Getting Ready for El Niño Storms
El Niño is coming and forecasts are predicting record rainfall for the 2015-2016 storm season. Southern California Edison is preparing its facilities and crews throughout its service territory to be sure we're ready when the time comes.
Here you'll find stories about the actions we're taking to help keep your lights on throughout the storms and safety tips to help you prepare for possible power outages.
Slide over the graphic to see the difference between an El Niño and normal year.
El Niño B-Roll and Fact Sheets
How SCE is Preparing
SCE meteorologists are monitoring weather forecasts while field crews are inspecting poles and towers and clearing vegetation around lines. Check out these stories for details on how we're preparing for coming storms.
Gearing Up for El Niño
SCE teams look back at past El Niño storm systems to help prepare facilities and crews for the 2015-2016 storm season.
El Niño is Their Moment in the Sun
A duo of SCE meteorologists use weather models to educate our crews on how the coming storm system will affect our service territory.
SCE Prepares for El Niño in Santa Barbara
Lines are being checked, replacement equipment is staged and portable generators are ready to provide emergency power.
Keeping Mother Nature from Branching into Power Lines
Vegetation Management crews work year-round to keep trees off power lines.
Forest Falls Outage Highlights SCE’s Partnership With Local Government During El Niño
San Bernardino County provided snowplows, traffic control and manpower to help get power back on to the snow-bound mountain community.
SCE Reaches Out to Seniors at El Niño Preparedness Events
We're reaching out to seniors to make sure they're prepared in case of an outage and distributing blankets and preparedness materials.
SCE, Red Cross Partner for El Niño, Outage Preparedness Workshop
Business owners learn that during El Niño or other major events electricity could be out for several days.
How You Can Prepare Before the Storm
Have you cleared your home's rain gutters? Do you have flashlights ready in case the power goes out? Taking steps to prepare ahead of a storm can save endless headaches for you down the road. Follow these tips to make sure your home and family is ready to safely weather a storm
Prepare for El Niño with Nine Easy Steps
Use this graphic to make sure your family and home is prepared for coming storms.
Tips to Help Keep You Safe During an Outage
A list of useful information, such as how to report a power outage using SCE's outage map and how to keep food fresh in your fridge.
Get an Emergency Kit and Items to Include
Use this list to help prepare an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, a battery-operated radio, non-perishable food and water and first aid supplies.
5 Ways to Drive Safely During an Outage
Did you know an intersection without power should be approached as a four-way stop? Pass these tips along to every driver in your family.
Download the American Red Cross App
The Red Cross emergency app notifies you of severe weather alerts with real-time information to help keep you and your family safe.
Stay Safe During the Storm
Our crews are ready and prepared to safely restore your power, but it may take several hours depending on the severity of damage that's occurred. If a power outage is affecting your home or community, keep an eye on safety and be extra cautious. Use these tips to help keep your family safe.
- Check SCE's outage map. If your outage doesn't appear, add a report to notify our crews. You can also sign up for text, email and phone updates on restoration time.
- Read these outage safety tips and be sure to use flashlights instead of candles in your home.
- If you see a downed line, stay away and call 911. Do not approach the line. It may be energized even if it doesn't appear to be.
- If your neighbors have power and you don't, it's possible that a breaker may need to be reset at your house. Use this guide to help safely reset the breaker.
- If you're considering using a generator to power your home, read these tips. Generators can pose a deadly risk for SCE crews working to restore your power.
Investigating Damage After the Storm
Once the storm has passed, it's important to check your home for damage. Keep these tips in mind while investigating for damage and making repairs:
- Downed trees and mudslides may have damaged electrical lines. If you come across any downed wires, stay away and call 911.
- Wet yards with puddles on cement and grass can carry electricity. If a line is down in your yard, remain indoors and call 911 immediately.
- Re-check your home's rain gutters and clear any debris. If you need to use a ladder for any repairs, remember to keep all ladders and tools at least 10 feet away from power lines.
