Extended power outages may impact the whole community and the economy. A power outage is when the electrical power goes out.
Power outages may: |
|
Prepare for a power outage before it happens: |
|
During a power outage: |
|
Stay safe after a power outage: |
|
Power Outage Preparedness Fact Sheets:
Emergency Supply Kit
Before a potential power outage, make a supply kit with non-perishable food, water, first aid supplies and tools. Use this fact sheet to learn more.
Emergency Supply Kit Fact Sheet in English
Emergency Supply Kit Fact Sheet in Espanol
Food Safety
Without power, food safety is an important issue to be aware of. Use this fact sheet to learn more.
Food Safety Fact Sheet in English
Food Safety Fact Sheet in Espanol
Generator Safety
Safety is important if using a generator during an outage. Use this fact sheet to learn more.
Generator Safety Fact Sheet in English
Generator Safety Fact Sheet in Espanol
Communications
Be prepared for communication systems to fail during a power outage. Use this fact sheet to learn more.
Communications Preparedness Fact Sheet in English
Communications Preparedness Fact Sheet in Espanol
Car Safety
Extra caution is required with cars and roads during an outage. Use this fact sheet to learn more.
Car Safety Fact Sheet in English
Car Safety Fact Sheet in Espanol
Medical Devices
Be prepared with back up power options if you have medical devices requiring power. Use this fact sheet to learn more.
Medical Device Preparedness Fact Sheet in English
Medical Device Preparedness Fact Sheet in Espanol
Public Safety Power Shutoff
A Public Safety Power Shutoff involves turning power off to electrical systems during extreme fire conditions. The risk of wildfires increases with high temperatures, high sustained and peak winds and low humidity. During these conditions, wind and trees can down electrical transmission and distribution lines, which can ignite fires.
PG&E has stated that in an attempt to reduce the chance of fire ignition in certain areas, they may de-energize electrical grids in advance of or during heightened risk conditions.
A CPUC Fire Threat Map was adopted by the California Public Utilities Commission. The map outlines fire threat areas within California. Tier 2 areas have been designated by the CPUC as at an elevated risk for wildfire. Tier 3 areas have been designated as at an extreme risk for wildfire. The most likely electric lines to be considered for de-energization for safety are those passing through Tier 2 or Tier 3 areas.
Beginning with the 2019 wildfire season, PG&E has announced that as an additional precautionary measure to further reduce wildfire risks, they are expanding their Public Safety Power Shutoff program beyond Tier 2 and Tier 3 areas. In 2019, lines considered for potential PSPS events will include all distribution and transmission lines at all voltages (500 kV and below) that traverse Tier 2 or Tier 3 areas. This means that while customers in high fire-threat areas are more likely to be affected, a Public Safety Power Shutoff could impact any customers who receive power from PG&E.
PG&E will attempt to notify customers of a PSPS event 48 hours in advance of power being turned off, 24 hours in advance and just before power is turned off. Notifications may also be made during the outage. Attempts to reach customers will be done by calls, texts or emails. Depending on conditions, these outages could last from several hours to multiple days.
Please visit the following sites for more information on the Public Safety Power Shutoff Program:
Contact Us
For COVID-19 Questions or Comments:
By Phone:
Contact our Phone Center at 805-543-2444 or 805-781-4280
By Email:
- For General COVID-19 vaccine or pandemic questions, email jic-pio@co.slo.ca.us
- To confirm a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, email publichealth.covidvaccine@co.slo.ca.us
- For Reopening questions related to COVID-19, email eoc-liaison@co.slo.ca.us
- For COVID-19 testing questions, email HA.covidresponse@co.slo.ca.us
- For volunteer opportunities, email slomrc@gmail.com
- For COVID compliance reports, fill out the online compliance form
- For news media questions, email eoc-pic@co.slo.ca.us
- For general Public Health questions, fill out the online contact form
The Office of Emergency Services
1055 Monterey Street D430
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
County OES Business Line: 805-781-5011
County OES Business Email: oes@co.slo.ca.us