According to PowerOutage.us, over 600,000 homes and businesses statewide were without power last Tuesday night on Nov. 19 and into Wednesday afternoon on Nov. 20 as a “bomb cyclone” wind storm rocked western Washington.
Yelm’s Mayor Joe DePinto spoke with Puget Sound Energy around 6 p.m. on Tuesday night and posted an update to Facebook that stated 9,162 customers were without power in Thurston County. East Thurston County, where Yelm resides, had a total of 6,967 power outages in the evening too.
He added that PSE claimed six crews of linemen worked throughout the county on Tuesday evening to restore the power. As of Thursday, Nov. 21, roughly 1,100 homes remained out of power in Thurston, Pierce and Lewis counties.
The highest wind recorded in Washington state during the “cyclone bomb” storm was 77 mph at Mount Rainier. In the event of future power outages, the Washington state Department of Health recommends that homeowners do the following:
Turn off lights and electrical appliances except for the refrigerator and freezer.
Even if it is dark, turn light switches and buttons on lamps or appliances to the “off” position.
Unplug computers and other sensitive equipment to protect them from possible surges when the power is restored.
Leave one lamp on so you will know when power is restored. Wait at least 15 minutes after power is restored before turning on other appliances.
Conserve water, especially if you use well water.
Never use gas ovens, gas ranges, barbecues or portable or propane heaters for indoor heating — they use oxygen and create carbon monoxide that can cause suffocation.
Candles can cause a fire. It’s far better to use battery-operated flashlights or glow sticks for lighting.
Using a kerosene heater, gas lantern or stove inside the house can be dangerous. Maintain proper ventilation at all times to avoid a build up of toxic fumes and be sure to have a carbon monoxide detector.
Stay away from downed power lines and sagging trees with broken limbs.
