Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services press release:

 

The Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) is encouraging residents to prepare for potential power outages after the Pacific Gas & Electric Co. (PG&E) began conducting preemptive power shutoffs in fire-prone areas. 

Preemptive shutoffs have already taken place in Butte, El Dorado, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Solano, Yolo and Yuba counties, according to the utility, with officials stating that large swaths of the state could be impacted.

DHHS is encouraging residents to prepare. Build or restock emergency supply kits. Ensure any backup generators are ready to operate safely. Keep a hard copy of emergency phone numbers, and—most importantly—plan for any medical needs.

“For a few residents, a power outage can be more than an inconvenience,” said DHHS Director Connie Beck. “Our biggest concern is for people with medical needs that could be exacerbated by power loss.” This includes heat-sensitive residents, those who rely on electronic medical devices, and those who take medication that requires refrigeration.

Beck advised residents to have backup plans in place, including discussing options with a medical provider and making arrangements to stay with a friend or relative outside of the affected area.

Residents can quickly and easily sign up for outage alerts by phoning 866-743-6589, or sign up at pge.com/wildfirealerts.Outage updates, both planned and implemented, are posted at the website prepareforpowerdown.com.