This past weekend (Dec. 1, 2012), we experienced the third and strongest in a series of winter storms. Along with record winds and rain, there were numerous power outages, affecting over 300,000 Bay Area customers. At this time, I would like to share with you some useful advice from PG&E to help you during storms.
- You can call PG&E’s 24-hour Outage Service Line at 1-800-743-5002 to report an outage or hazardous condition. Latest information on outages in the community is also available.
- If you see a downed power line, please assume that they are energized and extremely dangerous. Do not try to touch or move them and keep children and animals away. Report downed power lines immediately by calling 911 and PG&E at 1-800-743-5002.
- Be cautious when using candles during power outages. Keep candles away from drapes, lampshades, holiday trees, and small children. Do not leave candles unattended.
- If your power goes out, turn off or unplug all electrical appliances. Otherwise, several appliances may come back on at once and overload your circuits when power is restored. Hot appliances also pose a fire hazard if they come back on while you’re away or asleep.
- Have battery or hand-powered flashlights and radios on hand.
- Fill used plastic soda bottles with water and place them in the freezer. During an extended outage, transfer them to your refridgerator to prevent food from spoiling. Only open the refridgerator when necessary.
- If you have a generator, inform PG&E and do not use it unless it is installed safely and properly. Improperly installed generators pose a risk to yourself, your property, and PG&E workers who may be working on nearby power lines. Information on the safe installation of generators can be found at http://www.pge.com/generator/.