PG&E considering power shutdown
Red Flag Warning issued for Wednesday-Friday
Strong winds from the north and low humidity, among other factors could create a need for PG& E to call for a public safety power outage in Butte and Tehama counties, starting today.
As of Tuesday, the eastern valley and foothill areas were under a “watch” category, meaning the shut- offs were possible. Power is turned off when the risk of equipment starting a wildfire is possible.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for today through Friday. The weather service warns of winds north to east between 15 and 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Canyons, gaps and ridgetops could see stronger winds.
The strongest winds in the valley may be seen this morning to Thursday, and for the foothills, tonight and Thursday night.
As far as temperature, the National Weather Service indicates a warming trend with temperatures 5 to 15 degrees above normal.
No rain is expected over the next seven days.
50,000 households
On Monday PG& E sent out its warning that up to 50,000 households in 21 counties, including Butte and Tehama, could be impacted by a public safety power shutoff.
In Butte County 11,364 customers and in Tehama County 1,230 customers could be impacted, with more than 1,000 in PG&E’s Medical Baseline Program in those two counties who need power for life-sustaining equipment.
“Hot and dry conditions combined with expected high wind gusts pose an increased risk for damage to the electric system that has the potential to ignite fires in areas with dry vegetation,” according to PG&E spokesman Paul Moreno in a press release.
Because of the early notice going out and potential change in theweather forecast, PG&E meteorologists are monitoring conditions.
Customers who are enrolled in PG& E’s Medical Baseline program who don’t verify they’ve been alerted to conditions “will be individually visited by a PG&E employee,” Moreno’s press
release indicated.
“Hot and dry conditions combined with expected high wind gusts pose an increased risk for damage to the electric system that has the potential to ignite fires in areas with dry vegetation .”
— Paul Moreno, PG& E spokesman, in a press release
Evacuation risks
Cal Fire also reminded residents that evacuations can be more difficult under power shut- offs, especially if it’s dark outside.
“No lights, being unable to open your garage door and finding your go- bag are just a few of the obstacles for which you should be prepared,” Cal Fire wrote on Tuesday, recommending more about escaping during a power outage at www.ReadyForWildfire.org.
As far as determining a public safety power shutoff, PG& E explained that a number of factors play a role. These include low humidity, forecasted sustained winds generally above 23 mph and gusts over 45 mph, a Red Flag Warning by the National Weather Service, dry vegetation and observations by PG&E field crews and operations center.
Customers are strongly encouraged to update their contact information and indicate their preferred language for notifications by visiting www.pge.com/mywildfirealerts or by calling 1- 800-742- 5000, where inlanguage support is available.
PG& E has launched a new tool at its online Safety Action Center www.safetyactioncenter. pge. com to help customers prepare for power outages. By using the “Make Your Own Emergency Plan” tool and answering a few short questions, visitors to the website can compile and organize the important information needed for a personalized family emergency plan. This includes phone numbers, escape routes and a family meeting location if an evacuation is necessary.
According to Cal Fire, since the beginning of the year, there have been over 8,500 wildfires that have burned well over 4.1 million acres in California. As of Oct. 13, the total number of fatalities statewide is 31, which includes 15 in Butte County, and more than 9,200 structures have been destroyed, including 2,342 structures in Butte County.