How To Prepare For And Stay Safe During Power Outages

The L.A. wildfires have caused untold damage for all Angelenos. And another of the destructive effects of the extreme Santa Ana weather situation is the loss of power for so many across L.A. County.

💡Why Are The Power Outages Occurring?

The power outages are partly due to the intense winds blowing down power lines. Additionally, Southern California Edison is also performing public safety power shutoffs that are aimed at mitigating threats. These public safety power shutoffs often occur in areas where the power equipment could be at high risk of sparking a wildfire.

💡How To Prepare For Power Outages

With so many losing electricity across Southern California, it’s important to be prepared for the loss of power.

Build An Outage Supply Kit

• First aid kit: Include prescription medications – check the expiration dates.
• Bottled water: Experts recommend a gallon per person per day.
• Flashlights and batteries: Store them where you can find them easily in the dark.
• Nonperishable food: Choose items that don’t require cooking or heating.
• Manual can opener
• Coolers, ice chests, and ice packs: Have a few in case of a lengthy outage.
• Special-needs items: This includes items for infants, the elderly, or the disabled.
• Battery-operated radio: To access news reports.
• Fresh batteries: For all battery-powered equipment.
• External rechargeable battery pack: To charge cell phones and other electronic devices.
• Non-cordless phone: To plug into landlines during power outages.

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Prepare Your Home

• Unplug household appliances such as televisions, computer equipment, washers, dryers, game consoles, fans, and lights to prevent them from being damaged.
• Use surge protectors to help prevent damage to electronics.
• Turn off all light switches and lamps except for one. Leave one on so you’ll know when power returns.
• Keep important phone numbers (fire department, paramedics, police, hospital, doctor, relatives, etc.) where they can be found easily in an emergency.
• Place flashlights in handy locations where they can be found easily in an emergency, including near your bed.
• Familiarize yourself with your home’s utility boxes (electricity, water, and gas) and how to turn them off.
• Frequently back up important work and files on your computer.
• Know how to manually open your automatic garage doors or gates.
• Keep the gas tank or charge level in at least one car half full at all times.
• If you have a portable gas generator, find an outdoor location where you can safely use it during a power outage, and never use it indoors.
• Make a safety preparedness plan for your family.

You can get more information on how to prepare for a power outage at Southern California Edison’s website.

💡How To Stay Safe During a Power Outage

In the event of a power outage, especially during wildfire threats, it’s important to stay calm and follow these simple steps:

• Keep fridge & freezer shut: This helps preserve food longer.
• Turn off gas & combustibles: Shut off gas lines and items like propane tanks.
• Avoid power lines: Stay at least 10 feet away from overhead lines and electrical equipment. Never touch them.
• Stay updated: Use a battery-powered radio or your cellphone for wildfire updates.

You can get more information on what to do during a power outage at Ready for Wildfire’s website.

💡Power Outages Tracker

Track the current power outages on the Southern California Edison map here.

💡How To Stay Safe From Downed Wires

Due to extreme winds, there is a high risk of many power lines being down. According to Southern California Edison, you should always assume that all downed wires are live and dangerous.

• Stay inside your vehicle and call 911
• Stay at least 100 ft away
• Warn people to stay away
• Don’t touch or step in water near a downed wire

💡A Statement From Southern California Edison

Southern California Edison gave the following statement on their website, “Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the extreme weather event. As of 4:00 pm. [Jan. 9, 2025] the total number of customers without power is 367,476. The number of customers without power due to PSPS will change throughout the day…Due to the extreme winds and resulting damage and fires, we are currently unable to provide detailed outage information and restoration times. We are working as quickly and safely as possible to provide details.”

Stay alert and stay safe, Californians! Keep checking back here for further updates on the situation.