Power Outages in Utah


August 31, 2021

We are approaching the 1 Year Anniversary of the great “Wind Storm” that hit Utah September 6th, 2020. As many will remember 200,000 homes and businesses lost electrical power, thousands of trees were toppled and 4,700 residents were without power for almost a week.

The Department of Commerce has asked our Division of Public Utilities to give us the information on power outages so next time you are faced with one, you will know what to do.

• What is a unplanned outage
An unplanned power outage is when the power goes out unexpectedly.
o May disrupt communications, water, transportation
o May close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATM’s banks and other services.
o Can cause food spoilage, water contamination.
o Can prevent use of medical devices
• What are planned or scheduled outages
Planned power outages are scheduled by the power company to perform routine maintenance. Planned outages can prevent unplanned outages in the future.
• How to sign up for Rocky mountain power notifications
For Rocky Mountain Power customers visit- www.rockymountainpower.net my account, alerts and notifications.
• How to trouble shoot if it’s just your residence or your whole neighborhood.
1. Check your circuit breaker
2. Check in with neighbors
3. Rocky Mountain Power customers check www.rockymountainpower.net outages and safety, view outage map
• How to report a power outage.
To report an outage, contact the power company. For Rocky Mountain Power customers
o call- 1-877-508-5088
o text- ‘out’ to 759677
o online- www.rockymountainpower.net outages and safety, report an outage/check status
• Tips for ways you can be prepared for when the power goes out.
Take an inventory now of the items you need that rely on electricity.
Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
Plan for batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out.
Sign up for local alerts and warning systems. Monitor weather reports.
Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home.
Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.
Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member. Have enough nonperishable food and water.
Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so that you can know the temperature when the power is restored.
Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks full.
Go to Ready.gov and search for power outage. Download the FEMA app to get more information about preparing for a power outage.

How to survive/protect yourself during a power outage and what to do after an outage?

• How to protect yourself during a power outage.

Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. Use food supplies that do not require refrigeration. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Use coolers with ice if necessary. Monitor temperatures with a thermometer.

Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators, camp stoves, or charcoal grills should be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.

Check on your neighbors. Older adults and young children are especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures.

Go to a community location with power if heat or cold is extreme.

Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment or electronics. Power may return with momentary surges or spikes that can cause damage.

• After a power outage.

Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color, or texture.

If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise- consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Wait a few minutes before connecting appliances, equipment or electronics as the power may return with power surges.