Home / all-alerts / Possible-Rolling-Blackouts
17Aug 2020 by

Views: 24

California Independent System Operator (ISO)issued a report that Californians should be prepared for rolling blackouts through Wednesday, August 19, 2020.

To help prevent a local blackout, PG&E has requested consumers conserve energy use during the peak hours  3 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

  • Use ceiling fans to allow raising the thermostat 4 degrees with no reduction in comfort. (per PG&E)
  • Run washing machine or dishwasher early in the day or after 10 pm.
  • Keep refrigerator full and avoid opening the door.

SOME THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND THAT YOU CAN DO AHEAD OF TIME to prepare for power shutoff:

  • Radio and TV news will have most up to date information.
  • Check your flashlight batteries.
  • Find out if there is a backup battery available for your medical equipment.
  • Find out if there is a backup battery available for your garage door opener – check the manufacturer’s website or ask at the hardware store.
  • Have at least a half tank of gas in your car. If electricity is out, gas pumps will not work.
  • Consider parking your vehicle(s) outside in your driveway. But secure and lock all windows and doors of your vehicle and verify that there are no valuables left inside.
  • Practice operating your garage door manually
    • Check to see if you have put a zip tie to prevent a burglar from pulling the handle from the outside. This needs to be removed.
    • Pull down on the red Manual Release Handle (this puts it in a horizontal position).
    • Wearing gloves, grab the horizontal edge of a lower section (or the two vertical metal handles at the center) of the door and lift up. Take care, lift with your legs—not your back, as it is a heavy door.
    • If you leave home, consider using the door latch on the lower right side to prevent the door from being opened. BUT REMEMBER THAT YOU CAN DAMAGE THE DOOR BY ATTEMPTING TO OPEN IT WHILE THE LATCH IS IN PLACE. YOU WILL NEED TO ENTER THE GARAGE FROM THE GARAGE SIDE DOOR OR THE FROM THE HOUSE TO UNLATCH IT.
    • Neighbors InDeed is available to help. Call 916 223-2763
  • A resident in V24 made a YouTube video with greater details. How to manually open garage door
  • If you have an automatic icemaker, empty it and turn it off. This will prevent the melted ice becoming a big block of ice.
  • Charge your cell phone and any other appliances that can operate with a battery.
  • Disconnect appliances to avoid damage from a power surge.
  • Checklist from PG&E.

 [print-me]