As Southern California Edison (SCE) crews work safely and quickly to
restore power to areas affected by weather-related outages,
the company reminds customers to prepare for the next wave of the
rainstorm that is already impacting some parts of the Southland.
As of 4 p.m., 36,000 customers are without service across SCE’s 50,000
square-mile service
area.
The company has scheduled additional crews this weekend, which includes restoration
and repair crews. However, SCE reminds customers the severe weather
could result in service interruptions during the evening hours, and that
they should take steps now in their homes and businesses to be prepared.
If you see a downed power line or dangling wire — even if it appears not
to be live — don’t touch or approach it or anything that is in contact
with it and call 911 immediately.
SCE encourages customers to get ready for potential outages by taking
the following measures:
-
Place flashlights in handy locations, such as near telephones.
-
Install surge protectors to help safeguard valuable electronic
equipment, such as computers and home entertainment systems.
-
Know where to find each utility box (electricity, water and gas) and
how to turn them off. Keep the proper tools to do so handy.
-
Always back up important work and files on your computer.
-
If you have an automatic garage door or gate, learn how to open them
manually (without power).
-
Consider keeping at least one car at least half full with fuel. Gas
stations need electricity to pump gas and will be shut down during an
outage. Please note that stockpiling gasoline is not recommended.
Gasoline is a hazardous, combustible substance. Portable gasoline
generators should never be used inside homes, garages, office
buildings or other enclosed spaces.
-
Make a safety preparedness plan for your family that includes a list
and location of the above items. Be prepared to meet the special needs
of infants and elderly or disabled family members. Also plan how you
will care for any pets.
Customers may report outages at 1-800-611-1911, online
or through the SCE
Outages app. SCE will provide the latest information about outages
at its
website and on Facebook
and Twitter.
Additional safety tips, videos and fact sheets are available at: www.SCE.com/staysafe.
The information is also available in Spanish.
About Southern California Edison
An Edison International (NYSE:EIX) company, Southern California Edison
is one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, serving a population
of nearly 14 million via 4.9 million customer accounts in a
50,000-square-mile service area within Central, Coastal and Southern
California.
Copyright Business Wire 2014