Be Aware of Falling Trees & Power Lines

With heavy wind in the forecast for the Portland area, be careful of falling trees and large branches.  This week the fire department reported over a dozen fallen trees in the Portland metro area. Watch for trees when you are driving, biking and walking to avoid injury.

Fallen trees and branches can lead to down power lines causing power outages.  Below are some helpful tips from Pacific Power to stay safe in these winter conditions.

• Stay away from downed power lines and utility lines.
• Don’t leave candles unattended and always have at least one battery powered lighting source in your home.
• Utilize a fireplace or wood stove to keep warm.
• Never use kerosene or propane heaters inside without proper ventilation.
• Don’t use charcoal or any barbecue grills inside your home or garage.
• Don’t drive over downed power lines.
• Protect your pipes during freezing weather by wrapping them with insulation.
• Leave faucets dripping so water won’t freeze and crack the pipes.
• Generators should always be outside or in a well-ventilated unoccupied space.
• Make sure generators are properly wired for your home.

Prepare your home for emergency outages with extra food and warm items.  Stay safe during the strong winds and be cautious of falling trees and power lines everywhere.