Be Prepared for Outages

The average Idaho Power customer is without power for fewer than 3 hours a year. But sometimes, like in the case of extreme weather or wildfires, outages can last for hours or even longer. We want to make sure our customers are ready for any outage, short or long.

As of summer 2024, all Idaho Power residential customers with a mobile phone number on file will receive text alerts when an outage impacts their home. Ensure you receive outage alerts by updating your contact information in My Account.

What you can do now to prepare:

Download our free mobile app to sign up for outage-related push notifications, view the outage map, and track your power status.
Prepare for medical needs, whether those are related to refrigerated medicine or electrically powered medical equipment. This could mean finding a place you can go during an outage or buying a backup generator. See below for additional preparation tips for vulnerable customers or view our virtual meeting about outage preparation for vulnerable customers (watch the presentation or view the slide deck).
Find a way to feed and water pets, service animals, or livestock in case well pumps don’t have power.
Learn how to manually open security gates and garage doors.

Plan ahead and gather a kit containing the following items to have on hand in case of an outage:

Flashlights
Matches
Blankets
Bottled water (5 gallons per person)
Non-perishable food (canned goods, crackers, etc.)
Non-electric can opener
Baby food or formula and diapers, if needed
Pet food, if needed
First-aid kit and any prescription medications
Battery or solar-powered chargers for your devices
Battery-powered radio, clock and flashlight
Extra batteries
Board games or cards for entertainment
A block of ice in the freezer

Additional Recommendations for Vulnerable Populations

If you or someone in your care has a condition that requires refrigerated medication or life support systems, contact your doctor or pharmacist on how to handle emergencies and power outages.
Create an evacuation plan and prepare to take care of your own medical needs or be accompanied by a caregiver who can provide assistance in case you need to leave your home due to an outage or other emergency.
Have a contingency plan set up with your medical supply company or home health agency that includes a backup generator, battery charger, or other alternatives for powering life support systems, as directed by your healthcare provider.
Ensure your contact information is up-to-date by visiting idahopower.com/contactupdate. Review your outage notification preferences to help ensure you receive updates in an emergency.
If you choose to rely on a generator, find an expert to install it and educate yourself in advance on how to use it to avoid hazards.
Check with local officials to identify the location of emergency shelters with power.
Many organizations have created planning resources for individuals with medical needs during outages and other unexpected events, and you can find them on the internet. For example, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security created ready.gov, and the Idaho and Oregon offices of emergency management also created websites for emergency preparedness at Idaho OEM and Oregon OEM. Individuals with disabilities or medical conditions may find the information on the People with Disabilities page at ready.gov helpful.*
For additional preparation tips for vulnerable customers, watch our virtual presentation or view the slide deck.

*Idaho Power does not manage the content of any of these resources, and the facts and opinions stated therein are the responsibility of the publishing entity.

What you can do if your power goes out:

Check the app or our Outage Map. If your power has been out for 10 minutes and you don’t see your outage, report it at 1-800-488-6151.
For safety reasons, use battery-powered lights instead of candles.
Never use an electric generator indoors, inside the garage or near the air intake of your house. If you plan to use a generator during an outage, ensure it meets National Electrical Code Articles 701 and 702 and does not interconnect with Idaho Power’s electrical system. If you have questions, contact us beforehand at 208-388-2323 or 1-800-488-6151. In addition, check out this Using Portable Generators Safely brochure.
To protect your appliances, machinery and equipment, turn off any that were in use when the power went out. Make sure to turn off electric ranges or space heaters to prevent the possibility of a fire if you’re away when power is restored. Keep one light on so you know when power has been restored.
- After power has been restored for about 10 minutes, begin turning on appliances and lighting in 10-minute phases. This keeps circuits from overloading and helps to more quickly and safely restore everyone’s power.
To keep food cold longer, avoid opening refrigerator and freezer doors, and keep a large block of ice in the freezer. Find more tips at the CDC’s food safety webpage.
If you notice a downed power line, stay as far away as possible but at least 100 feet, and report it to Idaho Power by calling 1-800-488-6151. Read more about being safe around downed power lines.

Additional Recommendations for Vulnerable Populations

Individuals who are dependent on electrically powered life support equipment and do not have a backup power supply should relocate to an appropriate location with power, if necessary. Take medical equipment and medications with you. If the situation is life threatening, call 911.
Stay informed about current outages on our Outage Map.
During a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), go to our PSPS webpage for additional information throughout the event.
For additional preparation tips for vulnerable customers, watch our virtual presentation or view the slide deck.

Be Prepared for Outages

Be Prepared for Outages

What you can do now to prepare:

What you can do if your power goes out:

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