Submitted by Fox First at Ten on December 17th
FROM AVISTA UTILITIES: Avista crews are working to restore power as quickly and safely as possible to approximately 11,000 customers throughout eastern Washington and north Idaho. Outages are primarily related to downed power lines resulting from high winds.
If you see a downed power line, call Avista at 800-227-9187 immediately to report its location. Never touch or attempt to remove fallen limbs from downed or sagging power lines. Treat all power lines as if they are energized, or carrying electrical current. Remember to keep all children and pets away from the area.
Updated outage restoration information is available at www.avistautilities.com or through Avista's automated phone system at 800-227-9187.
Customers with portable generators are reminded that improperly installed generators can backfeed into electrical lines and endanger the lives of emergency workers and your neighbors. The only safe method of using a portable generator is to plug electrical appliances directly into the generator. The generator's exhaust can be deadly, so it is essential that the unit's exhaust be properly ventilated.
For more information and additional power outage safety tips, please visit our website at https://www.avistautilities.com/safety/outages/Pages/default.aspx.
