SPOKANE – Strong winds are forecasted to begin Friday evening across Avista’s
Washington and Idaho service area. Full leafy trees combined with strong winds, will bring the likelihood of outages from falling trees and limbs, causing downed power lines.
Avista is prepared to respond and is urging customers to prepare for potential storm damages and outages. As part of ongoing operations, Avista continues to follow the National Weather Service forecasts closely.
At this time, Avista crews are ready with fueled and stocked fleet vehicles, warehouse supplies are in place in Spokane and outer offices, assessment teams are standing by along with wire guard teams to help ensure public safety near downed power lines, tree crews are prepared, and employees are moving from their typical day-to-day responsibilities to assist in storm-related activities.
With sustained winds expected, estimated restoration times are not likely to be available until the storm has passed and Avista is able to complete assessments, which may take 24 hours or more, depending on the extent of the damage.
Customers can expect to see current outage numbers on the outage map
at myavista.com/outage while the estimated restoration time will note that outages are under assessment. As assessments are complete and more information is known, estimated restoration times will be updated on the outage map. Customers are encouraged to watch the weather forecasts in their area.
Reporting an outage
Customers who experience a power outage are encouraged to report it online or through their mobile devices at www.myavista.com/outage or by calling (800) 227-9187. Updated outage status information, including estimated restoration times, when known, is also available on Avista’s website. Customers can also follow Avista’s Facebook and Twitter accounts for updates.
Safety during a power outage
Avista suggests customers take the following steps during an outage:
Turn off all the appliances that were on before the power went out.
Unplug electronic equipment, including computers.
Leave a light or radio on as an alert when power has been restored.
Help Avista crews working in a neighborhood know which homes have power by turning on the front porch light.
Do not wire an emergency generator into a home’s electrical system unless there is a disconnect switch to separate generated power from Avista’s distribution system. Back feed into power lines could injure or kill a lineman working to get electricity restored.
Use a generator only to run specific appliances and locate it outside so poisonous carbon monoxide fumes do not enter the home.
Watch this video for more information on Avista’s outage restoration process. Remember to call 911 and Avista immediately at (800) 227-9187 to report the location of a downed power line and if you smell natural gas.