City urges residents to prepare for extended power outages

The city of Sonoma is encouraging residents to be prepared for possible extended power outages this wildfire season related to PG&E’s efforts to reduce fire risks.

Due to the location of transmission lines supplying power to Sonoma County, a public safety power shut-off could simultaneously affect large areas of the region, including the City of Sonoma and Sonoma Valley, the city of Sonoma stated in a news release.

“As a community and as individuals, we need to prepare for the effects of a potentially widespread power outage that could span multiple days,” the news release said. “PG&E may shut off the power before and during a time of extreme wildfire danger and it may take several additional days following the weather event for lines to be inspected so that power may be restored.”

PG&E intends to notify customers of a potential power shut-off 48 hours in advance if possible, but the notification could come only a few hours in advance. To be sure you receive notifications from PG&E, go to pge.com/mywildfirealerts or call 1-866-743-6589 and update your contact information.

Sonoma Valley residents also are encouraged to assemble an emergency kit, plan for communications with family members and prepare for possible school closures.

The County of Sonoma issued these safety reminders in the event of a power shut-off.

• When power to traffic signal lights is out, the intersection becomes a four-way stop by default in accordance with the California Vehicle code. Please use caution.

• Learn how to open your garage door manually. When power is out, automatic garage doors openers will not function. Refer to your automatic garage door opener user manual and practice opening your garage by hand.

• If you or someone you care for is reliant on electricity-dependent medical devices or refrigeration for medications, have a plan in place to mitigate issues during an extended power outage.

• If considering use of alternative power sources such as a generator, be sure to review the appropriate safety materials. Incorrect generator use can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

• The installation of devices or wiring designed to allow for a direct connection from a generator to a building’s electrical system should be installed by a qualified electrical contractor and the installation requires a permit and inspection from the City Building Department. Improper installation can lead to dangerous electrical hazards.

The city of Sonoma, Sonoma County Office of Emergency Management, Sonoma Police Department/Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office and Sonoma Valley Fire & Rescue Authority are working together to help ensure that essential local government service will continue without interruption during a power shut-off. The city is also working with local community radio station KSVY and local nonprofit and business organization partners to supplement its communications with the public before and during extended power outages.

For more information, visit sonomacity.org/extended-power-outages and sonomacity.org/disaster-ready.

Reach the reporter, Dan Johnson, at daniel.johnson@sonomanews.com.