Dec. 16, 2008

Portland, Ore. — If the power goes out during cold weather, the temperature inside your home can drop rapidly. Portland General Electric (PGE) urges customers to take these simple precautions to stay warm and safe during a winter power outage:

BE PREPARED

Prepare by having supplies handy that keep you warm:

• Extra blankets
• Winter clothes including hats, gloves or mittens
• Hand warmers
• Firewood (if you have a working fireplace or wood stove)

Have a backup plan. If your neighborhood experiences an extended outage, consider staying with friends or relatives in another area of town.

SAVE BODY HEAT

• Keep warm by wearing loose layers of clothing to trap body heat.
• Wear a hat, even while sleeping.
• Keep moving; exercise generates body heat.
• Use plenty of blankets and a hot water bottle if you’re able to heat water.

LOCK IN HOME HEAT

• Pick one room on the south or west side of the house and close it off to keep the heat in.
• Use blankets to insulate windows and doors.

BE ALERT FOR SIGNS OF HYPOTHERMIA

• Hypothermia occurs when there is a significant drop in core body temperature.
• Infants and the elderly are especially susceptible.
• If someone has a temperature below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, call for medical help.
• Check on elderly neighbors to make sure they’re equipped with enough supplies to keep warm.

BE CAUTIOUS WITH ALTERNATIVE LIGHT AND HEAT SOURCES

• PGE recommends against using candles to light your home during a power outage. They cause many house fires every year. If you do use candles or a fireplace during an outage, be sure to have a fire extinguisher, salt, baking soda and heavy blankets handy should a fire break out.
• Never use kerosene heaters indoors without proper ventilation. They create harmful fumes.
• Also remember to never use charcoal briquettes indoors. They produce deadly carbon monoxide.

For more information, visit PortlandGeneral.com/Safety.