Company Provides Safety Tips to Help Keep Customers Safe during Winter Storm

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 5, 2023 – The safety of its customers, employees and the communities is of the utmost importance for SDG&E, which is why the company is still taking proactive steps to prepare for the winter storm expected to arrive today.

In anticipation of the forecasted wind and rain, SDG&E increased the number of field crews and equipment available to restore power as quickly and safely as possible should power outages occur. The company’s meteorology team continues to monitor weather conditions minute-by-minute to help provide situational awareness to front-line crews working to maintain the infrastructure that serves the region. However, preparedness is a community effort, and the company encourages all its customers to have a plan in place in case of unplanned outages.

To help customers prepare for the upcoming storm, the company is sharing the following safety tips to help keep customers and the region safe:

• If a customer sees a downed power line or damaged electrical equipment:
  • Always assume a downed line is energized and stay away. Never touch a downed power line or damaged electrical equipment.
  • Call 9-1-1 and SDG&E at (800) 411-SDGE (7343) to report it.
  • If a person has come into contact with a power line, do not touch them. Call 9-1-1 immediately.
  • If a downed line or other electrical equipment comes in contact with a car, customers should remain inside the vehicle and call 9-1-1 and SDG&E at 1 (800) 411-7343.
• If evacuating during a storm, do not attempt to turn off power at the breaker box or disconnect gas service to your home. SDG&E’s equipment has safeguards in place to address the risk of water damage to electrical and gas equipment.
• Secure any loose outdoor items like umbrellas, patio furniture and garbage bins to prevent them from flying away and damaging power lines.
• Drive safely. During storm conditions, the number of cars hitting transformers or power poles increases, so customers should slow down and allow more time for braking.
• Have a plan and kit with essential supplies. Keep a battery-operated radio and flashlights handy in case the power goes out. Check the batteries now to make sure the equipment works, and do not rely on candles for lighting during a power outage.
• Consider a backup plan if there is medical equipment in the house needed for health and safety. 
• Offer space and consideration for SDG&E crews working in the field so they can work safely to restore power as quickly as possible.
• For additional tips, customers can view SDG&E’s storm safety video here.

In the event a customer experiences a power outage, they are encouraged to visit sdge.com/outages for status updates and to view SDG&E’s outage map.