Where to call in case of power outage

EPHRATA - With winter coming on, The Grant County Sheriff's Office, Grant PUD and the Multi-Agency Communications Center are reminding citizens to be aware of where they can access information during power outages.

"A power outage can affect many people or only a few, and we want people to know who they can contact for power outage information," said Jackie Jones, director of the MACC.

"Oftentimes, citizens will call MACC asking questions about a power outage. These calls tie up phone lines needed for people who are calling for emergency help."

Jones urges Grant PUD customers to call 800-216-5226 to report power outages and follow Grant PUD on Facebook for breaking information. Grant PUD encourages customers to be prepared for outages by visiting its website at www.grantpud.org.

"Certainly, if someone is hurt, or there is a fire or power lines down and they are a risk to public safety, please call 9-1-1 or your local fire department so they can come out and keep people away until the PUD arrives," Grant County Sheriff Tom Jones said.

In addition, during major incidents affecting areas patrolled by the Sheriff's Office, people can get first-hand, verified information by following the GCSO on Facebook (search "Grant County Sheriff's Office - Tom Jones, Sheriff"), Twitter (@GrantCoSheriff), or Nixle (local.nixle.com/grant-county-sheriffs-office).

- Staff report