Fall is in full swing, and like clockwork, the first Santa Ana winds of the year are set to sweep through Southern California — kick-starting fire season.
The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for portions of the San Gabriel Mountains, the Santa Susana Mountains and parts of Ventura County — where wind speeds could hit 45 miles per hour. The gustiest conditions are expected Tuesday through Wednesday. In tandem, most areas will see a warming trend with highs in the 80s.
Elevated winds, expected rise in temperatures and low humidity create the perfect conditions for wildfires to spread quickly. And even with recent rains, the threat of destructive fires remains as fuels are still critically dry. In these situations, Southern California Edison may temporarily turn off power — activating Public Safety Power Shutoffs — to help keep communities safe and reduce the risk of electrical equipment becoming the source of ignition.
Once winds have calmed, crews work as safely and quickly as possible to restore power. To do that, they must physically patrol the entire circuit to make sure there are no safety hazards before reenergizing the lines.
Tips to stay safe during high winds:
- If you see a downed power line, do not touch it or anything in contact with it. Call 911 immediately.
- Never try to remove a broken tree limb or branch that has come in contact with a power line.
- If you are in a vehicle with a fallen power line on it, remain calm and stay inside until help arrives. If you must leave the vehicle, remember to do so away from downed power lines and exit by jumping and landing with both feet together. Do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Proceed away from the vehicle by shuffling and not picking up your feet until you are several yards away.
- When driving, use extra caution. Keep both hands on the wheel and watch for flying debris.
- Secure anything that could blow away, like patio furniture, tents or covers — whether in your backyard or at your business.
- Use flashlights instead of candles to avoid fire hazards in your home or business.
- If you use a generator, place it outdoors and plug individual appliances directly into it, using a heavy-duty extension cord. Connecting generators directly to household circuits creates a “backfeed,” which can be dangerous for repair crews. Please consult the manufacturer’s manual before operating a generator.
For more information on SCE’s wildfire safety efforts, visit sce.com/wildfiresafety.
