SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — San Diego Gas & Electric began taking proactive steps Monday to prepare for a strong winter storm expected to arrive Tuesday morning and last through early Thursday.
SDG&E is increasing the number of field crews and equipment available to restore power "as quickly and safely as possible" as outages occur, according to a company statement.
The company's meteorology team is also monitoring weather conditions minute-by-minute to help provide situational awareness to front-line crews to maintain infrastructure.
SDG&E encouraged its customers to have a plan in place in case of unplanned outages and offered tips:
-- In case of a downed power line, always assume it is energized and stay away. Call 911 and SDG&E at 800-411-7343 to report it;
-- 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 be sure to 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;
-- In the event of an outage, visit sdge.com/outages for status updates and to view SDG&E's outage map; and
-- People who rely on electrically operated medical equipment for health and safety should make arrangements for backup power in case of an outage.
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