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(Idaho Power News Brief, January 9, 2024)
Idaho Power keeps the lights on 99.9% of the time. While most customers are without power fewer than two hours a year, weather-related outages can last longer. As winter weather hits our region this week, Idaho Power offers the following important reminders to help customers stay safe and prepared for outages.
- Visit My Account to ensure your contact information is up-to-date and sign up to receive outage alerts for your home or business.
- Download the Idaho Power mobile app to sign up for outage-related push notifications, view the outage map, and track your power status.
- Prepare for medical needs, such as refrigerated medicine or electrically powered medical equipment. This could mean finding a place you can go during an outage or buying a backup generator.
- Maintain both home and car emergency kits with water and other essentials. For a full list of items to include in your kit, visit idahopower.com/outagetips.
- Keep a block of ice in your freezer in case the power goes out, and if it does, keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep items cold longer.
If your power goes out:
- Check the app, visit Idaho Power’s online Outage Map, or call 1-800-488-6151 to view or report outages.
- To protect your appliances, turn off any that were in use when the power went out — especially electric ranges and space heaters — to prevent the possibility of a fire if you’re away when power is restored.
- Only use generators in well-ventilated areas and follow all manufacturer recommendations. Never connect a portable generator to house wiring or plug it into an outlet.
Falling trees, high winds, and car accidents occasionally knock power lines to the ground. If you come across a downed line, always assume it is energized and dangerous. Stay clear (at least 100 feet), keep others away, and immediately call 911 or Idaho Power at 208-388-2323 in the Treasure Valley or 1-800-488-6151.
