Widespread Power Shutoffs Possible In Bay Area

BAY AREA — Nearly every county in the Bay Area is threatened with a Public Safety Power Shutoff by PG&E because of high winds expected later in the week.

The company said on its website Monday, "The PG&E Emergency Operations Center has been activated to prepare for a potential Diablo wind event lasting from Wednesday through Thursday aside from the Northern Sierra that may experience Diablo winds through Friday morning."

If they happen, the power shutoffs could last from Wednesday through Thursday in most Bay Area counties, and into Friday in the Sierra Nevada foothills and mountains.

But PG&E also emphasized, "Please note that PSPS is not executed across entire Zones and much more detailed maps where PSPS is being considered will be provided on PG&E’s website this evening."

The Bay Area is in zones 3 and 4.

The most like areas for a power shutoff:

• North Bay mountains near Mt. St. Helena
• East Bay near Mt. Diablo
• Oakland Hills east of Piedmont (generally between highway 24 and Upper San Leandro Reservoir)
• hills east of Milpitas around Calaveras Reservoir
• Santa Cruz mountains
• Big Sur mountains

Gov. Gavin Newsom addressed the possible power shutoff during a news conference on Monday , “We’re expecting high wind events, 45 mph gusts based upon the analysis and briefings we got this morning, and as high as 60 mph wind gusts in Northern California.”

“PG&E territory is working on their protocols around PSPS, partnerships with the cities and counties and with Cal OES and Cal Fire,” he said.

The possible power shutoff come days after PG&E was named as the possible cause of a deadly wildfire last month in Butte County.

PG&E offers the following tips to prepare for a power outage:

• Keep a battery-operated flashlight and radio within easy reach. Ensure those items are always accessible and that your batteries are fresh. Listen for updates on storm conditions and power outages.
• Plan for another way to communicate. Don’t depend on a phone that requires electricity to communicate. Keep a standard handset or mobile phone ready as a backup.
• Use safer LED candles. Wax candles are not recommended. If you must use wax candles, keep them away from drapes, lampshades and small children. Do not leave candles unattended.
• Store water-filled plastic containers in your freezer. You can use them as blocks of ice to prevent food from spoiling.
• If you have a stand-by generator, notify PG&E and make sure that it’s installed safely to avoid risking damage to your property and endangering PG&E workers who could be working on power lines in your neighborhood.
• If your power goes out, unplug or turn off electric appliances to avoid overloading circuits and fire hazards when power is restored. Simply leave a single lamp on to alert you when power returns. Turn your appliances back on one at a time when conditions return to normal.