Campus Public Safety

What to do in case of a

Power Outage

It is possible that buildings on campus could lose a utility function. Equipment failure, inclement weather, wildlife, and public damage can cause power outages. When a power outage occurs on campus, the University remains in close contact with the power company until power is restored.

  • To report outages contact the Facilities and Planning Work Order Center online or at 503-725-3738 (M-F/8am-5pm) (at other times, notify CPSO directly: 503-725-4407)
    • Provide the following information:
      • Your name
      • Your location
      • A number where you can be reached
      • Building name and areas of building affected
  • When a building experiences a power outage:
    • Emergency lighting powered by a generator or battery backup will turn on or remain on to illuminate egress pathways
    • All fire systems in buildings have a backup power supply which ensures that the fire systems remain operable
    • Automatic doors will lock and card access readers have short duration battery back up
  • In some buildings, a power outage may also impact hot and or cold water availability to some or all floors.
  • Turn off or unplug any equipment that is not plugged into a surge protector
  • You can stay in the building unless you are told to evacuate by emergency personnel
    • If evacuation is necessary, use stairs. Do not use elevators
    • If persons are trapped in the elevators or unable to evacuate the building, call CPSO at 503-725-5911
  • If the duration of the power outage is not known, consider taking key work items with you when you evacuate the building in case you need to relocate to continue working (e.g. laptop, project papers, etc)
  • If you are in a laboratory space
    • Extinguish any flames and terminate any experiments. Ventilation through the chemical fume hood ceases with the power loss and may not automatically return with the power

NOTE: Candles, lighters, matches, torches, and all other exposed flames are prohibited by University policy, including during a power outage. The risk of causing a fire is even greater during this time. Use battery powered flashlights if additional lighting is needed.

Power Outage Preparedness

  • Sign up to receive PSU Alert messages
  • Ensure that all important equipment, including computers, are plugged into a surge protector
  • Ensure that your computer files are backed up to the network drive or google drive
  • Download a flashlight app on your phone or keep a flashlight with batteries readily available
  • Turn off all computers, monitors, printers, and other electronic devices when they are not in use
  • Ensure you know at least two ways out of your building and whether your building is equipped with a generator or battery backup power
  • Do not overload power strips

Points of Contact

Call or text: 911
PSU Emergency: 503-725-5911
PSU Non-Emergency: 503-725-4407