When the lights flicker or your furnace clicks off on a cold Palouse night, it is stressful. In Pullman, wind, winter storms, and even rare gas supply issues can knock out service. You want a simple, local plan that keeps your household safe, protects your food, and gets you back to normal faster. This guide covers what to do before, during, and after a power or natural gas outage in Pullman, with local contacts and safety tips you can trust. Let’s dive in.
Why outages happen in Pullman
Who serves your home
Avista is the primary utility for electricity and natural gas in most of Pullman. You can confirm service and contact options through the local chamber listing for Avista.
Common local causes
Pullman sees outages from high winds, thunderstorms, ice, and heavy snow. Regional weather records show wind events have caused outages across the Palouse, including Pullman, in recent years. Review the National Weather Service’s regional history to see how spring storms and wind have played a role in outages on the Palouse (weather overview) and recent local reporting of widespread power outages after wind.
A notable recent gas event
In November 2023, a transmission pipeline near Pullman was damaged, causing the largest natural gas outage in Avista’s history. Restoration required manual meter shutoffs and door‑to‑door relighting by Avista crews. This is a good reminder that gas outages can be wide‑ranging and that utilities may need to relight your appliances for safety (incident summary).
Prepare before an outage
Build a 72‑hour home kit
Stock enough supplies to support everyone in your household for at least three days. Use this quick list:
- Water: 1 gallon per person per day
- Nonperishable food for 3 days, plus a manual can opener
- Flashlights, headlamps, extra batteries, and a hand‑crank or battery NOAA radio
- First‑aid kit, sanitation items, cash, copies of key documents
- Phone charging power bank and charging cables
- Cold‑weather add‑ons: blankets, hand warmers, high‑calorie snacks Trusted readiness guidance recommends at least a 72‑hour baseline (kit basics).
Support medical needs
Keep an updated list of prescriptions and try to maintain a multi‑week supply. If anyone in your home relies on electrically powered medical devices or refrigerated medications, set a backup plan. Document device needs, talk with your provider, and notify your utility of medical equipment so they understand your situation during outages. Avista’s post‑incident notes underscore the importance of planning for safe, orderly restoration and relighting when gas service is affected (context from Avista).
Protect your food
Know the key time and temperature rules. A refrigerator keeps food safe for about 4 hours if you do not open the door. A full freezer holds temperature about 48 hours. Have coolers and ice ready for longer outages. When in doubt, throw it out (USDA food safety tips).
Set your communications plan
Store emergency numbers in your phone and on paper. Create a simple family check‑in plan. Sign up for county alerts through Whitman County Emergency Management. Keep a battery or hand‑crank NOAA radio in your kit.
Know your shutoffs
Find your main electrical breaker and water shutoffs now. Learn where your gas meter valve is located. If a regional gas system is depressurized, do not attempt to turn gas back on yourself. Utilities may require in‑person relighting for safety, as they did after the 2023 pipeline incident (utility relighting process).
During a power outage
- Safety first. Stay far away from downed lines and report hazards immediately. Avista’s 24/7 line is often listed as (800) 227‑9187. You can also use the Avista outage map and mobile app referenced in this customer update.
- Keep the fridge and freezer closed. If the outage lasts beyond 4 hours, move perishables to a cooler with ice and follow USDA discard rules.
- Manage home temperature. In winter, layer clothing and use blankets or approved alternate heat with proper ventilation and working carbon monoxide alarms. In heat, seek shade, hydrate, and consider cooling centers if announced by local partners like the Community Action Center.
- If you use medical devices, follow your provider’s plan. If you need powered shelter, contact local emergency services or Pullman Regional Hospital for guidance and transport options.
During a natural gas outage
- If you smell gas, hear hissing, or suspect a leak, evacuate immediately. From a safe location, call 911 and Avista. Do not switch lights on or off or use open flames while inside a suspected leak area.
- After a transmission failure, utilities may shut off meters and then relight appliances door to door. Make sure gates and paths to your meter are clear and watch for Avista communications on relighting procedures (gas outage example).
After service is restored
- For gas, confirm each appliance is operating normally and that ventilation is working. During large events, utility technicians often relight appliances for safety.
- Check food temperatures with a thermometer. Discard perishable items that were over 40°F for more than 2 hours, in line with federal guidance (power‑outage food chart).
- Restock your kit and note what you wished you had. Update your family plan and saved contacts.
Backup power options and safety
Portable generators
Portable gasoline or propane units can run essentials like a fridge or furnace fan. They are cost‑effective but require strict safety practices and correct connection to your home’s electrical system.
Battery power stations
Inverter batteries or “solar generators” are quiet and have no on‑site emissions. They are great for phones, laptops, and some medical devices. Capacity is limited unless you can recharge via solar or a vehicle.
Standby generators and permits
A whole‑house standby system can power most or all circuits automatically. These systems need a transfer switch, professional installation, and permits. Pullman requires permits for construction work and certain installations. Confirm requirements with the city and your electrician before you buy (Pullman code reference).
Critical generator safety rules
- Never run a generator indoors or in a garage, basement, or near open windows. Place it outside, at least 20 feet from openings, with exhaust directed away from the home. Install battery‑backup CO alarms on every level (CPSC safety reminder).
- Do not backfeed your home by plugging a generator into a wall outlet. Use a transfer switch installed by a qualified electrician.
- Store fuel in approved containers, outside living spaces, and follow local fire code. Rotate fuel for freshness.
Local tools and help
- Outage reporting and updates: Use Avista’s outage map and mobile app referenced in this customer notice. You can also call (800) 227‑9187.
- County alerts: Sign up for Whitman County Emergency Management notifications.
- Warming and cooling help: The Community Action Center coordinates local assistance and can direct you to shelter options during extended outages.
- Medical guidance: For power‑dependent medical needs, coordinate with your provider. Local resources and hospital contacts are listed on the Pullman community resources page. You can also dial 211 for referrals during severe weather.
Pullman weather can be unpredictable, but your plan does not have to be. If you are buying, selling, or settling into a new home, put outage readiness on your checklist so your investment stays safe and comfortable year‑round. For neighborhood‑savvy guidance on homes, features like backup power, and trusted local resources, connect with Krista Gross.
FAQs
Who provides electricity and gas in Pullman?
- Avista is the primary utility for electricity and natural gas in most of Pullman, as noted by the local chamber listing for Avista.
How do I report a power outage and get updates?
- Report to Avista by phone or through the outage map and app referenced in Avista’s customer notices, and sign up for Whitman County emergency alerts for broader safety messages.
What should I do if I suspect a natural gas leak?
- Leave the area immediately, avoid using switches or flames, call 911 and Avista from a safe location, and wait for instructions from responders.
After a large gas outage, can I relight my appliances myself?
- No. After system depressurization events, utilities may perform door‑to‑door relighting and safety checks; follow Avista’s directions and allow technicians to restore service.
Are portable generators safe for my home or apartment?
- They can be, if used outdoors at least 20 feet from openings with CO alarms installed and connected via a proper transfer switch; never run a generator indoors or backfeed through a wall outlet.
