Local power companies speak on preparing for an outage after a big earthquake
Many people around the Coachella Valley remain uneasy after last week’s 6.4 and 7.1 magnitude earthquakes, especially with the thousands of aftershocks still being felt.
After the earthquakes, power outages affected thousands. Even a few outages were experienced here in the valley as a result of the aftershocks. Those outages have since been fixed, but if an earthquake large enough were to hit in the valley along the San Andreas Fault, our local power companies warn the impacts could be devastating and repairs could take weeks.
“It can bring down trees it could bring down poles or wires,” said Robert Villegas, a spokesperson for Southern California Edison.
It would be especially catastrophic if we lost power during the hot summer months.
“Temperatures can reach as high as 115 and 120 some summers. So, for those that are elderly, as well babies, those sensitive populations,” Villegas said.
More tips to prepare for an earthquake
Officials urge customers to be proactive, plan ahead, and prepare backup sources of power and light.
“Backup batteries for all the electronics that we depend on nowadays,” said Emmanuel Martinez, government affairs specialist for Imperial Irrigation District.
“There are many products that are sold for lighting that are hand crank or solar powered now,” Villegas said.
In addition to water, food, flashlights, and medication, officials advise that you have enough supplies to last at least two weeks.
The elderly and those dependent on powered machines for survival are particularly at risk and in need of backup plan. Both SCE and IID officials say they have emergency departments equipped to respond to natural disasters but in the event of an outage, it’s essential to report any problems as soon as possible.
“Go ahead and call 911, let them know it’s an electrical emergency,” Martinez said.
Officials also want to remind people to stay away from downed power lines or any damaged infrastructure.
“Even if there’s no noise, even if there’s no sparking that wire or that damaged transformer or pole can be live and can be dangerous,” Villegas said.
