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December Wind Storm

Damage assessment and restoration efforts begin

Damaging winds have caused outages in our service area, with major impacts in King, Pierce and Thurston counties. Our Emergency Coordination Center and local storm bases are open to support restoration efforts and crews are deploying with assignments as it’s safe to do so.

Our first step in restoring power is damage assessment: getting a look at what’s been done to the system and determining the extent of repairs that are needed. The process takes time, especially if weather remains an issue. Unsafe weather conditions and the inability to access areas due to damage caused by the storm can slow these efforts.

We have temporarily disabled outage notifications via email, text and automated calls, as we work to make improvements to our outage map experience. Please continue to report outages on our map and app, as those reports are captured in our system.

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Safety first. Never touch or go within 35 feet of downed power lines because they might be energized. Call PSE at 1-888-225-5773 or 911 to report problems.

Report and track power outages online

Downed power lines

Keep clear of fallen utility wires

If you come across a downed utility wire of any kind, always do the following:

  • Assume it's energized and stay as far away as you can.
    Energized lines can charge the ground near the point of contact and may electrocute you. If you come upon a downed line of any kind, stay at least 35 feet away. Do not attempt to rescue a person or pet.
  • Call 911 or the utility serving the location. For Puget Sound Energy, call 1-888-225-5773.
    Leave everything to utility professionals and emergency personnel.
  • Do not drive over downed power lines.
    Even if they're not energized, downed wires can get entangled with your vehicle and cause further damage.
  • Stay in your car.
    If a power line falls on your vehicle while you're driving, do not exit until you know for sure that the line is de-energized.
  • If you must evacuate, jump away and land with both feet together.
    Do not touch the vehicle while stepping on the ground, as this can create a path for electricity to run through you.
  • Shuffle away to safety.
    Keep your feet together and take small, shuffling steps until you're at least 35 feet away. Taking larger steps can also create a path for electricity to run through you.
Downed Power Line