SDG&E crews restore power to approximately 39,000 customers between storms
The energy company is prepared for another storm system
Friday delivered severe winds and rain to San Diego and Orange counties, uprooting trees that brought down power lines throughout the area. SDG&E crews worked to restore power to approximately 39,000 customers in a matter of hours. In isolated cases, where there was extensive damage, restorations took a bit longer, however most customers were restored by Sunday morning.
Now, the company is prepared for a second wave of heavy storms, forecast to arrive around 2 p.m. today, Sunday, and continue through Tuesday. As the storms continue, SDG&E asks its customers to stay safe, stay inside if possible, and if they see downed powerlines do not touch them, instead call 911.
“I would like to say thank you to our customers for their patience, and to our crews who remained focused on safety as they worked to repair the damage left by the first wave of storms,” said Scott Crider, vice president of customer services. “As severe weather returns, there is a possibility of power outages. If power goes out at your home or business, please know that our crews are working to safely restore service to you.”
During a power outage the company offers the following safety tips:
- Use a flashlight—instead of candles—for light
- If using a standby generator follow these safety tips
- Turn off major appliances like dishwashers or televisions that were running when the power went out to prevent them from starting unexpectedly when power is restored
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep food fresh
- Leave one light on so you know when power is restored
Power Line Safety
If a person or piece of equipment comes in contact with an electric line, or if a line is down or broken SDG&E offers the following tips:
- Call 911. Ask for the police department, fire department rescue service or SDG&E
- If an accident causes a fire, fight it with a dry chemical or CO2 extinguisher.
- If possible, shut off the power.
- Don’t touch the person or any equipment involved. The line may still be energized and dangerous.
- Freeing someone from energized power lines or equipment should only be attempted by a qualified SDG&E employee or a trained rescuer such as a fire fighter.
- Always assume that power lines are energized unless you personally know they have been disconnected, and that they could not be reconnected without your knowledge.
If a vehicle is involved and you are in it:
- Sit quietly until help arrives.
- Warn others not to touch the vehicle.
- If the vehicle is on fire and you must leave it, open the door or window and jump clear without touching the vehicle and ground at the same time. Do not allow yourself to be a path of electricity from the vehicle to the ground.
- Be careful not to fall back against the vehicle, and to avoid any wires on the ground.
Visit SDG&E’s online outage map or mobile app for the latest information.