NEW — 3:30 p.m. Dec. 10, 2014
Puget Sound Energy encourages residents to download its mobile app to report outages and check restoration times ahead of a windstorm.
The Puget Sound region is bracing for a damaging windstorm set to cause havoc on Thursday.
Puget Sound Energy is on standby preparing for the worst, but the company is encouraging residents to get prepared now, before the winds hit.
On Twitter, PSE offered several tips to get its customers through the coming power outages.
First, PSE encourages residents to download its new mobile app. MyPSE allows residents to report power outages, view a map of outages, get estimated restoration times, see the number of customers affected in neighborhoods and report natural gas emergencies. This is the best way to get the most up to date information.
“PSE strives to provide reliable, affordable energy service to our 1.1 million electric customers. But sometimes outages still happen.We’re committed to keeping customers informed so they can make plans for their families or businesses,” said Phil Bussey, PSE’s chief customer officer, in a statement.
PSE customers can download the new app to their Apple iOS, Android and Windows smartphones and tablets from the various app stores. Search for “Puget Sound Energy” or “myPSE.”
The easiest way to report an outage is to use the app, the company says. Reports can also be made at PSE.com or by calling 1-888-225-5773.
In addition, make sure you have emergency supplies on hand, such as extra batteries, flashlights and food. PSE encourages customers to use flashlights rather than candles.
Make sure you charge your vital electronics tonight, before the major wind hits, in case the power goes out.
Lastly, never touch downed power lines. Call PSE at 1-888-225-5773 or 911 to report problems.
Puget Sound Energy briefly explained its restoration processes, too, on Twitter.
“First, we assess the damage, prioritize the responses, and then dispatch our crews,” the company wrote. “We restore critical services first, followed by restoring power to the greatest number of customers as quickly as we can.”