While around 4,500 San Diego Gas & Electric customers remained without power Friday afternoon, the utility has begun mobilizing its crews to patrol power lines to get them re-energized as soon as possible, the utility said.
High Santa Ana winds had died down by Friday afternoon, and while the National Weather Service's red flag warning remained in effect until Friday evening, it appeaed San Diego had avoided serious incidents such as the ongoing conflagrations in Los Angeles County.
SDG&E field employees will inspect power lines on foot and by air to monitor conditions, the utility said. The company encouraged all residents to stay ready in case another shutoff event happens in coming hours or days.
How to prepare for a power outage
- Build an emergency kit: Include flashlights, extra batteries, nonperishable food (this includes packaged snacks and bottled water and juices) and a first-aid kit.
- Phones and electronics: Keep phones that don't require electricity along with a portable battery-powered radio, a wind-up or battery-operated clock and manual can opener.
- For major appliances: Turn off and unplug major appliances like your A/C and refrigerator, electronics and devices to prevent damage or unexpected starts when power is restored, but leave one light on to signal when power returns.
- For seniors: Prepare essential items like wheelchair batteries, oxygen, medications and service animal food. List medical devices with instructions.
- Create a network: Notify and alert neighbors, relatives, friends and co-workers to aid you should there be an emergency.
- Keep emergency contacts handy: Add SDG&E’s emergency phone number (800) 411-SDGE (7343) for residents and (800) 611-SDGE (7343).
To learn more about preparing for a power outage, visit this comprehensive guide from the City of San Diego: Power Outage Prep Tips or go to SDG&E resource page.
After restoring power to all customers Thursday, SDG&E then de- energized around 7,000 customers in rural east and north county as a precaution amid high winds and low humidity. Many of those will likely have their power turned back on in the next few hours.
Still, a total of 68,958 SDG&E customers could be subject to public safety power shutoffs if conditions worsen, according to the utility company's PSPS page.
Those still without power included residents in Julian, Pauma Valley, Warner Springs and multiple reservations.
Officials said SDG&E's emergency operations center was monitoring the high winds and wildfire conditions and will de-energize its equipment as needed. This week is the driest start to the rainy season in the county in 174 years, the company said.
The utility opened community resource centers for customers impacted by the public safety shutoffs. Those centers are equipped with wi-fi, phone and medical device charging, and are open to the public.
The most current list of impacted communities, along with resource center locations and hours, are available at sdge.com/ready.
