Crews Prepared for More Heat

Southern California Edison is ready to respond to possible heat-related issues as temperatures climb once again.
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Stories : Safety

Crews Prepared for More Heat

Southern California Edison is ready to respond to possible heat-related issues as temperatures climb once again.
Contributors
Photo Credit: Ernesto Sanchez, Joseph Foulk

It’s only the first day of October, but so far, the spookiest thing about this season is the weather.

After a welcome stint of cooler temperatures brought some relief to Southern California following one of the hottest summers on record, another surge of heat is poised to hit Southern California Edison’s service area.

The National Weather Service has issued high heat watches and warnings for the region and warns of elevated fire danger. Temperatures are forecast to be up to 12 degrees above normal along the coasts and 10 to 20 degrees above normal for inland areas — meaning some areas could get as hot as 110 degrees.

During periods of extended heat, electricity demand is high due to air conditioner use and when combined with high overnight temperatures, electrical equipment does not get a chance to cool down for days, which may lead to issues.

During extended heat, high-electricity demand and warmer-than-normal overnight temperatures mean equipment does not get a chance to cool down for days, which may lead to issues.

During extended heat, high-electricity demand and warmer-than-normal overnight temperatures mean equipment does not get a chance to cool down for days, which may lead to issues. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Ernesto Sanchez

Southern California Edison crews are monitoring the temperatures and ready to respond if heat-related outages occur.

“Our crews are prepared and pre-staged to ensure we have the people and resources ready to respond to any issues as soon as possible,” said Thomas Jacobus, SCE’s principal manager of Business Resiliency. “SCE team members work through heat, rain, wind, snow and more, ready to go the extra mile for our customers whenever they need us.”

Customers can check the latest outage information at sce.com/outages. Various counties will also be opening cooling centers.

Tips to Save Energy and Stay Cool:

  • Set your thermostat to 78 degrees when you are home and to 85 degrees or “off” when you are away. Customers can sign up for SCE's Smart Energy program, which adjusts smart thermostats.

  • Businesses should shift power-intensive work to the morning or late-evening hours, when possible.

  • Give your air conditioner a rest when you can and cool your home with open windows and fans.

  • Shut off lights when leaving a room.

  • Close your blinds to keep out the afternoon heat.

  • Limit the opening and reopening of refrigerators, which are major electricity users in many homes.

  • Plug home electronics into power strips and turn off power strips when equipment is not in use.

  • Unplug electronic devices and chargers when they are not in use.

  • Give your dryer a break and hang dry your clothes.

  • Cook with a grill outside or microwave to keep your home cooler.

  • Set pool pumps to run in the early morning or late at night.

Crews are prepared and pre-staged to ensure resources are ready to respond to any heat-related issues.
Crews are prepared and pre-staged to ensure resources are ready to respond to any heat-related issues.
PHOTO CREDIT: Joseph Foulk

What to Do During a Heat Wave

  • If you use a generator, place it outdoors and plug individual appliances directly into it, using a heavy-duty extension cord. Connecting generators directly to household circuits creates “backfeed,” which is dangerous to repair crews. Please consult the manufacturer’s manual for operating the generator.

  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water regularly and often, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

  • Use a buddy system when working in high heat, and remember to take frequent breaks. Try to avoid strenuous work during the hottest part of the day.

  • Check on elderly family, friends and neighbors who live alone or do not have air conditioning to ensure they're safe.

  • Never leave children or pets in enclosed vehicles, even with the windows "cracked" or open.

  • Pets should not be left in a garage as it can get very hot due to a lack of ventilation and insulation.