Let's Talk Turkey. Is your family ready for winter?
Thanksgiving is just around the corner. For many of us, that means a big meal surrounded by family and friends. Thanksgiving is also a signal that winter is upon us, which means snow, ice, and not-so-nice weather might be in the forecast.
Here are some emergency preparedness questions you can ask around the Thanksgiving table this year:
Do we have an emergency plan?
Creating your emergency plan is an important job that should involve everyone. Your plan needs to cover what to do if you need to leave or stay where you are during an emergency. You can use the EWEB Emergency Plan here to get started.
If we lose power for an extended period, are we prepared?
Here are a few supplies to include that will help you during a power outage:
- Emergency blankets and sleeping bags
- Flashlights and extra batteries (unopened)
- NOAA Weather Battery-powered radio
- Battery-powered night lights
- Power banks to recharge phones and electronics
- Alternative cooking appliances that do not require electricity or gas, including hand operated can opened
- Waste and hygiene disposal plan
- Back-up storage plan for refrigerated medications
Don't forget to store 2 gallons of water per household member—enough to last 2 weeks in an emergency!
Learn more about building an emergency kit here.
Do we need a generator?
Using a generator when the power goes out is a great option, but safety should be the top priority for both you and utility workers.
- Always follow the guidelines in your operator's manual
- Know how to shut off the generator in case of an emergency
- Never modify the generator in any way
- Never refuel a generator while it is running or hot
- Periodically run the generator to ensure it will start and run properly
Learn more about generators and how to correctly install a portable generator to your home here.
What should we do for our family members with special needs?
Take a few moments to make sure we have your current contact information in case we need to reach out to you in an emergency. Suppose you rely on electrically powered medical devices, or you care for someone who is medically fragile. In that case, we encourage you to let us know and to have a contingency plan in the event of a prolonged outage. Contact our Customer Service team at 541-685-7000.
Customers dependent on power for life-support equipment should have a backup plan for power outages. Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
Set up plans with friends or relatives to check on special-needs folks during an emergency, and transport them if necessary to a site with electricity, such as emergency centers, hotels or neighbors.
How can we get updates from EWEB during a power outage?
You can find updates about your power outage at eweb.org/outagemap
Do we need to report our outage?
98% of Eugene customers have smart electric meters, which report power outages directly back to us. This means the majority of customers do not need to call and report their outage. You can double check that we are aware of your outage by looking at the Outage Map. If you don't see it there, give us a call to report it at 1-844-484-2300.
What do we do if there's a power line down on the house?
Never approach or attempt to move a power line that is hanging or on the ground. There's no way to tell if a power line is energized. Stay away, call 911, and report it to EWEB.
How can we prevent frozen pipes?
- Wrap pipes located in unheated areas - such as an attic, crawl space or garage - with foam pipe insulation.
- Drain water from the underground sprinkler piping and backflow prevention assembly. Wrap the assembly with foam insulation.
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses. If you don't have frost-proof outdoor faucets, install an insulated cover.
Learn more about preventing and treating frozen pipes here.
Related Programs
Together We Prepare
Here are some of the ways we work proactively to keep the lights on and the tap water flowing.
Backup power program
We offer financing options for customers to purchase a backup power system.
Earthquake safety guide for homeowners
You can significantly reduce damage to your home by fixing a number of known and common weaknesses. This FEMA booklet is a good start to begin strengthening your home against earthquake damage.
OPB: Unprepared
Check out the OPB news series "Unprepared," a collection of in-depth reporting, video, and helpful information about the Cascadia megaquake.
