Storm Update: 68,000 Still Without Power

The tips listed below are important for staying alive and well without power.

The lights are out, and many are home in the dark.

(SALEM) - PGE and Pacific Power crews have made significant progress today in restoring storm-related outages along the Oregon coast, the mid-Willamette Valley and in other parts of the state.

At 5:00 PM Saturday, PGE reports 52,000 customers still without power, down from nearly 250,000 at the height of the wind storm at 11:00 PM on Thursday, with 130 crews on the job.

As of 5:30 PM, less than 16,000 Pacific Power customers were still without power, and crews are working around the clock to get power back on as quickly and safely as possible.

Restoration efforts will continue through the weekend, and in some cases into early next week.

Here are four important points to remember, as the power outages are still going on in many areas:

1. GOOD NEIGHBORS: Check up on your neighbors, particularly if you have power and your neighbors still do not. There are many 'vulnerable' citizens including elderly and handicapped that may not have anyone checking up on them. Be a good neighbor and stop by to be sure they're okay.

2. PREPARE LIGHTS: In a power outage: Use flashlights, light sticks or battery powered camping lights. Avoid use of candles unless absolutely necessary. If you do light candles, never leave them unattended.

3. CARBON MONOXIDE KILLS: Never use gasoline, propane, or other fuel powered equipment (Example: A generator) indoors, not even in a garage. Generators and other internal combustion engines produce carbon monoxide and should only be operated outdoors. Carbon Monoxide is an odorless killer. Take no chances.

4. PACK AN EMERGENCY KIT: With the recent high winds, heavy rains and power outages, be reminded of the importance of having an emergency kit in your home and car. This kit should have supplies to last you a minimum of three days, longer if you are able to store more supplies. Critical items should include water (1 gallon per person per day), nonperishable food (with a manual can opener), a battery powered radio, a flashlight, extra cash, blankets, gloves and more.