Rolling blackout warnings leave residents trying to prepare

Executives with the California Independent System Operator -- which controls roughly 80% of the state's power grid through Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas and Electric Company and San Diego Gas & Electric -- said statewide rolling blackouts affecting up to 3.3 million California homes could begin as early as 4 p.m. today, however, outage warnings were canceled Monday night. 

Another statewide flex alert will be issued Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

“It is steaming hot," said Mia Rosa. "I could melt an egg or a popsicle in this heat.” 

Valley residents are trying to survive through this brutal heatwave. 

As temperatures reach triple digits, city officials warning Cathedral City residents that power could be cut in several neighborhoods 

“We are emphasizing and encouraging all residents in Cathedral City and throughout Southern California to conserve as much energy as they possibly can between 3 p.m and 10 p.m," said Chris Parman, Communications Manager for the City of Cathedral City.

Otherwise, people will be experiencing  a rolling blackout that could last at least an hour or more. 

“We haven’t been through it yet so its hard to know what it would be like hopefully it wouldn’t last for long," Kevin Craig, Cathedral City resident.

And if it does happen, some are ready.

“We are conserving energy also but we do have the pool in the backyard, which will be a big help especially with two little ones at the home," said Sonja Kinnunen.

“I am kinda ready but we are kinda of scared of the dark," said Rosa.

“My cellphone will still work," said Craig. " I have got it charged up and the car will still work so maybe will take a drive in the country and turn the conditioning up.” 

But what can you do to stay prepared for a blackout? 

“Make sure you leave one light on, this should tell you when the power goes back on especially if its at night,"said CalFire Captain Fernando Herrera. "If you are not home and you are gone most of the day again priorities is to check refrigerator that your perishable foods is still in good condition.” 

Cal Fire Captain Herrera told us if the blackout lasts longer then 24 hours you should consider disposing all your perishable foods. 

“By planning ahead using an ice chest put some of the meat products you have poultry, fish and so forth," said Herrera. "Keep them under ice."

And if you have medical equipment, consider this. 

“You want to make sure you contact your provider, who’s providing that medical equipment and see if there is a back up system, batteries or something they can provide work through them," said Herrera.  

“We’re all in this together so we need to make sure that even though your neighborhood may not be affected on the list," said Parman. "We’re all helping each other no body wants to lose power here in the Coachella Valley.” 

The city of Cathedral City also warning several neighborhoods could have rolling blackouts today. City Officials telling everyone to conserve as much energy as possible today starting at 3:00 pm through 10:00 pm tonight as several neighborhoods in Cathedral City are on the list for potential rolling blackouts that could last at least an hour or more. They include the following Southern California Edison electrical areas:

A001 (Vista Chino and Landau Blvd)

A002 (Palm Drive north of I-10)

A004 (Gerald Ford, Date Palm Drive, Lower Cove)

A023 (East Palm Canyon from Date Palm Drive to PS City Limits including City Hall)

A024 (Gerald Ford, Rio del Sol Neighborhood, Plumley Drive)

To view these areas on a map go to: https://www.sce.com/outage-center/outage-information/rotating-outages/rotating-group-number

MORE: Outage warnings canceled for Monday night; Another flex alert set for Tuesday