Team monitoring storm with advanced weather network
SAN DIEGO, Jan. 19, 2017 – San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is fully staffed as heavy rain and high winds reach the region. As the rain continues to fall, and wind speeds are forecast to increase, the company is focused on the safety of its customers, employees and community as it responds to the storm.
“At SDG&E we focus on safety every day,” said Scott Crider, vice president of customer services. “With the storms anticipated to become more powerful throughout the day we are ready to respond, but also want to remind our customers to be safe. This means having your emergency kit nearby, and if you come across downed power lines, do not touch them or anything near the lines, instead call 911.”
SDG&E is actively tracking the storm through America’s largest utility-owned weather network and will have full staffing at all eight of its districts at times when conditions are forecasted to be the most severe. Additionally, the company has notified contractors, including vegetation management specialists, to be ready to respond should additional support be needed.
SDG&E is also urging its customers to stay safe and protect themselves with the following tips:
- Fallen electric lines are extremely dangerous. Always assume that power lines are energized and do not touch them. Call 911 and SDG&E immediately at 800-611-SDGE (7343).
- The heavy rainfall and high winds could result in fallen trees and flying branches. Take extra precautions by staking trees to the ground. If a branch or tree does end up in a powerline, do not try to remove it.
- Don’t rely on candles during a power outage as they post a significant fire hazard. Instead, use a flashlight. Also, unplug any large appliances and sensitive equipment.
For additional outage preparedness tips and the latest information on power outages visit sdge.com/outage.
SDG&E is an innovative San Diego-based energy company that provides safe, reliable, clean energy to better the lives of the people it serves in San Diego and Southern Orange Counties. More than 4,300 employees work to provide the most reliable and clean energy in the West. The company has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for leadership in addressing climate change, was the first to meet California’s goal of delivering 33 percent of energy from renewable sources, has fueled the adoption of electric vehicles and energy efficiency through unique customer programs, and supports more than 600 non-profit partners. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego. For more information visit SDGENews.com or connect with SDG&E on Twitter (@SDGE), Instagram (@SDGE) and Facebook.