Sonoma County Responds to PG&E’sPotential Power Shut-Off With Advanced Preparation

This afternoon, the County of Sonoma acted promptly to prepare for the potential shut down of PG&E power to areas of Sonoma County. PG&E has notified the County that they activated their Public Safety Power Shut-Off protocols due to extreme weather, and could potentially initiate a power shut down in Sonoma County within the next 24 hours . The County of Sonoma is ready to respond to the effects of the power outage; however, the decision to turn off the power and the speed at which it is restored is planned and managed solely by PG&E.

“We put the wheels in motion immediately and are working diligently to prepare for any potential PG&E power shut downs,” stated Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, James Gore. “This would be the first event of its kind in Sonoma County and we are ready for the challenges it may bring.”

The County of Sonoma Emergency Management Division has proactively taken steps in preparation for a potential power shut down after being notified by PG&E of their new Public Safety Power Shutoff program. The Emergency Management Division has developed an Electrical System De-energization Response Plan and put it into motion. Additionally, we are currently operating a warm Emergency Operations Center (EOC), and we are actively coordinating with our operational area response partners and monitoring the situation.

You can check if your home is in an area where power may be shut off on the PG&E website:https://m.pge.com/#high-fire-threat-map. PG&E is monitoring weather patterns, and will provide updates to customers and the County of Sonoma when information is available. The shutdown would impact Sonoma Clean Power customers as well, because the same lines used to carry PG&E electricity are used to carry Sonoma Clean Power energy.

Emergency Management officials remind residents and visitors that it is important to have a plan. FEMA recommends taking steps to prepare for a power outage, including:

• Talking 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.
• Reviewing the supplies that are available in case of a power outage. Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member. Have enough nonperishable food and water.
• Using a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so that you can know the temperature when the power is restored. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.
• Keeping mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks full.

For more information, including what to do during a power outage, visit https://www.ready.gov/power-outages.

Make sure you can receive updated information from PG&E by updating your contact information at pge.com/mywildfirealerts. While the County of Sonoma will not issue an evacuation notice for a power outage, the weather forecast includes high fire danger. You can sign up to receive evacuation notices at any desired address on SoCoAlert.com. The County of Sonoma will also send a Wireless Emergency Alert on the Federal system, which should go to compatible cellular devices in the impacted areas if an evacuation is ordered.