IDAHO — Idaho Power is reminding Idahoans to prepare for winter-weather power outages.
Idaho Power says that while most customers are without power for fewer than two hours per year, winter outages can last longer.
Idaho Power offers these tips to stay prepared:
- Prepare for medical needs. This could include refrigerated medicine or electrically powered medical equipment. If you need these items, Idaho Power suggests you consider finding a place you can go during an outage or buying a backup generator.
- Secondly, the company reminds you to maintain a home and car emergency kit.
- To preserve food, keep a block of ice in the freezer in case the power goes out. If it does, keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep items cold longer.
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If you are an Idaho Power customer, you can sign up to receive outage alerts for your home or business. You can also download the Idaho Power appto receive push notifications or view the outage map.
If your power goes out Idaho Power says you should turn off any appliances that were in use. This prevents the possibility of a fire when power is restored. The company adds you'll especially want to turn off electric ranges and space heaters.
If you use a generator, only use it in a well-ventilated area and follow all manufacturer recommendations.
Last but not least, if you come across a downed power line, assume it is energized and dangerous. Stay at least 100 feet away, and call 911 or Idaho Power.
