PG&E Power Shutoff Delayed: 14K May Lose Power In San Mateo Co.

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — Sixteen San Mateo County communities were still waiting to find out if power would be cut in the area during PG&E's "public safety power shutoff" as of late Wednesday night. More than 14,000 county residents may lose power if the shutoffs go through, the agency has said.

The first phase of power outages started in the North Bay at midnight Wednesday. Shutoffs for the second phase of counties were initially scheduled to start around noon on Wednesday but were delayed multiple times, given changes to the weather forecast. Those counties are: Alameda, Alpine, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Mariposa, Mendocino, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Stanislaus and Toulomne.

The latest update from PG&E indicated that shutoffs for the above listed counties could begin between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Wednesday— or later.

The shutoff warning comes as strong, dry winds are set to hit the area, creating a fire risk. The outages could last longer than 48 hours, and the agency is recommending that households prepare for the possibility of several days without power. County officials said residents may be without power for up to five days.

SEE ALSO: Over 500,000 Without Power In CA As PG&E Starts Power Shutdowns

Unless weather forecasts change, PG&E said the shutoff could affect these San Mateo County cities: Half Moon Bay, El Granada, Woodside, Moss Beach, Montara, Portola Valley, Pescadero, La Honda, Redwood City, San Gregorio, Loma Mar, San Mateo, Menlo Park, Emerald Hills, Pacifica, Princeton. (View a statewide list at PG&E's website.)

Below is a map provided by PG&E of the some of the potential outages in the area. Though not all cities are highlighted on the map, they were listed as potentially being impacted under the San Mateo County warning.

To check a specific address for a more accurate idea if you're affected, use PG&E's 'potential PSPS address lookup map' tool.

Here's how PG&E customers can prepare for a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS):

• Update their contact information at pge.com/mywildfirealerts or by calling 1-866-743-6589 during normal business hours. PG&E will use this information to alert customers through automated calls, texts, and emails, when possible, prior to, and during, a Public Safety Power Shutoff.
• Plan for medical needs like medications that require refrigeration or devices that need power.
• Identify backup charging methods for phones and keep hard copies of emergency numbers.
• Build or restock your emergency kit with flashlights, fresh batteries, first aid supplies and cash.
• Review safety tips for backup generators if you plan to use one.
• Keep in mind family members who are elderly, younger children and pets. Information and tips including a safety plan checklist are available at pge.com/wildfiresafety.

During the outage, customers should:

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed
• ·Monitor freezer and refrigerator temperatures with a thermometer.
• Use perishable food supplies first.· Use generators, stoves and grills outdoors away from windows.
• Disconnect electronics and appliances to avoid damage from electrical surges.
• Check on neighbors, animals and family.
• Drive safely and slowly as traffic signals may not be functioning properly.