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: http://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 (http://local.nixle.com/grant-county-sheriffs-office/).