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SCE Prepares for High Winds, Possible Public Safety Shutoffs

Elevated fire weather threat could have prompted a shutoff. No circuits were de-energized.
ENERGIZED Staff Writer
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Updated on June 21, 2019 at 9:45 p.m.

Customers in areas that had been the focus of a potential Public Safety Power Shutoff were notified Friday night that they are no longer under consideration for a shutoff. On Wednesday, due to projected strong winds across the high desert areas with some potential for fire activity, a peak of approximately 6,500 customers had been notified that SCE was exploring options to shutoff power. No power was shutoff.

Customers in Apple Valley, unincorporated San Bernardino County areas, including Lucerne Valley, Victorville, Palmdale and unincorporated L.A. County areas, including Little Rock, Llano, Valyermo, Juniper Hills and Pearblossom have been notified that they are no longer affected by the Public Safety Power Shutoff at this time.

During the event, peak wind gusts were in the 45 to 55 mph range, with a few isolated gusts up to 70 mph possible.

SCE does its best during such events to minimize the impact to customers. Still, the company’s first priority is to protect public safety.

Customers whose contact information is on file with SCE will receive alerts by phone, text or email about any potential power shutoffs. They should make sure their contact information is correct by going to their account at sce.com/outagealerts  or by calling 800-655-4555.

To see the latest information about outages, go to sce.com/outages or visit twitter.com/sce and facebook.com/sce. Customers can also report or inquire about outages at 800-611-1911.

Power Outage Safety Tips

  • If you see a downed power line, do not touch it or anything in contact with it. Call 911 immediately.
  • Power outages in the area may impact traffic signals so motorists should use extreme caution and treat all intersections as four-way-stops.
  • Remember to check emergency supplies to be sure you have a battery-operated radio, a flashlight and fresh batteries.
  • Use flashlights instead of candles to avoid fire hazards in your home or business.
  • If you’re in a vehicle with a fallen power line on it, stay in the vehicle and remain calm until help arrives. It is OK to use your cellphone to call 911. If you must leave the vehicle, remember to exit away from downed power lines and exit by jumping from the vehicle and landing with both feet together. You must not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Then proceed away from the vehicle by shuffling and not picking up your feet until you are several yards away.
  • 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.
  • If someone in your home is dependent on electric-powered, life-sustaining medical equipment, have an emergency plan that includes a back-up power source, or make arrangements to relocate. 
  • Do not use outdoor cooking equipment to cook indoors. Such equipment can release carbon monoxide and other toxic gases. 
  • Use stairs instead of an elevator.  Elevators are powered by electricity and may stop functioning during an outage. Be safe by taking the stairs and use a flashlight when necessary.

Tags: Public Safety Power Shutoff