for flushing toilets and basic sanitation.

Prepare Your Home

Know where your electrical breaker box is located. When power returns, you may need to reset breakers to restore service to parts of your home.

If you lose heat, close doors to unused rooms and place towels under doors to trap warmth. Dress in layers and cover windows with extra blankets to reduce heat loss.

Keep your car's gas tank at least half full. Gas station pumps require electricity, and long outages can create fuel shortages.

Generator Safety

If you use a portable generator, place it outside at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents. Never run generators in garages, basements, or enclosed spaces. Carbon monoxide from generators is deadly and odorless.

When Power Goes Out

Turn off lights and unplug appliances to prevent power surges when electricity returns. Leave one light on so you know when power is restored.

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. A full freezer keeps food frozen for 48 hours if the door stays shut. A half-full freezer lasts about 24 hours.

Downed Power Line Safety

Downed or hanging wires can be hidden by debris or tree branches. Assume all downed lines are live and deadly. Stay at least 25 feet away and keep children and pets clear.

Report downed lines to Clark Public Utilities, not 911. Calling 911 for non-emergencies takes resources away from life-threatening situations.

Protect Your Home Before Outages Happen

Trees with weak root systems are the leading cause of power outages during Pacific Northwest storms. Clogged gutters add weight that can pull on fascia boards and siding during wind events.

Regular maintenance reduces storm damage risk. Clear overflowing gutters before storms and address drainage issues that weaken your home's exterior.

For professional gutter cleaning to prepare your Vancouver WA home for storm season, contact Seasons Cleaning Services.

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