In Eugene, Oregon, power outages can occur unexpectedly, especially during winter storms. Knowing how to handle an outage and being prepared can help keep you and your family safe and comfortable. If the power goes out, first determine whether it’s just your home or if the entire neighborhood is affected. Check your breaker box and look at the power lines leading to your home. If you see downed power lines, don’t approach them—just call your electric company for assistance. If it’s only your breakers, you may be able to reset them or call an electrician if needed.
If a neighborhood-wide outage occurs, follow these steps to prepare and stay safe:
Preparing for a Power Outage
Create an Emergency Kit
Have essential supplies like flashlights, batteries, food, and water ready in case you need to shelter in place or evacuate quickly.
Stay Connected
Sign up for notifications from your power company and local emergency services to receive updates. Have backup power sources for your phone and devices.
Learn About Local Emergency Plans
Check if Eugene has community emergency plans or designated shelters for safety during outages.
Plan for Upcoming Storms
If a major storm is forecasted, prepare by filling containers with water and freezing them to keep food cold longer. Keep your devices fully charged.
Back-Up Plans for Vital Equipment
Make arrangements if you rely on medical or essential devices that require power.
Prepare Your Vehicle
Keep your gas tank full since gas pumps need electricity. Your car can also serve as a charging source for phones.
Talk to Family & Friends
Ensure that everyone understands the plan and has a way to stay in touch during an outage.
Staying Warm in Winter Power Outages
During winter outages, staying warm is essential:
Stay indoors as much as possible.
Use blankets, wear warm clothing, and try to move around occasionally.
Insulate windows with dark blankets and block drafts from doors.
Close unused fireplaces to prevent drafts.
Keep in mind that infants, seniors, and young children need extra warmth and care.
Use hot water sparingly; most hot water heaters retain heat for up to 24-72 hours.
After the Power Returns
Once the power is back on, assess any damage and start safely restoring your home:
Check that all appliances and electronics are unplugged before turning the main power switch back on to avoid surges.
Restore your water supply if it was turned off.
Refill your hot water heater before turning it on.
Restock your emergency kit and check food for spoilage.
Inspect for frozen or burst pipes.
Knowing how to prepare for a power outage can make a big difference, especially with harsh winter weather. If you experience damage from a winter storm, ServiceMaster of Eugene is here to help. Our Eugene-based restoration team can assess the damage, determine what can be saved, and help you get your home back to normal so you can focus on what matters most. Call 541-687-0900 to get help now!
