McMinnville Water and Light is committed to providing safe and reliable energy, but unfortunately, power outages do occur. Don’t let a disruption become a disaster! Please take a moment to read this important energy safety information.
Before An Outage
Keep emergency supplies on hand, including:
Fresh batteries and flashlights
First aid kit and medications
A portable, battery-powered radio and clock
Nonperishable food and water (2-week supply)
Cash, since ATMs may not work when the power is out
Plan how and when to evacuate safely in case of an extended power outage. Keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half full or your electric vehicle half charged. Identify family or friends who you can stay with. Keep a paper copy of your contact list.
Sign up for the Yamhill County Alert System for text alerts. Consider purchasing a battery radio and power banks for your cell phones and computers.
If you have electronic medical equipment, arrange ahead of time for a battery or other back-up power source for your equipment. Discuss a plan with your primary care or medical device provider for your medical needs.
If the weather is extreme, plan to go to a location with air conditioning or with heat. Never use a generator or outdoor heaters indoors.
Protect electric equipment, such as computers, televisions, gaming systems, and microwaves, by installing surge protectors.
Have a battery back-up system if your smoke alarms are wired to your home’s electrical system. Make sure to test your smoke alarms.
If You Know An Outage May Occur
Shut-off your electronic equipment such as computers, televisions, gaming systems, and microwaves.
Leave 1 light on so you know when power is restored.
Turn off any heat-producing electric equipment such as toaster ovens, electric stove tops, irons, and curling irons.
Gather the essentials into one spot: flashlights, cell phone, car keys, medications, pet supplies, baby supplies.
During An Outage
Don’t call 911 to ask about the power outage. Call MWL at (503) 472-6158 to report any problems.
Use extreme caution, especially on roads without working traffic signals.
Use flashlights or battery-operated candles to minimize fire hazards.
Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to prevent food spoilage.
Shut off any electronic equipment that was operating when the power went off.
Shut off major electric appliances as well. This will help to stabilize the electric system when power is restored.
After an Outage
Wait a few minutes before turning on major electric appliances. This will help eliminate problems that could occur if there’s a surge in demand immediately after power is restored.
If you think that electric power has been restored to your area but your home is still without power, call MWL at (503) 472-6158.
Portable and Standby Generators
Never plug a generator into any electric outlets. Generators can feed electricity back into the power lines, putting you and MWL repair crews in danger. It can also damage your appliances or those of your neighbors.
