When the lights flicker in Round Valley, you know a storm just rolled over the White Mountains. Power outages here are usually short, but winter storms and wildfires can stretch them into days. If you own a home in Eagar or Springerville, a simple plan keeps your family comfortable and your property protected. This guide shows you why the power goes out, who to call, what to stock, and safe backup power options tailored to our area. Let’s dive in.
Why outages happen here
Summer monsoons bring lightning and high winds that can damage poles and trip lines. Winter storms add heavy snow and ice that strain trees and equipment, which is another common cause, according to Navopache’s outage guidance. Wildfires can also shut the power off, either by damaging equipment or for public safety. The recent Greer Fire prompted evacuations and power impacts that changed quickly, as shown in InciWeb updates.
Who to call and local resources
Save these in your phone and on the fridge.
- Navopache Electric Cooperative: Outage hotline 928-368-5118 or 1-800-543-6324. Check the outage map and reporting steps on the Navopache outage page. Register multiple phone numbers on your account so alerts reach you.
- Apache County Emergency Management: For evacuation updates, shelter locations and county alerts, use the Apache County EM page. The county also operates 311 for information.
- Medical and ambulance: White Mountain Regional Medical Center and White Mountain Ambulance serve Eagar and Springerville. Find current contacts on this local services guide. If you rely on medical devices or oxygen, plan ahead for power needs.
Prepare before the lights go out
Build a simple, local-ready plan.
- Prioritize power needs: List what you must keep running first. Common essentials include medical devices, heat controls, well pump, refrigerator or freezer, and phone charging.
- Stock a 3 to 7 day kit: Water (one gallon per person per day), nonperishable food, manual can opener, flashlights and batteries, battery or solar phone chargers, first aid, medications, pet supplies, cash, and important documents. Use the Ready.gov winter-ready checklist to round out your kit.
- Protect food and meds: Pre-chill your fridge to 40°F or below and set the freezer to 0°F when storms are forecast. Keep doors closed. Per FoodSafety.gov guidance, fridge food is usually safe up to 4 hours without power. A full freezer holds about 48 hours of safe temps, 24 hours if half-full.
- Vehicles and fuel: Keep gas tanks at least half full. If you plan to use a portable generator, store fuel in approved containers outside living areas and follow local fire code. Confirm any limits with county or local fire officials.
- Winterize: Insulate exposed pipes and know how to shut off the main water valve. Apache County EM posts winter readiness and road information on the county site.
What to do during an outage
Stay safe and preserve comfort.
- Downed lines: Treat any downed wire as live. Keep people and pets away and report it to Navopache or call 911.
- Heat safely: Never heat your home with an oven or stovetop. Use approved heaters and test carbon monoxide alarms. The CPSC’s generator safety page explains CO risks and safe practices.
- Generator placement: Run portable generators outdoors, at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents. Use a dry, level surface and never inside a garage or enclosed space.
- Food and water: Keep fridge and freezer doors closed. If the outage will exceed 4 hours, move perishables to coolers with ice using the FoodSafety.gov guidance to decide what to keep.
After power comes back
Turn things back on carefully. Plug in major appliances one at a time to avoid surges. Confirm fridge and freezer temps are back in the safe range before restocking. Discard any questionable food per FoodSafety.gov charts. Take photos and keep receipts for spoiled food or damage to support insurance claims.
Backup power options for mountain homes
Choose the setup that matches your priorities and budget.
- Portable generators: Lower upfront cost and good for selective loads like your fridge, a few lights, modem and device charging. Require careful outdoor placement and fuel management.
- Standby generators: Permanently installed units that run on propane or natural gas. They typically use an automatic transfer switch that powers on during an outage and isolates your home from the grid. These are convenient and safer in operation but more expensive.
- Battery or solar-plus-battery: Quiet and clean with no exhaust. Great for essential circuits. Work with a qualified installer to size and design the system.
Important safety rule: never backfeed your home by plugging a generator into a wall outlet. Use a transfer switch or a listed interlock device installed to code by a licensed electrician. Manufacturer guidance and code references, such as this transfer switch manual, stress proper isolation from the grid.
Before you install a permanent generator or fuel tank, check local permitting, inspections, and any noise or fuel-storage limits with Apache County and your local fire authority. Start with Apache County Emergency Management for current contacts.
Right-size your generator in 3 steps
- List essential circuits: heat controls, well pump horsepower, refrigerator start and running watts, internet, medical equipment.
- Add up starting and running wattage, then add a margin for surge loads.
- Ask a licensed electrician to confirm loads and recommend the correct transfer switch or interlock. For whole-house standby systems, permits and professional installation are required.
Quick checklist for Eagar/Springerville homes
- Save Navopache’s outage hotline and bookmark the outage page.
- Build a 72-hour kit and keep vehicles at least half full.
- Install and test carbon monoxide alarms on every level.
- Create a prioritized power list and note required wattage for each item.
- Decide on portable, standby, or battery backup and line up a qualified installer if needed.
- Know your evacuation routes and a backup shelter option in case of wildfire.
Ready to buy or sell in the White Mountains and want local, practical guidance on home readiness too? Reach out to Paulina Schubel for trusted, hometown advice and a smooth move.
FAQs
How do I report a power outage to Navopache?
- Call 928-368-5118 or 1-800-543-6324 and check the outage map and reporting steps on the Navopache outage page.
How long is food safe during a power outage?
- If the fridge stays closed, food is typically safe up to 4 hours and a full freezer holds about 48 hours at safe temps, per FoodSafety.gov.
Is it safe to run a portable generator indoors during an outage?
- No, never run a generator indoors or in a garage; keep it outside at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents per the CPSC generator safety guidance.
Can I plug my generator into a household outlet to power the home?
- No, backfeeding is dangerous and often illegal; use a properly installed transfer switch or listed interlock as described in manufacturer guidance like this transfer switch manual.
What should I do if I rely on medical devices and the power goes out?
- Register for utility alerts, keep backup power for essential devices, identify nearby powered shelters and local hospital options on the Apache County EM page and the local services guide.
What is the wildfire evacuation process in our area?
- Follow Apache County and Forest Service instructions, monitor InciWeb updates, keep a go bag ready, and know multiple routes since conditions can change quickly.
