Palo Alto: PG&E Power Shutoff Set To Begin Later Today

PALO ALTO, CA — Parts of Palo Alto may lose power in the PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff, or PSPS, set to hit Santa Clara County at noon on Wednesday.

More than 38,000 county residents may lose power, the agency has said. The first phase of power outages started around midnight in the North Bay, with the noon shutoffs marking the next phase, according to PG&E.

The shutoffs come as strong, dry winds are set to hit the area, creating a fire risk. The outages could last longer than 48 hours, and the agency is recommending that households prepare for the possibility of several days without power.

Unless weather forecasts change, the shutoff will affect these Santa Clara County cities: San Jose, Morgan Hill, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Redwood Estates, Milpitas, Sunnyvale, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Coyote, Gilroy, Mount Hamilton, Palo Alto, Holy City. (View a statewide list at PG&E's website.)

Here's a map provided by PG&E of the potential outages in the area:

The map can also be viewed at PG&E's website.

Here's how PG&E customers can prepare for a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS):

• Update their contact information at pge.com/mywildfirealerts or by calling 1-866-743-6589 during normal business hours. PG&E will use this information to alert customers through automated calls, texts, and emails, when possible, prior to, and during, a Public Safety Power Shutoff.
• Plan for medical needs like medications that require refrigeration or devices that need power.
• Identify backup charging methods for phones and keep hard copies of emergency numbers.
• Build or restock your emergency kit with flashlights, fresh batteries, first aid supplies and cash.
• Review safety tips for backup generators if you plan to use one.
• Keep in mind family members who are elderly, younger children and pets. Information and tips including a safety plan checklist are available at pge.com/wildfiresafety.

During the outage, customers should:

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed
• Monitor freezer and refrigerator temperatures with a thermometer.
• Use perishable food supplies first.· Use generators, stoves and grills outdoors away from windows.
• Disconnect electronics and appliances to avoid damage from electrical surges.
• Check on neighbors, animals and family.
• Drive safely and slowly as traffic signals may not be functioning properly.