After the National Weather Service forecasts predicted dry, windy conditions that could increase the wildfire threat in California, one of the largest preemptive power blackouts in California’s history are expected in the coming days.
Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) has notified the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services (Sheriff’s OES) that PG&E will be implementing “Public Safety Power Shutoff’s” in Humboldt County. Shutoffs could impact nearly 800,000 customers in 34 northern, central and coastal counties including Humboldt County who are expected to lose power beginning at midnight Wednesday October 9th, due to de-energization of two transmission lines originating in Shasta County.
Windy conditions can cause power lines to spark fires when they are blown down or to come into contact with trees or other vegetation. After PG&E power lines were blamed for several high profile fires in recent years, including the blaze that killed 86 people last year in Paradise, California, “Public Safety Power Shutoff’s” were determined to be one of many fire safety programs to be implemented.
Based on the most recent information from PG&E, most or all customers in Humboldt County will be without power. The outage may last for several days. Power restoration is tentatively scheduled to begin Thursday at noon, however full restoration may take up to five days after the Public Safety Power Shutoff has ended.
Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services has activated the Emergency Operations Center and is actively working with local partners to respond to the outage. Public safety is the first priority. Emergency dispatch will continue to operate during the outage. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911. Do not call 911 for information about the power outage. Outage information is provided by PG&E.
Adult Protective Services is contacting current clients with access and functional needs who are at risk of death as a result of a power outage. People who rely on powered medical equipment should contact their medical providers or suppliers directly to make arrangements during the outage. Anyone experiencing an immediate medical need or life-threatening emergency should call 911. This line will be heavily impacted and is strictly for emergencies only.
PG&E had been working to generate power from its King Salmon power plant to reduce impacts to Humboldt County. However, PG&E is now reporting that the plant will not be able to meet the county’s needs. The utility is now focused on keeping critical facilities online during the outage.
The decision to shut off power, the duration of the outage and the time of restoral is solely managed by PG&E. Learn more about PSPS and sign up for alerts at prepareforpowerdown.com, or call 1-877-9000-PGE.
Be prepared for power outages:
- Stock at least three days of nonperishable food and water.
- Treat any intersection without lights or with flashing lights as a four-way stop.
- Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks full.
- Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Plan for batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out.
- Many medications are still usable for two to three days at room temperature, including insulin, which can keep for 28 to 30 days. However, if you are in doubt, please check with your medical provider.
- Review available supplies.
- Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member.
- Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so you can know the temperature when the power is restored. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.
- Know how to manually open electric garage doors and gates.
- Check with your child’s school district to find out about school closures.
Sign up for Humboldt ALERT at humboldtgov.org/alerts to receive safety information and be informed of imminent threats to personal safety or property, tailored to an address of your choosing.
