Public Safety Power Shutoffs

Public Safety Power Shutoffs


Working together as a community is key to being prepared for extreme weather and wildfires. All of us could be impacted by emergency events, and we need to have a plan and be prepared - just in case.

There is a lot that we can do. Learning about the Public Safety Power Shutoff program and creating a Personal Safety Plan will help you be prepared.

Be Prepared for Extended Power Outages

PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoffs – Will you have water & sewer services?

While preparing for the PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), many have asked if they will have municipal water and wastewater service when the power grid is shut down. The answer is yes: the City of Willits Water Department and Wastewater Department will remain operational, and we will use diesel-powered generators to maintain water supply and distribution as well as sewer service.

We will ask customers to minimize water use as much as possible during a PSPS. This will allow the water system to maintain storage levels for continued water service and provide fire suppression capabilities if needed. The City of Willits Wastewater System will rely on diesel-powered generators during PSPS events.

The power outages will be inconvenient to most and place a real hardship on others. Advance preparation will make the situation much more bearable. Please contact the Willits Public Works Department if you have any questions or concerns about the provision of water and sewer services in Willits.

Tips

Extended power outages associated with PSPS events may impact the whole community. Take an inventory now of the items you need that rely on electricity.

Plan for batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out.

Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.

Sign up for local alerts and warning systems. Monitor local weather reports.

Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks full.

Store at least one Emergency Contact under the name "In Case of Emergency" or "ICE" for all cell phones and devices. This will help someone identify your emergency contact if needed. Enter household and emergency contact information into all household members' phones or devices.

Create a Group list on all mobile phones and devices of the people you would need to communicate with if there was an emergency or disaster. Ensure that they know how to text if they have a mobile phone or device.

Review your supplies that are available in case of no power. Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member. Have enough nonperishable food and water.

Install Carbon Monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home.

Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so that you can know the temperature when the power is restored

Be Prepared for a Wildfire

  • If you are under a Wildfire Warning - get to safety right away!
  • Sign up for the Willits emergency notification system - https://local.nixle.com/signup/widget/i/9113.
  • Know your community's evacuation routes and find several ways to leave the area. Drive the evacuation routes and find shelter locations. Have a plan for pets and livestock.
  • Keep important documents in a fireproof safe. Create password-protected digital copies.
  • Gather emergency supplies, including N95 respirator masks that filter out particles in the air you breathe. Keep in mind each person's specific needs, including medications. Remember the needs of pets.
  • Create a fire-resistant zone that is free of leaves, debris, or flammable materials for at least 30 feet from your home.
  • Review insurance coverage to make sure it is enough to replace your property.
  • Find an outdoor water source with a hose that can reach any area for your property.

Be Prepared for Extreme Heat  

Extreme heat often results in the highest annual number of deaths among all weather-related disasters. Find places in your Community where you can go to get cool.

Try to keep your home cool:

  • Cover windows with drapes or shades.
  • Weather-strip doors and windows.
  •  Use window reflectors such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard to reflect heat back outside.
  • Add insulation to keep the heat out.
  • Use a powered attic ventilator, or attic fan, to regulate the heat level of a building's attic by clearing hot air.
  • Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.

Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness.

For More Information

Public Safety Power Shutoff - The Power of Being Prepared:
https://prepareforpowerdown.com/

Consumer Guide: Tips for Communication during an Emergency
https://www.fcc.gov/emergency

FEMA: Be Prepared Materials
https://www.ready.gov/be-informed

ADA - Emergency Power Planning for people who use electricity and battery-dependent assistive technology and medical devices:
https://www.adapacific.org/assets/documents/emergency-ppower-planning-factsheet-12-7-2015.pdf

PG&E - Emergency Supply Kit Checklist/Electric Generator Safety:
https://www.pge.com/en_US/safety/emergency-preparedness/preparedness-kit/emergency-preparedness-kit.page
https://www.pge.com/en_US/safety/electrical-safety/electric-generator-safety/electric-generator-safety.page

MendoAlerts - Sheriff's Office Mass Notification system Signup Page:
https://member.everbridge.net/index/892807736722865#/signup

CDC - Heat Tips:
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.html

PG&E Wildfire Safety:
https://www.pge.com/wildfiresafety

CALFIRE - Wildfire Preparedness
https://www.readyforwildfire.org

CPUC's Wildfire safety efforts:
https://wwwcpuc.ca.gov/wildfiresinfo

California Governor's Office of Emergency Services Website:
https://www.caloes.ca.gov

US Department of Homeland Security Disaster Preparedness Information:
https://www.ready.gov

California Fire Safe Council Website:
https://www.firesafecouncil.org

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Website:
https://www.noaa.gov

American Red Cross - How to Prepare for Emergencies Information:
https://www.redcross.org/get-help