CURRENT WEATHER
Follow @TheSierraStar
REPORTERS & COLUMNISTS
Winter storms can be dangerous and damaging if you are unprepared. When the temperature starts to drop, it's time to think about getting ready.
During a storm, the combination of strong winds and heavy rain could result in trees, tree limbs and other vegetation coming into contact with overhead power lines and interrupting electric service to customers. If customers experience a power outage, they should call PG&E's outage information line at 1-800-PGE-5002 to report the outage or to get updates on power restoration efforts in their area.
PG&E electric crews and emergency personnel are on alert and ready to respond to outages when they occur. Through extensive preventative maintenance and a year-round tree trimming program, PG&E works hard to prepare for and minimize storm-related outages.
Customer safety is our first concern. Here are a number of suggestions and tips from PG&E to help our customers before and during a storm:
Have battery-operated radios with fresh batteries ready for updates on storm conditions and power outages.
Have battery-operated flashlights with fresh batteries on hand.
Have a cell phone or hard-wire, single-line telephone on hand. Cordless phones will not work without electricity.
Do not use candles because of the risk of fire. If you must use candles, use extreme caution. Do not use candles near drapes, under lampshades or near holiday trees. Keep candles away from small children and do not leave candles unattended.
If your power goes out, turn off or even unplug all electric appliances. Otherwise, when power is restored, several appliances might come back on at once and overload your circuits or hot appliances might come on while you're away or asleep and pose a fire hazard. Leave a single lamp on to alert you when power returns. Turn your appliances back on one at a time when conditions return to normal.
If you see a downed power line, assume it is "live" or carrying electric current. Do not touch or try to move it -- and keep children and animals away. Report downed power lines and other electric emergencies immediately by calling 911 and PG&E's customer service line at 1-800-PGE-5000.
For more storm-related tips and information, visit www.pge.com.
