Power company warns you of high wind dangers
With high winds and potential hard-freeze conditions forecast for many areas of Southern California through Friday, SCE (Southern California Edison) reminds its customers that outages might occur and to never approach or touch a downed power line.
Officials said if you see a downed line or dangling wire — even if it appears not to be live — don’t touch or approach it and call 911 immediately.
The National Weather Service is forecasting strong winds and cold temperatures for the Inland Empire as well as the mountains and high desert, but windy and unseasonably cold conditions are also forecast for areas of Los Angeles and Orange county.
SCE is closely monitoring the conditions and has crews prepared to respond. If outages occur, you can get the latest information using SCE’s smartphone app or by visiting http://www.sce.com/staysafe .
You can also call 1-800-611-1911 to report an outage.
SEC Tips:
Remember to check emergency supplies to be sure you have a battery-operated radio, a flashlight and fresh batteries.
Watch for traffic signals that may be out. Approach those intersections as four-way stops.
If you’re in a vehicle with a fallen power line on it, stay in the vehicle and remain calm until help arrives. It’s OK to use your cell phone to call 911. If you must leave the vehicle, remember to exit away from downed power lines and exit by jumping from the vehicle. You must not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Then proceed away from the vehicle by shuffling your feet until you are several yards away.
Water and electricity don’t mix. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity. Do not enter any water that a downed power line may be touching.
Do not use any equipment inside designed for outdoor heating or cooking. Such equipment can emit carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.
Never use your oven to heat your home.
If you use a generator, place it outdoors and plug individual appliances directly into the generator, using a heavy-duty extension cord. Connecting generators directly to household circuits creates backfeed, which is dangerous to repair crews.
Check on your neighbors to make sure everyone is safe.
