After battling a week-long heat wave, company prepares for rain, thunderstorms and wind expected from incoming weather system

SDG&E is taking proactive steps to prepare for  stormy conditions in the region expected this weekend. Starting Friday, a tropical storm is expected to enter the region bringing heavy rain, possible isolated thunderstorms and strong easterly winds along the coast and inland.

SDG&E’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is staffed and activated to ensure a timely and safe response to potential power outages caused by the inclement weather. The EOC has also been activated throughout the current heat wave to help stabilize grid conditions and keep customers informed as Flex Alerts and Emergency Energy Alerts are issued by the California Independent System Operator (CAISO). Additionally, SDG&E’s meteorology team is also closely monitoring the storm system and will continue to provide weather updates through sdgeweather.com.

Tips to Prepare for a Storm

Severe storms can create dangerous conditions that may impact electrical equipment in your community. Customers are urged to prepare for and stay safe during the storm by following these tips:

• Drive safely - During storms, our operations centers often see an increase in the number of cars hitting power poles and transformers, which can cause outages. Please drive safely in rainy and windy conditions.
• Use caution near electric lines - If you see a downed power line, call 911 and SDG&E immediately at 800-411-SDGE (7343). Always assume that power lines are energized and do not touch them.
• Prepare your yard - Take extra precautions and stake trees to the ground as they can more easily fall over if oversaturated with water. If a branch or tree falls on a power line, do not try to remove it. Call SDG&E immediately to report the situation. Also, secure items such as patio equipment like umbrellas and trash cans that could blow away and cause damage.
• Use flashlights and unplug sensitive equipment - Do not rely on candles during a power outage as they pose a significant fire hazard. Instead, use a flashlight. Also, unplug any large appliances and sensitive equipment to avoid any power surges once power has been restored.
• Make arrangements for back-up power, if necessary - If you are dependent on electrically operated medical equipment, please be sure to make prior arrangements for backup power in the case of an outage.
• Stay informed - Customers are also urged to download sdge.com/myaccount, which can provide them with easy access to report an outage and track the status of power restoration.
• In the event of an outage, the food in your refrigerator and freezer may or may not be safe to eat. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) advises people to throw out refrigerated perishable items, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers after an outage that has lasted four hours or longer. When in doubt, throw it out. After an outage, don’t taste food to determine its safety.

For additional outage preparedness tips and the latest information on power outages visit sdge.com/outage-center.