SAN RAFAEL, CA – The County of Marin is working with local jurisdictions to prepare for a potential shutoff of PG&E power to areas of Marin County because of extreme weather and wildfire conditions.
Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) has notified the Marin County Office of Emergency Services that Marin County is under a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) “
Watch Alert” in response to dry conditions, widespread strong and gusty winds, and a Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service.
The “Watch Alert” is in affect for approximately 20,000 customers in coastal and higher elevation communities for the afternoon of Sunday, October 25 through Tuesday, October 27. Residents should prepare for the possibility of losing power during that time frame. The exact time and location(s) of the potential power outages is unknown and will be determined by PG&E, which plans to issue initial potential outage maps by Friday evening, 8:00pm.
PG&E is monitoring weather patterns and said it will provide updates to customers and the County of Marin as additional information is available. Residents and businesses can access updated PSPS information from PG&E online at www.pge.com/pspsupdates.
The Marin County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services is putting into motion its Electrical System De-energization Response Plan. Additionally, it is coordinating with nearby response partners in monitoring the power situation at Marin’s Emergency Operations Center. Fire agencies in Marin, including the Marin County Fire Department, have increased staffing resources during the heightened threat.
All questions regarding PSPS events and extended outages should be directed to PG&E via their website and (800) 743-5002. Residents should only call 9-1-1 if experiencing a medical or life-threatening emergency.
Neighbors are encouraged to check on other neighbors-- especially older adults, individuals with disabilities, or individuals dependent on powered medical equipment-- to ensure they are aware of and prepared for a potential power outage.
Emergency Management officials remind residents and visitors that it is important to have a plan to adjust daily routines to one without PG&E power. FEMA recommends the following steps:
Stay informed
- Sign-up for PSPS Zip Code Alerts by texting ENROLL to 97633 or by calling (877) 9000-PGE.
- Update contact information with PG&E at www.pge.com/mywildfirealerts or by calling (866) 743-6589.
- Sign up to receive safety information on Nixle.com by texting your ZIP code to 888-777.
- Sign up for AlertMarin notifications to receive information on immediate threats to personal safety or property, tailored to an address of your choosing.
- Watch for wireless emergency alerts if evacuations are ordered, intended to reach all cell phones in the area.
Review plans
- Take inventory and ensure an appropriate supply of food, water, clothing, flashlights, flashlight batteries, and a battery powered or hand crank radio.
- Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged.
- Have some cash available in case retail point-of-sale devices are unable to accept credit cards during an outage.
- Know how to manually open electric garage doors and gates.
- Talk to a medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Take stock of batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out.
- Ensure your refrigerator and freezer have a thermometer: during an outage, you should avoid eating and dispose of perishable food if the appliance thermometer reaches 40 degrees or higher for extended periods of time.
- Ensure your household is ready for a wildfire or evacuation event:
- Identify several evacuation routes for your location in case roads are blocked.
- Keep vehicles fueled and ready in case of an evacuation.
- Make a list of what you’ll want to take with you if you leave your home quickly. Consider the Five P’s of Evacuation: People/Pets; Prescriptions; Papers; Personal Needs; Priceless Items.
- For more information, including what to do during a power outage, visit www.readymarin.org, or watch PG&E's Preparing for Public Safety Shutoffs video.
The County will continue to share information updates as they become available via its website and on social media via Facebook and Twitter.
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