Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)

When there are potentially dangerous weather conditions in our area, SCE may need to call a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event. During these events, power is turned off in high risk areas to reduce the risk for wildfires. When forecasts indicate elevated weather conditions, SCE begins assessing the potential impact to affected areas. These PSPS events have four stages:

First Notification - 2 days ahead, SCE notifies impacted customers that they may experience a PSPS
Second Notification - 1 day ahead, if weather conditions persist impacted customers are again notified
Third Notification - When weather conditions confirm the decision to shut off power, impacted customers are notified that the PSPS will proceed
Fourth Notification - Impacted customers are notified when weather conditions clear and power has been restored.

Unfortunately, the Bear Valley Community Services District has little warning and no control over these safety measures. Please do not call the PD or the CSD regarding the power outage. The CSD staff will be busy trying to keep water flowing during the outage, and our Police Officers will likely be doing wellness checks and diligently protecting our community. We will share what information we can regarding PSPS updates and community resources.

Charging Station at the Whiting Center

In the event that the power outage lasts more than 24 hours, the BVCSD and BVSA will be working together to provide a charging center for residents at the Whiting Center during their open hours. Their hours are subject to change during a power outage.

Charging capacity is limited
Medical devices have first priority
Do not leave your devices unattended
Charge at your own risk - the power is provided by generators, and power fluctuations could damage sensitive electronics
No animals please

See the California Power Outage and Fire Response Resources page to find aid if needed.

PSPS Hotline

As utility-initiated Public Safety Power Shutoffs continue to impact residents across California, a non-emergency hotline has been established to help medically vulnerable Californians and health and community care facilities find resources in their communities during power shutoffs. The hotline will provide information about resources available during public safety power shutoffs. During power shutoffs or potential power shutoffs, hotline assistance will be available 9:00am-9:00pm. Assistance is available in many languages. 711 Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) are available for individuals with hearing or speech related disabilities.

CHHS PSPS Hotline

(833) 284-3473

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Preparing for a Power Outage

Residents who rely on electricity for critical life-sustaining equipment are reminded to sign up for SCE’s Medical Baseline program at 1-800-447-6620 or their website at www.sce.com/residential/assistance/medical-baseline. SCE telephone operators are available Monday- Friday 6am to 9pm and Saturday 8am to 5pm P.D.T.

Power outages, planned or unplanned,may disrupt vital infrastructure and services:

Water Service - without power, pumps will not operate to refill our water tanks
Communications - VOIP and landline phones may not work
Transportation/Travel - traffic signals may not work
Medical Devices - a power outage can prevent the use of medical devices
Business Closures - ATMs, banks, gas stations, grocery stores and other businesses may not be able to remain open during a power outage

Before the outage begins:

Sign up for CodeRED and ReadyKERN to receive locally relevant emergency alerts
Update your contact information with Southern California Edison to receive their alerts
Take an inventory of the items that you use that rely on electricity, and identify backup methods that you can use when a power outage occurs
Identify backup charging methods for cell phones and electronics
Keep your mobile phone charged so you can receive emergency notifications
Create an emergency supplies kit, including food, water, and medications for your family and pets
Know how to use the manual release on your garage door
Keep gas tanks full
Fill water containers 24-48 hours in advance so that our water tanks have time to refill before the outage occurs
Discuss your plan with your family and neighbors

During the outage:

Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. Mark the handle with tape or string as a reminder
Use a thermometer to monitor freezer and refrigerator temperatures
Use perishable food supplies first
Use generators and grills outdoors, well away from windows
Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage when power returns
Check on your animals, neighbors, and family

After power is restored:

Throw away food that has been exposed to temperatures above 39* for more than 2 hours
Check with your pharmacist regarding refrigerated medications

For more information please visit the following:

https://prepareforpowerdown.com has more information on preparing for prolonged power outages
See the California Power Outage and Fire Response Resource page for resources available from the state.

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