Humboldt County Office of Education: PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff Information

PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff Information

This page is a resource for parents and school administrators regarding PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) protocol. As long as we are able, updates and school closure information will be posted here. Official communication from HCOE can be found on its Facebook and Instagram pages.

PSPS Update: October 25-28

(Updated 10/28/20 9:45 a.m.)

PG&E is estimating that 3,562 customers will be de-energized Sunday afternoon with an anticipated restoration of Wednesday morning.  The following communities are expected to be impacted:
– Alderpoint
– Arcata (minimal impact affecting less than 20 customers)
– Blocksburg
– Bridgeville
– Carlotta
– Dinsmore
– Ettersburg
– Fort Seward
– Garberville
– Harris
– Honeydew
– Kneeland
– Korbel
– Miranda
– Myers Flat
– Petrolia
– Phillipsville
– Redcrest
– Redway
– Weott
– Whitethorn
This information is preliminary and subject to change.  As we near the weather event it is likely that the affected locations, times and duration might change.  For the most accurate indication of whether your facility or address will be affected, please visit: https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/addresslookup/

Official communication from HCOE can be found on its Facebook and Instagram pages.

Community Resource Centers
PG&E is going to sponsor two (2) Community Resource Centers (CRCs) at the following locations:

Hydesville Community Church
3296 CA-36, Hydesville
Notes: Outdoor ADA-accessible restrooms and hand-washing stations, device charging, Wi-Fi, bottled water, snacks
Dates of Operation: 09/08/2020 – TBD
Hours of Operation: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Notes: Located in parking lot

Yurok Tribe CRC
390 McKinnon Hill Road, Weitchpec
Dates of Operation: TBD
Hours of Operation: TBD
Notes: Site will be outdoors.

For the most current information on Community Resource Centers, please visit the PG&E website:
https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/updates/psps-events/

Tips from Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services (OES)
  • Sign up for Humboldt ALERT at humboldtgov.org/alerts to receive safety information and be informed of imminent threats to personal safety or property, tailored to an address of your choosing.
  • To receive updated information from PG&E, update your contact information at prepareforpowerdown.com.
  • Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Plan for batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out.
  • Many medications are still usable for two to three days at room temperature, including insulin, which can keep for 28 to 30 days. However, if you are in doubt, please be sure to check with your medical provider.
  • Review the supplies that are available in case of a power outage. Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member. Have enough nonperishable food and water.
  • Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so you can know the temperature when the power is restored. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.
  • Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks full.
  • Know how to manually open electric garage doors and gates.
How You Can Prepare
Here are some tips from PrepareForPowerDown.com on how you can prepare for power shutoffs, or any other emergency:

  • Have a personal safety plan in place for every member of your household (including pets).
  • Plan for any medical needs like medications that need to be refrigerated or devices that require power.
  • Build or restock your emergency supply kit, including food, water, flashlights, a radio, fresh batteries, first aid supplies and cash.
  • Identify backup charging methods for phones.
  • Learn how to manually open your garage door.
  • If you own a backup generator, ensure it is ready to safely operate.
  • To learn more ways to prepare, download their fact sheet.
Public Safety Power Shutoff Criteria
No single factor drives a Public Safety Power Shutoff, as each situation is unique. PG&E carefully reviews a combination of many criteria when determining if power should be turned off for safety. These factors generally include, but are not limited to:

  • A Red Flag Warning declared by the National Weather Service
  • Low humidity levels, generally 20 percent and below
  • Forecasted sustained winds generally above 25 mph and wind gusts in excess of approximately 45 mph, depending on location and site-specific conditions such as temperature, terrain and local climate
  • Condition of dry fuel on the ground and live vegetation (moisture content)
  • On-the-ground, real-time observations from PG&E’s Wildfire Safety Operations Center and observations from PG&E field crews

Resources

PrepareForPowerdown.com
Contains suggestions for preparing for PSPS; sign up for alerts from PG&E

Power Shutoff Fact Sheet (PDF)
Two-page PDF containing condensed version of information from PrepareForPowerDown

Humboldt ALERT
Humboldt County Emergency Alert System
(Register to receive automated updates)

PG&E PSPS Event Status & Info
Official PG&E page regarding PSPS Status

PG&E PSPS Outage Maps
Shows current and potential impact areas

PG&E PSPS Potential Matrix
Shows alert levels of all 9 zones in California

PG&E Zone Map (PDF)
More detailed map of the zones defined on the Potential Matrix

PSPS Updates from PG&E
Provides update information DURING AN EVENT

PG&E Alerts
Sign up to be notified of important updates from PG&E